By Donna Parker
Erin Baker ’99 is definitely running on the fast track to success. Currently an associate at the prestigious Guggenheim Partners in Chicago, she is immersed in a three-year program to become a chartered financial analyst which “demonstrates one’s integrity and competence as an investment professional.”
Fluent in Italian and beginning Arabic classes in the fall, Erin maintains a strong interest in Middle East affairs. In her “spare time,” she attends docent training classes to qualify to conduct tours at the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago.
“I did a dramatic shift from my anthropology major to economics,” says Erin. “I love my job and am learning to evolve in a very successful company that affords me opportunities to work in other areas.”
She credits Trinity with “expecting a lot out of her.”
“I had great professors in an enjoyable learning environment, especially Dr. Richard Reed and Dr. John Donahue in the Sociology and Anthropology Department. When you have a class of 10 people, you can’t hide in the back of the room. That situation reinforced my ability to think analytically and critically.”
Following graduation and travel in Europe, Erin earned her master’s degree in European economics and public affairs from the Dublin European Institute, University College Dublin, to prepare for her current stint at Guggenheim.
Even though she lives in a high-rise in beautiful downtown Chicago, where she is close to world-class restaurants and clubs, Erin is still a hometown girl, naming the infamous Liberty Bar in San Antonio as her “favorite restaurant in the country!”
With “many good friends scattered all across the world,” Erin is focusing on other local friends and alumni and recently became the president of Trinity’s Chicago alumni chapter.
“We’re a small chapter and Chicago is such a big area, but we’re holding our own with several events each year to bring us together.”
Erin plans to stay in the Windy City for a few more years before pursuing her law degree and setting up practice in either England or Ireland.
She does relax occasionally at lakeside concerts and festivals, but not for long. You’ll find her at the end of this month on a three-week tour of Turkey where she’ll get a first-hand look at the recent turn of events in the Middle East.
“I advocate learning about what interests you most and not being so concerned about where it will get you in life. That way of thinking will guide my future.”
