Tri-County EMC is pleased to welcome David Oden as the cooperative’s new Engineering Services Specialist. While David may be stepping into a new position, he is already a familiar face at Tri-County after spending this past summer working with the cooperative as an intern.
David is a recent graduate of East Carolina University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Information and Cybersecurity Technology. During his internship with Tri-County EMC, David gained hands-on experience with the electric cooperative industry and had the opportunity to see firsthand how technology, engineering and operations work together to provide safe and reliable electric service to members.
His internship was made possible through the statewide internship program coordinated by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. The program connects college students with electric cooperatives across the state, giving students valuable real-world experience while helping cooperatives develop the next generation of employees.
The program has become an important workforce-development tool for electric cooperatives, particularly those serving rural communities. By introducing talented students to the cooperative business model and the increasingly technology-driven electric utility industry, internships can open the door to careers students may not have previously considered.
For Tri-County EMC, David’s transition from summer intern to full-time employee is a great example of that mission in action. In his new role, David will continue building on the knowledge and experience he gained during his internship while supporting Tri-County EMC’s engineering and operational needs.
“We were fortunate to have David join us as an intern this summer and are excited to now welcome him as a full-time member of our cooperative family” said General Manager Mike Davis. “Internship programs give us an opportunity to introduce talented young professionals to the cooperative industry while developing employees who can help us meet the changing needs of our members and our industry.”
Please join us in welcoming David to his new role at Tri-County EMC!