Erica Buxton
Graduate
History and French
Erica Buxton followed a family tradition when she came to Otago. She had an idea of what she wanted to do but didn't want to limit her options, so she chose a range of subjects for her Bachelor of Arts degree.
“I was interested in doing something international-related, maybe diplomacy, so I thought the best approach to get into that kind of work was to do something general and worldly. History would give me a broad education and French would give me language skills.”
Erica's first job was as an analyst with the Treasury's international team, liaising with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“We get involved with financial strategy and value for money. We deal with high-level questions about what the organisation will be doing over the course of the next few years, and we have a role to play in the advice the Ministry puts to Cabinet.
“The great thing about the Treasury is that it's a relatively flat structure. You get opportunities that are quite rare in graduate jobs.”
Erica travelled to Indonesia and China with her work.
She credits the University for giving her a good start. “It was a major growing up time, from learning to put out the rubbish to meeting so many different people doing different subjects. Otago is its own little world and no-one outside really understands what Otago student life is like. I loved it.”
Erica also appreciated the History and Art History department. “In a small department you make good personal connections with lecturers so you get references from people who really know you, and I got opportunities to work as a tutor and a research assistant.
“Between staff and students, I developed a really good network.”
Erica broadened her studies in international relations and finance, and is a Senior Analyst, Corporate Finance with Deloitte.