Erika did her practical training at Ithala Game reserve with Supervision Food Services and thereafter assumed the position of Assistant Food and Beverage Manager. She worked for the then Natal Parks Board for 16 years as a Camp manager. Thereafter, she established and managed the Centenary Centre in iMfolozi Game Reserve, a visitor centre. She joined African Parks in 2015 as Special Projects Manager at Bangweulu Wetlands where she managed the  hunting and tourism.