Interview With An Electrical Engineering Major

An electrical engineering major studies electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism to design, develop, and analyze electrical systems which can lead to many unique career paths. Psychology is considered a social science as it studies human behavior, cognition, and emotions in the context of society while utilizing scientific methods. From working in research and development to manufacturing to engineering, this degree can take you far. To dive deeper into the intricacies of this major, I interviewed Kim Robinett, the cofounder and CEO of TREKK Design Group, a civil engineering firm. I asked Mrs. Robinette a series of questions regarding her chosen undergraduate major and current career path, and here are her responses:

What school did you attend for your undergraduate degree?

"University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC)."

What was your undergraduate major?

"Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE)."

What is your current occupation, and how did your undergraduate major prepare you for your career?

"I co-founded TREKK Design Group, a civil engineering firm, in 2002 and currently serve as CEO. My electrical engineering degree gave me the technical expertise to design lighting layouts for roads, bridges, sidewalks, and to solve traffic engineering problems like signals and DOT message boards. More importantly, it taught me how to think critically and solve problems across many contexts. Early in my career at Sprint, I specialized in ATM technology, which enabled cellular signals to move seamlessly between towers—essential for commuters along the coasts. Those skills transferred directly to building TREKK and continue to guide me as I lead people, maintain client relationships, and run a growing company."

What does a regular day in your occupation look like?

"In TREKK’s early days, my time was split between business development (20%), operations, finance, HR and marketing (30%), and project design (50%). Today, my day revolves around leading people, strengthening relationships, and guiding the overall direction of the firm. No two days are alike, and I enjoy the variety."

Did you do any additional schooling after undergraduate school for your occupation? (If so, then what school/program and how long did it take?)

"None beyond my undergraduate degree."

What was your favorite aspect of your undergraduate major?

"The problem-solving and the opportunities it provided. Engineering offers endless paths and disciplines, and I love that my electrical engineering background is making a direct impact in communities through civil engineering projects."

What was the most challenging part of your undergraduate major?

"The most challenging part was managing the workload—juggling math, labs, team projects, and a part-time job all at once. It pushed me hard, but that stretch was exactly what I needed. It sharpened my time management, deepened my resilience, and ultimately prepared me for leadership in ways I didn’t expect."

What made you choose your undergraduate major?

"I loved math and problem-solving, and I’d read that engineers often rise through business leadership faster than most other degree holders. That combination of technical rigor and career flexibility appealed to me."