Studious Erica's an employer (4)
I believe the answer is:
user
'employer' is the definition.
(someone who employs or uses something)
'studious erica's an' is the wordplay.
'USER' is hidden within the letters.
However, I'm not sure how the hidden word is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for user that I've seen before include "Person employing something" , "Drug taker" , "One who exploits others" , "Someone who exploits another" , "Utiliser" .)