Emma Robeck, 27
Promotions Specialist
Viking Electric
Emma joined Viking Electric in June 2018, a month after graduating from the University of Minnesota. “I had been applying for marketing positions right out of college without much luck and decided to expand my horizons,” she recalled. “My dad is a long-time customer of Viking Electric, so I knew of the company growing up. I saw a corporate administration position and thought it would be a good opportunity to get my foot in the door.”
Emma was hired as a corporate support specialist and earned a graphic design professional certificate while in that position. “I loved the growth opportunities that were quickly evident,” she said when asked what appealed to her about the company. “There are so many associates with interesting stories that didn’t follow the standard trajectory. I also loved how connected different departments are, and how willing everyone is to help.”
In January 2020 she was promoted to the marketing team as a promotions specialist. “I love that I feel like I can make an impact from any role,” she noted. “I frequently interact with associates at all levels, departments, and locations, which helps me understand their roles and helps me do my job better.”
Asked about a challenge the industry is currently facing, Emma pointed to the rate of change. “Our industry and company are changing much faster than anything that anyone has seen previously,” she explained. “As a marketer and communicator, I love working through the best way for leadership to get the right message out to associates. Change can be scary for many, but with effective messaging, it can be much easier to digest and buy into, and I love being a part of that execution.”
As for her career plans, Emma is still exploring her career path and is excited about the variety of advancement opportunities at Viking Electric. “I know that I love working with people and helping them find new ways to solve their problems,” she said. “I try to say yes or volunteer for as wide a variety of projects as I can to learn about different functions, perspectives, and people. My foundation as a corporate administrator helped me build so many connections that I am still benefiting from, and I make sure to maintain them.”
To someone just entering the industry, Emma has this advice: “Learn from those who have been here for a long time, but don’t be afraid to share new ideas and perspectives. There’s so much knowledge and experience in our industry, and so much to learn. People are almost always willing to share! Even the people who have been around for a long time are willing to listen to new perspectives and try new things.”
When she’s not working, Emma enjoys traveling, reading, hockey games, spending time with her nieces, and coffee.
Each year tED magazine recognizes 30 of the industry’s best and brightest under the age of 35. Please visit tedmag.com/30Under35 for nomination information and updates about the 2024 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
Tagged with 2023 30 Under 35, 30 under 35, people, viking electric