60 seconds with … Erica Tippett

1 September 2010

Name: Erica Tippett
Title: Project Officer
Dept: Office of International Engagement
Campus: Clayton

How long have you worked at Monash?

One year; I started in August 2009.

Where did you work prior to starting at the University?

I worked at Cardno Acil, a private sector international development consultancy firm based in Melbourne. I also worked on a Cardno project in Kabul, Afghanistan for more than three months across 2008 and 2009.

What do you like best about your role?

Supporting the University's international agenda and meeting all kinds of interesting people, from across Monash University and around the world.

Why did you choose your current career path?

I have always been interested in different cultures and exploring new lands. I completed a Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) at RMIT University, which fuelled my interest further. Working for Cardno Acil was a way of getting involved in the international aid and development sector, which suited my strong social justice beliefs. My experience of working on the Australian Development Scholarships in Afghanistan sparked my interest in the role of education, specifically higher education, in international development. When a role came up in the international portfolio at Monash University it was a natural step for me.

What did you want to do for a career when you were young?

At a very young age I wanted to be an artist. A little later I had my heart set on becoming a dolphin trainer.

What is your favourite place in the world and why?

I’m still open to suggestions.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

My mum used to say that all you can do is your best.

Tell us something about yourself that your colleagues wouldn’t know?

That I wanted to be an artist and a dolphin trainer ...

Archive of 60 seconds with...