American Samoa Telecommunications Authority
(ASTCA)
Mentor: Edna Asalele Noga
STEM Fields:
– Information Technology: Networking, database management, cybersecurity, software development.
– Engineering: Telecommunications infrastructure, network design, mobile technology.
– Data Analysis: Collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports, using analytical tools.
– Project Management: Coordinating projects, managing timelines, implementing solutions.
– Customer Service: Developing communication skills, managing customer relationships, and problem-solving.
Internship Research Goal: The ATINA’E Scholars CLD Teams Project at ASTCA offers students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in various divisions of the telecommunications industry. Interns will work closely with professionals across multiple departments, gaining practical skills and knowledge in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. This internship is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of telecommunications operations and prepare them for future careers in the industry.
About the Internship Site:
The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) is the primary provider of telecommunications services in American Samoa, committed to delivering advanced and reliable connectivity solutions. Interns at ASTCA will have the opportunity to explore various aspects of telecommunications, including network operations, customer service, and technology development. They will assist with projects related to network optimization, customer outreach, and the implementation of new technologies. This internship offers a comprehensive understanding of the telecommunications industry and hands-on experience in a dynamic and essential service sector.
Meet Our Internship Mentor: Edna Asalele Noga
Edna Noga returned home to American Samoa 8 (eight) years ago. In the last 20 years, she has done work in different sectors including engineering, IT consulting, community building and education. She has come full circle returning to engineering through promoting STEAM Education.
As a Special Projects & Grants Specialist, she provides project management support to several ongoing ASTCA projects and is responsible for promoting ASTCA’s STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts & Mathematics) Education Initiative. She is currently facilitating the STEAM Education Initiative (SEI) network which is a partnership that brings together educators, professionals, businesses, government agencies, non-profit organizations, community leaders and stakeholders to ensure that all students are STEAM Literate as we build a future ready workforce and a globally competitive American Samoa.
She serves on the Board of Directors of the local non-profit, Oceania Community Development Network promoting college and career readiness through STEAM Education. She is a member of the American Samoa Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act Board and serves at Great Life United 684 church in Leone.
Edna started her electrical engineering career at Lockheed Martin Technical Operations in Colorado, and moved to Seattle area and continued with Accenture, CH2m Hill and Flack + Kurtz. Her community building and education work was through White Center Community Development Association, Puget Sound Education Service District, and the Seattle Public Schools.
Edna is from the village of Fagatogo, and started her education journey at ECE in Fagatogo and Utulei, then continued to Pago Pago Elementary, and graduated from Samoana High School. She attended Chadron State College’s Pre-Engineering program program, and transferred and received her Bachelors of Science in Engineering with an Electrical Specialty from Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. She is married to Etuale Noga, and has three children – Elzira, Elzoe, and Elzion.
Internship duties and responsibilities:
Divisions: MIS, Service Delivery, Mobile Support, Retail, Marketing, Outside Plant, ISP
Key Responsibilities by Division:
Management Information Systems (MIS):
– Assist in maintaining and troubleshooting IT systems and networks.
– Support database management and software development projects.
– Learn about cybersecurity practices and data protection protocols.
Service Delivery:
– Help coordinate and manage the delivery of telecommunications services to customers.
– Assist in monitoring service quality and resolving customer issues.
– Participate in the development and implementation of service improvement plans.
Mobile Support:
– Provide technical support for mobile devices and services.
– Assist in the configuration and deployment of mobile solutions.
– Learn about mobile network infrastructure and technology.
Retail:
– Support retail operations, including sales and customer service.
– Assist in inventory management and merchandising.
– Gain experience in customer relationship management and sales techniques.
Marketing:
– Assist in the development and execution of marketing campaigns.
– Support social media management and digital marketing efforts.
– Learn about market research, branding, and promotional strategies.
Outside Plant:
– Help with the installation and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure.
– Assist in field surveys and network design projects.
– Learn about fiber optics, cabling, and network construction techniques.
ISP (Internet Service Provider):
– Support the management and maintenance of ISP operations.
– Assist in monitoring and optimizing network performance.
– Learn about internet infrastructure, including routers, switches, and servers
Tentative 2025 Internship Schedule
This internship will occur over the following dates:
2025 Internship Schedule*
- 2025 Spring: February 2025*
- 2025 Summer: One week in June/July*, 8 hour days or Two Week at 4 hour days
*Schedules are tentative and are subject to change. Interns will be required to work 8 hours in the Spring 2025. Interns will be required to work 40 hours in the Summer 2025.
Internship Meeting Location:
ASTCA Headquarters, Tafuna, American Samoa