Careers in Energy Week, Oct. 21-25, highlights the important and rewarding work energy professionals do in their communities. Whether it’s lineworkers out in the field maintaining miles of electric infrastructure, the engineers who ensure the reliability of the grid, or office staff who ensure member needs are met, everyone plays a role. As we recognize this week, we wanted to shine a light on one cooperative employee who has worked in multiple roles and knows what it takes to power his community.

In his 34 years of service with Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Membership Corporation, Mike Johnson has never stopped learning. His hard work and determination have carried him from a groundman all the way to his current role as vice president of engineering and operations for the cooperative.

Over those three decades, Johnson has held several roles, from building and maintaining the lines that power his community to ensuring the upkeep of substations that deliver power to thousands of members.

If you ask Johnson what has kept him at Edgecombe-Martin County EMC for all these years, he’ll tell you it’s the members.

“I really enjoy keeping the system safe and reliable for our members,” said Johnson. “Working for a cooperative, you are serving a community that you’re a part of, and to be able to serve the folks I come into contact with every day is a special feeling.”

When Johnson first started with Edgecombe-Martin County EMC, he dreamed of becoming an engineer, but family responsibilities kept putting that dream on hold.

But Johnson’s hard work doesn’t stop at his co-op; it extends to the classroom.

Never too old to learn something new

While earning his Line Technician degree at Nash Community College, a professor encouraged him to apply for the 2+2 Engineering program, which allows students to obtain basic engineering requirements through a technical college and complete their concentration courses at a university of their choice.

Determined to follow his dream, Johnson earned his associate degree in pre-engineering at Edgecombe Technical College and continued his education at East Carolina University.

At age 50, Johnson worked a full-time job at Edgecombe-Martin County EMC while attending school part-time to earn his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.

“It took me seven and a half years, taking two courses per semester before I graduated in 2017,” said Johnson. “It wasn’t easy, and it took a lot of sacrifice, but it was worth it to finish a goal I had always set for myself. I hope my story inspires others to never give up on their career path, no matter how difficult the journey might be.”

Working for an electric co-op

Johnson says a major factor in completing his degree later in life was the support he received from his family and his cooperative.

“Edgecombe-Martin County EMC was always willing to work with me and offer any help they could, and that made a tremendous impact during those seven years,” said Johnson. “They believe in their employees and have great resources, like an educational reimbursement program that supports employees wanting to further their education.”

When Johnson speaks to others seeking a similar career path and exploring careers in energy, he always encourages them to consider working for a local cooperative.

“The cooperative career is a lifestyle that takes an attitude of dedication and service. If that’s what you are willing to do, the rewards are numerous,” said Johnson. “There is nothing like serving the communities you live in and restoring power for your co-op and sister co-ops across multiple states. You are able to make a real difference each day.”