I have often encountered the sentiment that collaboration is a buzzword – especially at the early-career level, where interns are treated as afterthoughts. Whether through media portrayal or conversations with peers, the image of interns fetching coffee or being stationed at the printing machine is all too common.
At TEDCO, however, this is far from the truth. From day one of starting my internship, I was pulled into meetings, given documents to review and draft, and invited to meaningfully contribute. Speaking up and asking questions was not a privilege—it was a given. Regardless of seniority, experience, or title, every voice was valued.
Collaboration at TEDCO is not performative, it is foundational. It is not treated as an add-on or a flowery concept for “brownie points;” it is embedded deeply into every decision, exchange, and success. Working closely with the Development and Marketing team, I have witnessed firsthand how the team operates like a well-oiled machine, where each member functions as a vital gear. It is not just that everyone has a say, but the fact that everyone’s insights are genuinely considered, respected, and valued.
Interning with TEDCO’s DevMar department opened my eyes to challenge another stereotype I had been taught: that corporate environments are cutthroat, with employees constantly pitted against each other. Here, it is quite the opposite. Team members support one another. Rather than a power struggle—it is a power balance. Collaboration is not about equal division of work, but equitable distribution. When one person is overwhelmed, the others—without being explicitly asked—take initiative to help and bear some of the heavy load. This reinforces the structural integrity of the team and optimizes both function and outcome. I have learned that progress is not about who gets ahead first, but about how far we can go when we move forward together.
As a young professional, being treated as an equal team member and valuable contributor was incredibly meaningful. The work I received and the collaborative projects I participated in helped me grow and provided me with enrichment. The experience and support I received even broke down many of the misconceptions and stigmas I had previously held regarding workplace dynamics.
The collaborative value at TEDCO is not superficial, it is something you feel. It is what gives meaning to the work, makes the teams effective, and puts a smile on your face as you enter the workplace.