E R I C  E S T E V E Z

My passion is in cultivating ideas with purposeful design language in which to communicate with the world.

My Story

My very first job was as a janitor for my local community college. I would wake up at five o'clock every morning to scrub bathroom floors. Seventeen year old me didn't care about sleeping in or getting a bit dirty. The only thing that mattered was that I was experiencing what hard work and income felt like at a young age, a pleasure that some take for granted. I was accepted to the University of California, Santa Barbara to pursue my bachelors in communication science. During my time at UCSB, I learned that I am passionate about consumer behaviors as well as the way in which technology and design can help build a sustainable future. Using this passion, I specialized in communicating a vision while representing the company whether it be pitching a new design idea or cold calling for customer acquisition while always keeping a "can-do attitude". I aspire to give back to my family, the communities, and the environment which have helped me grow.

Hobbies & Interests

“The mind once enlightened cannot again become dark.”
― Thomas Paine

Listening to all kinds of music while writing in my journal always gets the creative juices flowing

Currently working on a sustainability project at UCSB to reduce plastic waste from common toiletries by helping students reuse/refill their products 

Drawing design ideas for technologies such as phones, computers, laptops, and house appliances

Yoga and meditation

Skills

Things people have said I am good at

Customer Service

Experienced in customer service whether it be in person or on the phone. I am able to make a customer feel good about their interaction with the company or product. 

Learned Leader

Being a leader is never done and over with. I desire to inspire action in others to innovate. I often switch between being a follower and a leader, as both offer usable knowledge. 

Bilingual

Can speak and write in Spanish. This comes in handy when visiting my large diverse family.

Master Collaborator

Ability to work collaboratively with multiple parties by using effective communication. Ability to co-create; growing peoples ideas into working structures.

Writer

I enjoy writing in my journal for leisure and organizational purposes but also write with a more professional tone for PR or persuasive pieces.  

Communication Specialist

My whole undergrad education focused on the diverse ways in which people communicate, whether it be organizations, cultures, societies, consumers, or investors. 

Organized

Extremely passionate about the process, I can assemble multiple aspects of any given project to reach peak effectiveness. My closet and desk are both very organized.

Artistically Dynamic

I embrace change with open arms. I can switch work flows like a chameleon changes colors. As diverse as a mid 80's mullet. 

Cajun Shrimp Recipe Creator

Inspired by the one and only Bubba from Forest Gump, I have my own recipe to make the best Louisiana-Style spiced shrimp you'll ever taste. Also goes well in jambalaya. [357,000 Scoville]

Experience

Student Bursar

May 2016 - June 2017

SBCC Bursar Office, Santa Barbara 

• Demonstrated outstanding customer service on phone calls regarding student account balances

• Trained new employees on how to work Excel spreadsheets and Word documents

• Advised students on specific financial problems as well as finding a solution to their needs

• Explained account balances to other faculty members

• Handled and organized donations worth thousands of dollars received by SBCC

• Prepared and analyzed college faculty accounts for audits

Senior Sales Adviser 

August 2015 - May 2016

H&M, Santa Barbara 

• Trained and inspired new employees on customer service and the companies code of conduct

• Pitched sales to customers in order to reach company sales quota

• Organized the sales floor with company merchandise to better appeal to customer behavior

Sales Associate

September 2014 - March 2015

Abercrombie & Fitch, San Diego

• Responsible for representing the brand by improving customer engagement with merchandise while providing outstanding customer service

• Operated cash registers and balancing drawers

Janitorial Vehicle Inspector/Operator

April 2014 - May 2015

Southwestern College Maintenance, Chula Vista

• Maintained the vehicle's interior and exterior integrity 

• Coordinated with college staff members on using college property as means of transportation

Education

Bachelors in Communication

Expected Graduation: June 2020

University of California, Santa Barbara

Certificate in Technology Management

Expected Completion: June 2020

University of California, Santa Barbara

Certificate in Leadership Skills 

April 2019

L.E.A.D program

Associates in Communication Sciences

June 2018

Santa Barbara Community College

Liberal Arts and Sciences with emphasis in Mathematics and Social Behavioral Sciences

June 2018

Santa Barbara Community College