Student Spotlight: Sara Stimpson

Sara Stimpson recently graduated from Cape Fear Community College’s Electrical Lineworker program. As the only female in her class, Sara drew from her experience as an aviation electrician in the Navy. Excited for her future as an electrical lineworker, Sara shares her inspiring story and valuable insights in an exclusive Q&A.

Where are you originally from?

I am from Wilmington.

Why did you decide to enroll at CFCC?

Following my service in the Navy, I decided to start attending CFCC again as a returning student.

What motivated you to pursue a career as an electrical lineworker?

I was an aviation electrician in the Navy, and I liked working with my hands and helping others. This career path fell somewhere in between the two!

What are your career goals now that you’ve graduated? Do you have a specific area or company you’re particularly excited about working with?

As of now, I am just excited to get out in the field, but I would love to get a job with Duke on either the utility or union side.

Have you faced any unique challenges as a female in a traditionally male-dominated field? How did you overcome them?

Coming from the military, especially aviation maintenance, where women are the minority, I am certainly used to working in a male-dominated field.

Both men and women have valuable traits to offer in such a job. Certain things I can do might be more challenging for them, and vice versa.

It is definitely a very rewarding feeling to push past those stereotypical barriers, get out there, and do all you can!

What advice would you give to other women considering a career in electrical linework?

Great things can happen when men and women work together for a common goal!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us about your experiences or future aspirations?

This is a very small step in, hopefully, a very big life, so I am excited to see what’s in store. I thoroughly enjoyed the Electrical Lineworker program and am so grateful for the experience that will help me in my future endeavors as I begin this new career path.