I Belong: Emma Wilkins
Emma Wilkins
Marketing
Kimley Horn
Can you tell us a bit about your career?
After graduating from Texas Tech University in 2019, I worked in hospitality in Lubbock, Texas for a year before moving back to my hometown of Austin. I joined Kimley-Horn as a Marketing Coordinator in late 2020 and have grown to learn (and love) so much about the AEC industry. When I first joined Kimley-Horn, my focus was internal marketing – partnering with our engineers to market our services to clients. While I’m still involved in internal marketing, I discovered a passion for external relations and business development. I enjoy meeting new people, learning about their careers, and thinking of ways our teams could partner…and I can’t pass up any opportunity to rave about Kimley-Horn!
What is your marketing superpower?
My marketing superpower is relationship-building. My favorite part about being in a marketing/business development role is having the opportunity to connect with so many interesting people. I love hearing people’s stories and growing relationships on both a professional and personal level.
How did you get involved in SMPS?
I learned about SMPS through my colleagues at Kimley-Horn and was encouraged to become a member early on. I joined a few months after starting in the industry because I wanted to get involved in a professional organization that would add value to my career journey – and it absolutely has!
Why is SMPS valuable to you?
SMPS helped me to have a smooth transition into the AEC industry. Coming from hospitality, I had a lot to learn about this industry, and SMPS provided me with so many resources that helped me with the transition. Mingling at networking events, attending project tours, and joining the Special Events Committee have all been valuable to my career. I’ve met amazing people (many of which have become my friends and mentors), seen exclusive sneak peeks at cool projects in Austin, and have learned techniques to become a better marketer. SMPS has been a huge part of my personal and professional growth over the last 1.5 years, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to help me progress in my career.
Why do you belong in SMPS?
I belong in SMPS because I am eager to advance in my career and I’m confident SMPS will help me do so.
