Career Stories

I studied Archaeology at St Catharine's College, Cambridge from 2017 to 2020, focussing in particular on Egyptian and Classical Archaeology. I was drawn to the course by the range of different study routes and papers available; I "borrowed" a paper from Human, Social and Political Sciences in my first year, completed a Statistics module in second year and covered Egyptian foreign relations, religion, warfare and economics throughout my degree. The opportunity to study a range of different cultures and disciplines including archaeology, anthropology, biological anthropology and more sets the Tripos apart for its genuine breadth.

The course develops strong analytical and problem-solving skills - you are required to engage with complex and often fragmentary evidence, whether material, textual or environmental. This requires attention to detail and the ability to synthesise disparate sources into coherent interpretations. The Cambridge teaching system then requires you to make the case for your views: you construct arguments from often incomplete or competing evidence in writing, small group sessions and supervisions. This fosters clear and persuasive communication and intellectual flexibility. You approach questions from multiple perspectives, challenge assumptions and adapt conclusions in light of new evidence.

During my course, we were given the opportunity to take part in fieldwork and group exercises. In my case, this included a cohort-wide trip to Northeast Italy in second year, an area I returned to to complete assessed fieldwork at the end of the year alongside several weeks at an excavation at Needingworth Quarry north of Cambridge. The Tripos encourages you to further your interpersonal and collaborative skills through these exercises, building your experience working effectively in teams in demanding environments.

Understandably, research forms a core component of the Tripos, whether in independent projects or the dissertation process. The course hones your ability to manage large volumes of information, identify what is relevant and present your findings in a structured and compelling medium. Studying at Cambridge also instills resilience, independence and strong time management skills, Balancing intensive academic demands with extracurricular commitments demands prioritisation and discipline - important skills to develop before a professional career.

After I graduated, I completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) at BPP University before working as a paralegal at Linklaters and subsequently studying for the LLM Commercial Legal Practice at BPP. I then trained at A&O Shearman (formerly Allen & Overy before merging with Shearman & Sterling in May 2024), sitting in the firm's Derivatives and Structured Finance, Leveraged Finance and Private Equity teams before completing a secondment in Goldman Sachs Asset Management's Private Credit team. I qualified as an Associate in Derivatives and Structured Finance before joining Bank of America's Global Markets (Fixed Income) team in January 2026.

My experience studying Archaeology equipped me well for my career beyond Cambridge and has been central to my success. The transferable skills the course develops translate directly into legal practice. Being able to construct and explore different arguments, work collaboratively with others, and operate resiliently and independently are invaluable traits for anyone entering the legal industry. The skills I developed underpin much of my work as a solicitor, particularly when dealing with complex transactions, challenging timelines and high pressure scenarios in the world of corporate law.

I received the Cambridge Bursary and extensive financial support from St Catharine's College, both of which allowed me to fully pursue my studies without worrying about financial limits. I am continuously grateful to both the University and my College for their assistance and tireless support.