When Kennedy Totherow began his internship at Halifax Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) in May 2024, he was familiar with the basics of the electric utility industry, but quickly discovered there was much more to learn about the cooperative model.

His hands-on experience exposed him to nearly every aspect of co-op operations, broadening his perspective and laying the foundation for a future career.

Just one year later, Totherow now works full time at Halifax EMC as a system engineer, a decision he says was solidified by his internship experience at a place he now considers home.

“There’s so much opportunity to grow and learn with the cooperatives,” said Totherow. “I got the chance to work on projects that directly impacted members and create solutions that will be beneficial in the future as well as now. Being here taught me what it means to be member-driven and instilled that passion in me.”

A year of growth

Totherow admits there was a learning curve during his internship but said one person in particular helped ease the transition, someone who had once been in his shoes.

“I advised Kennedy to be proactive and take initiative, and stressed the importance of asking questions and seeking feedback, which helped me grow and develop when I was in that role,” said Tyler Harriett, director of engineering at Halifax EMC.

Harriett began as a distribution system engineer intern at Halifax EMC in 2017. Like Totherow, he joined the cooperative to gain hands-on experience, but left with a deepened passion for serving rural communities and a clearer vision of how his work could make a lasting impact.

Totherow said working alongside Harriett, first as an intern and now as a full-time engineer, has been instrumental in his growth.

“Tyler and the entire staff at Halifax treated me well and took the time to invest back into me,” said Totherow. “Now being on the other side, as a full-time employee, I felt prepared to start my career, and I’m excited about the career growth ahead.”

Workforce development

Each summer, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives welcome a class of interns who work across the cooperative network, both at local distribution co-ops and the statewide office.

These students have the opportunity to explore the different roles, departments and systems that help power the lives of more than 2.8 million North Carolinians and serve 45% of the state’s landmass.

“Cooperatives are entering a time of great opportunity and transformation. From modernizing aging infrastructure to embracing new technologies and preparing for growing energy needs,” said Harriett. “That’s why it’s more important than ever to invest in workforce development. By equipping the next generation of cooperative employees with the training and tools they need, we’re ensuring they’re ready to lead the way.”

Totherow’s experience is just one example of how internships with North Carolina’s electric cooperatives can lead to meaningful, long-term careers. The mentorship, professional development and real-world impact he encountered left a lasting impression, one that he believes more students should have the chance to experience.

“They will give you projects that will be used in the real world and practical experiences that will build on what you’ve been learning in the classroom,” said Totherow. “You’re not just observing, you’re contributing to something bigger, and that’s what makes it such a valuable experience.”