Undergraduate Admissions Counselor Erica Muñoz

Hometown: San Antonio

College Major: Communication Studies

Territory: Central Texas

Office: Undergraduate Admissions Center

Phone: 512-475-7456

E-mail: erica.munoz@austin.utexas.edu

Q: Where are you from?
A: I grew-up on a ranch just outside of San Antonio. I graduated from Judson High School. Go Rockets! From elementary school through high school, I showed hogs, goats, chickens and steers at livestock shows and rodeos. I also participated in show choir, softball and culinary arts.   

Q: Where did you go to college, and what did you study?
A: I graduated from UT Austin with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. When I was a freshman, I wanted to be a journalist, so I started out as a journalism major. However, after interning at a magazine and a television station, I decided that the field was not for me.

While I was at UT Austin, I also worked as a camp counselor and a dance teacher for middle and high school students. I had such a great time working with the students! I knew I would enjoy a career that gave me the opportunity to interact with students. I changed my major to communication studies because it was more general and would give me the flexibility to find the career path that was best for me.  

Q: How’d you get started working in higher education ?
A: While I was a student at UT, I worked as a resident assistant (or RA) at Jester East Residence Hall. I loved working with the residents! Helping the students, answering questions, creating programs and leading activities for my wing brought me much joy and fulfillment.

After I graduated, I went to work for an educational non-profit called Austin Partners in Education where I helped coordinate the College Readiness Program. I worked with high school juniors and seniors to help them meet college readiness standards and transition into their next step in life. This position further solidified my passion for serving students and helping them understand the importance of higher education.

Q: What is your favorite place on the UT Austin campus?
A: I have more than one favorite place on campus! The Texas Union was my favorite place to study and take a nap when I was a student. I also enjoy visiting the Blanton Museum of Art and the Harry Ransom Center on campus.

Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in Austin?
A: During the summer, I love attending plays at Zilker Hillside Theater in Zilker Park. Zilker Park is a very popular park in downtown Austin. The audience sits on a giant hill, and the stage is at the bottom of the hill. The music, costumes and choreography are always superb!

Advice to Students

Get real-world job and leadership experience while you’re in college! Apply for internships, volunteer, join organizations or become a leader in an organization. Start as soon as you arrive.  You can get internships as early as your first semester. These experiences will help you find the career that is best for you and will help you gain the work experience necessary for landing a good job after college.