Grow or Launch Your Career in the Triangle East

Three professionals share their insights about job opportunities in Smithfield, Selma and the other communities in this growing region.

By Kim Madlom on February 28, 2024

Novo Nordisk

With a booming economy and a vibrant job market, the Triangle East region of North Carolina is an attractive place to live and work. Meet three professionals, all in different industries, who share why they chose their career path – and why others might be interested in pursuing job opportunities in Smithfield, Selma and the other vibrant communities located in the Triangle East. 

Excellence in Education

Somewhere in the middle of pursuing a degree in marine biology, Melissa Pearce realized she was on the wrong path. After talking it over with her parents, she switched her major to English and set her sights on becoming a teacher. 

“Ultimately, I realized that I was inspired by teachers and decided I wanted to inspire others,” she says. 

Pearce has certainly succeeded in doing so, becoming the 2023 Johnston County Public Schools Teacher of the Year. She is a product of the school system she now serves and says that after her high school graduation, she had a solid foundation to succeed in college. The system continues to prepare students today for future job opportunities in Smithfield, Selma and the other great communities of the Triangle East. 

“Student success is part of every single conversation we are having across our school district,” she says. “Our school district is growing along with our county, but along with that growth, we are maintaining a community feel within our district and within our individual communities. That’s a very special asset in a growing region.” 

When not working, Pearce enjoys that sense of community, attending celebrations and events like the annual Ham & Yam Festival, watching her nieces participate in youth athletic programs and taking her dog Caesar to the local dog park. 

Built for Construction 

A career in construction wasn’t on Casie Riley’s radar even though she had worked for her father, a general contractor, during summer breaks through high school and college. She earned her bachelor’s degree in finance from East Carolina University and was working at J&N Developers while also earning her master’s in business. 

She liked the job, and J&N asked her to stay after graduation. Then, her father suggested she consider getting her contractor’s license, which she did in August 2021. 

“I absolutely love it,” Riley says. “I can see the fruits of my labor. As a contractor, you put in the hard work, and at the end you get to see the final product. Also, I love working with homeowners. Building or buying a home is a big life moment for people. I love getting to be a part of that and helping make their dreams come true.” 

For people looking for job opportunities in Smithfield, Selma and the Triangle East, Riley says a career in construction would be a great path to success. 

“This region is growing, and people are moving here and building and buying houses,” she says. “Construction is a great career opportunity for young people, including all of the trades involved like electrical or plumbing. It creates an opportunity to work for a great company or to start your own business. I would encourage anyone to consider this career path.” 

When not working, Riley and her husband love to cook, cheer on the NC State Wolfpack football team and attend concerts. 

More than Manufacturing 

Tarsha Burroughs is a traveler, educator and Purple Heart honoree. After serving in both the Army and Army Reserves, Burroughs embarked on a career in public education before joining global health care company Novo Nordisk, where she works as a training and development lead. 

“This industry can open doors for all different backgrounds – from those with military experience or community college certificates to those with doctoral degrees,” she says. “Biomanufacturing is also full of innovation, technology advancement and constant collaboration – all of which lead to a fulfilling working environment.” 

For Burroughs, the industry is a perfect fit. 

“Service has driven all my career decisions, and I need to know my work is making a difference in people’s lives. Working in the biomanufacturing industry gives me the satisfaction of knowing that the work I do positively impacts people right here in North Carolina and millions more around the globe.” 

When not working, Burroughs enjoys travel, taking a big trip annually with a plan next year to see Finland and Antarctica. At home, she spends time in her garden and with her family. She says the Triangle East region is a great place to live because of its diversity and growth. 

“From food to culture to nightlife to museums, there’s something for everyone here,” she says. “If you’re used to a small-town feel, you can find that in the Triangle, but you can also still access the city and the benefits that come with it.”