Emily Munk, 29
Marketing Manager
Wesco International
Prior to arriving at Wesco, Emily supported marketing for a B2B digital advertising agency and a property management company. “I started at Wesco in 2016 as a contract employee before being brought on full-time,” she recalled. “I started in the e-commerce department on the digital marketing team, which was a new team in the organization. Over time as Wesco built out a robust marketing communications function, I was able to gain further experience in that area of marketing. I then moved into specialist, senior specialist, manager, and senior manager roles.”
In her current role, Emily is responsible for external marketing communications and thought leadership. Asked what first appealed to her about the industry, Emily pointed to the company’s broad portfolio and customer base. “With my background in B2B marketing, I was initially interested in the idea that Wesco offered many universally needed products to many types of businesses. For example, whether you’re in an office building, manufacturing facility, school, or hospital, solutions are needed for lighting, electrical, security, and connectivity,” she said.
What continues to appeal to her? “Many factors have kept me at Wesco,” Emily noted. “Some of the things that stand out include the fantastic people and company culture, career growth opportunities and exposure to different projects and teams, seeing the company as being well-positioned for long-term success, and participating in interesting initiatives and building new processes as a result of the post-merger integration between WESCO and Anixter.”
Admitting that the electrical industry was not really on her radar prior to coming to Wesco, Emily has found enjoyment in supporting an industry that improves the communities in which we live and work. “Wesco has a compelling mission to build, connect, power and protect the world. Working for an organization that supports critical infrastructure in our communities is something that I appreciate,” she said. She also enjoys supporting Wesco’s inclusion and diversity initiatives and serves on the board of Wesco’s business resource group for women.
Asked what she would tell someone just entering the industry, Emily said, “One of my favorite words of advice that I received recently was to ‘Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.’ Growth and change can be uncomfortable, but that means that you’re getting outside of your comfort zone.”
Looking forward, Emily plans to continue expanding her skillset and becoming a well-rounded businessperson. She recently started an MBA program at Georgetown University and will be involved in the Georgetown Graduate Marketing Association and Graduate Women in Business. “I also want to continue developing leadership skills and being a constructive resource for my team,” she said.
“I actively recommend this industry to my network,” she added. “The people in this industry are hardworking, innovative, and enthusiastic. These are great people to work with. Infrastructure, electrification, and digitalization are also key secular trends that companies like Wesco can capitalize on for long-term growth. This summer, I managed a marketing intern and she shared how, from her perspective as a young professional, joining the workforce at Wesco helped her feel like she was taking part in the advancement of an industry that directly benefits local communities.”
When she’s not working, Emily enjoys painting with watercolors, recently took a class on acrylics, and is starting golf lessons. She also recently relocated to Washington, D.C. and enjoys exploring the city. “There are a lot of cultural events in the city like touring embassies, museums, and historical buildings. I love trying new restaurants as well—reach out if you need a restaurant recommendation in D.C.!” she said.
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 2023 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
Tagged with 2022 30 Under 35, 30 under 35, people