Micah Hunt has a can-do spirit. A husband, father, full-time electrician and Virginia Peninsula Community College student, he’s zealous about it all and is staying focused on personal and professional growth.
On the career front, Hunt enjoys his position at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding, where he’s been a deck electrician for nearly two years, working on submarines and aircraft carriers. It’s hands-on, detail-oriented work that he believes is a perfect fit after his huge career leap.
Influenced by his brothers-in-law who relayed their positive Newport News Shipbuilding experiences, he joined the shipyard after more than a decade in the senior living sector. His 14 years in the field included service as regional sales director, regional senior sales specialist, team leader and program developer. He also volunteered, serving on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association and a statewide organization that manages licensing for assisted living facilities.
Although he enjoyed working to help seniors improve their lives, he started exploring another path when it seemed the industry shifted its focus. Hunt said the new direction no longer aligned with his philosophy of “quality over quantity.” Now age 40, he has no regrets about switching careers and starting fresh at the shipyard.
“It’s a great opportunity … I will say, since I made the change, I’ve been seen more and valued more and just respected more,” he said. “That was something that I was missing and lacking and didn’t know I needed. And I love working with my hands, apparently. So, it’s been nice.”
“I’m learning a lot about electrical work. I do a lot with my hands … problem solving … process of elimination of things … and some mathematics as well,” he added, noting the job also has slight leadership elements, which he hopes to expand in the future moving up at the company.
Hunt becomes more confident in his abilities as a deck electrician each day and applies the same discipline to his studies at VPCC. He is seeking an Associate Degree in Business Administration but admits finishing school has taken longer than expected given his career and family responsibilities.
VPCC student Micah Hunt at his day job — with Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding. COURTESY OF HHI
“I’ve been going on and off,” he said, pointing out that he initially enrolled at VPCC in 2003. “I’m grateful to VPCC for respecting my long-term enrollment … being patient with me constantly re-enrolling. (The College) has been very accommodating through all of my changes and my growth.”
The flexibility of VPCC’s evening and online courses has been key for Hunt. It allows him to balance working full-time with his family life. A lifelong Williamsburg resident, he has three daughters (ages 11, 8, and 4) with his wife of 18 years. Taking it all in stride, he is laser-focused this time around at the College and hopes to graduate in 2028 if not sooner, depending upon life’s demands.
“Now I’m committed for the next few years to really get through and earn my associate degree,” he emphasized, adding he chose Business Administration because it aligns with his background in leadership and will help further his career. “There are a lot of opportunities for leadership at the shipyard.”
Although Hunt hasn’t been able to fully immerse himself in student clubs or other activities at the College, he has contributed to the community in a meaningful way.
While in the senior living industry, he had a spark of inspiration during the pandemic and created a series of YouTube videos called Virtual Presentation Fridays to help people stay connected. “I knew as a person who’s outgoing and thrives on interacting with others, I was feeling isolated. I saw that if I was feeling that way, maybe other people were feeling the same thing,” said Hunt, who not only created the series but was the host and moderator.
He provided motivational discussions and insights on the pandemic, along with periodic guest speakers. He also offered free one-hour continuing education units (CEUs) for healthcare professionals, particularly those in assisted living.
“So, in a month, they could get four hours of credits … people were really grateful for that,” he said, noting the online forum received a lot of positive feedback overall, attracting viewers via ads on YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn. “I believe people really enjoyed it and they could see the value … the fact that somebody was stepping out to do it.”
“The compliments and feedback that I got, not just from emails, but (social media) showed a lot of people we’re so grateful,” he added.
Exploring various topics, including Your Brain Health Matters, the project earned Hunt a Diamond Award from the Virginia Assisted Living Association.
For Hunt, it’s not all work and no fun. His favorite pastimes are working on his cars, spending time with his wife and daughters, even learning how to braid hair, and tinkering with Legos. Despite career demands, he looks to his family and his unyielding faith in God to stay grounded while he juggles various obligations.
“Faith in God and the path (I’ve) been led to is proving to be a better and brighter future,” he said.
Looking ahead, Hunt said finishing his degree at VPCC is his main goal. He hopes to transfer to George Mason University afterward to seek a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Having been homeschooled through the 12th grade, he values education and offers sound advice for anyone considering college.
“If an individual feels compelled to go to school, they should just go,” he said, pointing out he was dissuaded a few times. “If they feel compelled and have a heart to do it, then they should do everything they can to make that work and do it because it is beneficial.”