Charlotte Erdmann
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I chose the Arts Foundations program because I was looking for an interdisciplinary program that explored big ideas. I then declared a Philosophy major because there is nothing more important than big questions. But from that program I also gained the ability to write, argue, think critically, and be persuasive. While I changed my second major a few times, from Cognitive Science to German to Music, I landed on Religion, Literature, and the Arts. I loved the interconnectedness of ideas and how they presented themselves. Literature and Music brought my Philosophy courses to life. I love the creative expression of big ideas.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
The sisterhood of my sorority sisters, walking and contemplating amongst the paths and rose garden, sitting and discussing ideas with my classmates, particularly Clarice, who graduated with me when she was in her eighties. That inspired lifelong learning.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
My courses of study contributed to my success. I am a tax attorney now, specializing in tax controversy and litigation, but I didn’t know I wanted to do that until many years later.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I was a data entry specialist for the American Red Cross. I was also a children’s school tutor. I was a law clerk and a real estate attorney, after which I quit my position and opened up my own firm to pursue my field of passion.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
No. During my undergraduate degree, I thought I would go on to higher degrees in Religious Studies or Philosophy. The challenges I faced involved my mother passing from pancreatic cancer while in my third year of university. I also immigrated to the United States and had to wait for my green card. I spent an additional four years in post-secondary education.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
I love being both an entrepreneur and an attorney. Both of those roles require me to always learn, be creative, and to think across disciplines. Tax law touches everything, so not only do I need to know my area of law, but a lot of areas of law so I can best assist my clients and connect them to other people they need. Growing and running a business requires tenacity and grit, but also creativity. Having an interdisciplinary Arts degree allowed me to develop critical thinking skills and to think broadly and creatively.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
An Arts degree is not a degree in a specific marketable but limited area of knowledge. It develops the skills needed to be successful in ANY field or endeavour. It has developed my writing and presentation skills, reading and critical thinking skills, but also my creativity as well. Those are the marketable skills that employers are looking for. In my firm, I didn’t hire attorneys with Accounting degrees as their undergraduate degrees. I have hired one with a History degree and another with a Biblical Studies degree. They can think, and be persuasive and creative.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Take classes you think you will like, but also the ones you don’t know you would like – you might be surprised. Be willing to change your mind if you hate your field of study. Part of the process is figuring out who you are, not only where you want to go.
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Always be learning. Pursue learning for a lifetime. And don’t ever give up.
Charlotte Erdmann
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I chose the Arts Foundations program because I was looking for an interdisciplinary program that explored big ideas. I then declared a Philosophy major because there is nothing more important than big questions. But from that program I also gained the ability to write, argue, think critically, and be persuasive. While I changed my second major a few times, from Cognitive Science to German to Music, I landed on Religion, Literature, and the Arts. I loved the interconnectedness of ideas and how they presented themselves. Literature and Music brought my Philosophy courses to life. I love the creative expression of big ideas.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
The sisterhood of my sorority sisters, walking and contemplating amongst the paths and rose garden, sitting and discussing ideas with my classmates, particularly Clarice, who graduated with me when she was in her eighties. That inspired lifelong learning.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
My courses of study contributed to my success. I am a tax attorney now, specializing in tax controversy and litigation, but I didn’t know I wanted to do that until many years later.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I was a data entry specialist for the American Red Cross. I was also a children’s school tutor. I was a law clerk and a real estate attorney, after which I quit my position and opened up my own firm to pursue my field of passion.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
No. During my undergraduate degree, I thought I would go on to higher degrees in Religious Studies or Philosophy. The challenges I faced involved my mother passing from pancreatic cancer while in my third year of university. I also immigrated to the United States and had to wait for my green card. I spent an additional four years in post-secondary education.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
I love being both an entrepreneur and an attorney. Both of those roles require me to always learn, be creative, and to think across disciplines. Tax law touches everything, so not only do I need to know my area of law, but a lot of areas of law so I can best assist my clients and connect them to other people they need. Growing and running a business requires tenacity and grit, but also creativity. Having an interdisciplinary Arts degree allowed me to develop critical thinking skills and to think broadly and creatively.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
An Arts degree is not a degree in a specific marketable but limited area of knowledge. It develops the skills needed to be successful in ANY field or endeavour. It has developed my writing and presentation skills, reading and critical thinking skills, but also my creativity as well. Those are the marketable skills that employers are looking for. In my firm, I didn’t hire attorneys with Accounting degrees as their undergraduate degrees. I have hired one with a History degree and another with a Biblical Studies degree. They can think, and be persuasive and creative.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Take classes you think you will like, but also the ones you don’t know you would like – you might be surprised. Be willing to change your mind if you hate your field of study. Part of the process is figuring out who you are, not only where you want to go.
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Always be learning. Pursue learning for a lifetime. And don’t ever give up.
