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What to Do in Austin This Summer

July 16, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Take a break from MPA summer classes or your accounting internship to explore the city of Austin this summer. It’s the perfect time of year to take some leisure and try new things in this vibrant town, so check out these 10 summer events and activities you can do in Austin this summer.

Blues on the Green
29 years and counting, Blues on the Green is one of Austin’s most iconic summer events hosted by Austin City Limits Radio. This free concert series features upcoming local artists and is located at Zilker Park. Blues takes place once a month on a Wednesday, so get there early to get the best view. Parking is $15. Alternatively, you can take the bus with Capital Metro which offers plenty of routes directly to Barton Springs/Zilker. For the rest of summer 2019, the show dates are July 17 and August 7 at Zilker Park starting at 8:00 p.m.

Blues on the Green

Unplugged at the Grove
As the “live music capital of the world,” Austin boasts its fair share of music events. Unplugged at the Grove is a more frequent free concert series hosted by Austin City Limits Radio. Every Thursday, Austinites gather at the Shady Grove off Barton Springs Road to enjoy music and drinks. For summer 2019, the show dates are every Thursday until August 29 at Shady Grove at 8:00 p.m.

Barton Creek Greenbelt
Though live music may be the star of Austin, the city also offers a fantastic glimpse of the natural world. The Greenbelt is acclaimed as the place to be on a nice day with a variety of activities—hiking, biking, rock-climbing, swimming, and sun-bathing. This park has multiple access points directed towards the pool or the hiking trails. The Greenbelt provides a sweet relief from the city. If you prefer to play it safe, Barton Springs Pool is a sectioned area fed by natural spring water where you’re welcomed to chill and relax. The pool fee is $9 for non-residents and $5 for residents, plus it’s free after 9:00 p.m.

Barton Creek Greenbelt

Saturday Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday, rain or shine, the Sustainable Food Center supports local vendors and farmers by hosting a farmer’s market. With ready-to-eat foods from your favorite bakeries and fresh produce for when you want to cook, this market provides a sustainable way to support and buy local. Many artisanal products are available ranging from soap to hemp-based skincare making it the perfect place to shop for a little something for yourself or buy the perfect gift.  Every Saturday at Republic Square from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Saturday Farmers Market

Zilker Summer Musical
Zilker is the hub of summer events and the rest of the year. This year, the Zilker Theatre Production is debuting The Little Mermaid musical at the park. Bring some friends, a blanket, and bug spray to watch and sing along to the classic Disney songs we all know and love. For summer 2019, shows happen every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from July 12 to August 17 at Zilker Hillside Theatre at 8:15 p.m.

Mount Bonnell
As one of the highest points in Austin (other than our city skyscrapers), the views at Mount Bonnell are not one to miss. A popular destination for sunrise and sunset, take in the idyllic views of the Colorado River and downtown. With 102 steps, you’ll get your workout in, take some fun pictures, and enjoy a nice view. The mount is also a wonderful picnic destination and getaway.

Mount Bonnell

Pennybacker Bridge
Pennybacker Bridge, or commonly known as the 360 Bridge, is a curved bridge which offers the perfect place to capture the busy city. Crossing over Lady Bird Lake, the view combines the water and landscape for the perfect place to watch the sunset and see the whole expanse of the sky.

Pennybacker Bridge

South Congress
Just like New York has SoHo, Austin has SoCo. With funky and unique shops and eateries, SoCo embodies all the vibes of Austin as a landmark location with the iconic “I love you so much” mural. Visit Amy’s Ice Cream for a cool treat with flavors such as avocado and apple pie. You can also stop by the YETI flagship store for an experience like no other complete with a bar, customization station, and a display of historical artifacts.

South Congress

Movies in the Park
A take on drive-in movies, the Austin Parks Foundation hosts movie nights for everyone to enjoy in parks around town. There’s no specific genre, but come out and watch for the first time or re-watch your favorite classic movies from Space Jam to Harry Potter. Food trucks are available on-site where you can grab a bite from an Austin favorite. For the remainder of summer 2019, dates and movies are: July 25 (The Road to El Dorado) and August 16 (Caddyshack).

Yoga Summer Sunset Series
Presented by Wanderlust Yoga, this summer series event is not one to miss with free yoga Tuesday evenings. A perfect way to wind down and relax from the workday or your studies before heading home for the night. You don’t have to be an experienced yogi to enjoy this event which is suited for all levels. Bring a mat and bathe in the setting sun wearing your most fashionable athleisure fit. For summer 2019, yoga is every Tuesday between July 2 and August 27 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Alumni Will Braeutigam

Will Braeutigam and his daughter, Emily, showcasing their Longhorn pride!

The Takeaway: Will Braeutigam, Deloitte

May 1, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Meet MPA alum Will Braeutigam, a Deloitte Audit Partner and tMPA ‘05. From the MPA program to the Big 4, Will has been putting his knowledge of accounting to good use. Let’s learn more about his journey from the GSB building to professional success.

WHAT DID YOU STUDY WHILE AT UT?
I actually started my studies in computer science and soon decided that was not the career path for me. I then transferred into the College of Liberal Arts and majored in Economics. After completing that degree, I continued my studies and obtained a Master in Professional Accounting degree from Texas McCombs.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY FROM OF ATTENDING THE UNIVERSITY?
There isn’t just one. The University of Texas has incredible students, professors, and facilities. And, of course, Austin is fantastic! I think my favorite memory is just being on campus, whether that was studying, attending class, grabbing food at the Union, or attending a football or basketball game.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT ROLE AT DELOITTE.
I am an Oil and Gas Audit Partner and Deloitte’s Oil and Gas IPO Readiness and Execution leader. My role involves daily interaction with clients while providing auditing, advising, and consulting services. I also serve as the lead recruiting partner at the University of Texas for the Houston Audit practice. When UT students join the firm, I help guide them along their path and watch them become fantastic professionals (whether at Deloitte or in another industry).

HOW DID THE MPA PROGRAM PREPARE YOU FOR PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS?
The high quality of the program’s curriculum, faculty, and graduate students are why so many companies focus their recruiting efforts here. First, the program’s core accounting curriculum and teachers are unrivaled by other universities (I might be a little biased as an alum). Second, group projects helped prepare me to work on large teams with common goals. And third, the technology and finance classes helped me immediately execute work and innovate on the job. Also, while I was a student, I took the opportunity to be a teaching assistant and this helped me become a better teacher and mentor within Deloitte’s apprenticeship model.

WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT AUSTIN?
Well, Austin is home to the University of Texas so that’s hard not to miss! I miss all the activities and events that go on in Austin. The city has outstanding food, an incredible night life, fantastic weather, and world-class concerts and festivals.

Top 9 things to do in Austin!

January 25, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Whether you are newly admitted into the Master in Professional Accounting program here at Texas McCombs or are looking to apply to our accounting graduate program, take a quick trip down to Austin to learn more about the McCombs School of Business and this top-ranked city.

Visit Austin

We’ve all heard that Austin in the #1 city to live in the country, but WHY did it come out on top? From the 230 days of sun a year to the delicious food scene to the live music, there is plenty to do in the vibrant capital of Texas. So next time you visit Austin, check out these places while you’re here:

 

  1. Lake Travis – Take the 25-minute drive northwest to see Lake Travis. Not only is it beautiful (and did we mention the sunsets are spectacular?) but you can take a dip in the water, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and brew-pubs, or if you are feeling REALLY adventurous, you can zipline across the lake!

Lake Travis

 

  1. Congress Bridge Bats – You may have heard of the bats that live under the Congress Bridge, but have you ever seen them in person? Over 1.5 million bats fly out from underneath the bridge each night nine months out of the year, and it is a sight to see! You can even get out on the water for an up-close-and-personal view of their flight into the night!

 

  1. Barton Springs Pool – Beat the heat and take a dip into Barton Springs Pool (if you dare)! This pool is a natural watering hole that stays chilly at 68 degrees all year round. It only costs $5 to get in, and it’s free after 9:00 p.m.!

 

  1. Pedal Tour – Discover downtown Austin by bike (or by barge)! Austin has bike pedal AND barge pedal tours all around the city. It’s a fun way to explore, get a little workout in, and enjoy time with friends and family.

Downtown Austin

 

  1. Rainey Street – This residential block is one of the most iconic and unique districts in Austin. Rainey Street’s bungalow homes have been converted into bars and restaurants. It’s an eclectic scene of good food, drinks, hotels, and food trucks.

 

  1. Food Trucks – Speaking of food trucks, they are EVERYWHERE in Austin. From downtown to Rainey Street to the UT campus, you can’t miss them… It’s a great way to try local eats from all genres of food.

 

  1. Live Music – Did you know Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World? We aren’t surprised by that title with Austin City Limits and South by Southwest making their home here, but there are also tons of other music festivals, over 250 live music venues, and stages all over this city… even in grocery stores! Pencil in some time to experience Austin’s talented musicians.

 

  1. Zilker Metropolitan Park – This 351-acre park located a few blocks from downtown Austin is packed with attractions. You can rent a canoe and get out on the water, run around Lady Bird Lake Trail, and even play frolf! Trust us when we say Zilker is one of Austin’s best-kept treasures.

Lady Bird Lake

 

  1. State Capitol – You can’t leave Austin without seeing the State Capitol Building. This granite landmark stands 14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. You can explore the grounds on your own or join a free guided tour, which are offered every day.

Texas State Capitol

 

Now that you’ve read some of the exciting things Austin has to offer, make a trip down here and start exploring! No matter where you go, you’ll enjoy the weather, the people, the culture, and (of course) the FOOD! Make sure to stop by UT Austin and the McCombs School of Business while you’re here. We’d love to meet you in person! For admitted applicants, two MPA Preview Days are coming up in February and March, or you can schedule a visit that works best with your schedule.

Austin Ranked No. 3 Best Economy in the U. S.

July 9, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Business Insider recently ranked Austin as having the third best economy among the nation’s 40 biggest cities and the second-highest job growth rate.

See the full ranking

Read more at culturemap Austin…

Welcome, MPA Class of 2019!

April 23, 2018 / / 0 Comments

New MPA students,

In the not-to-distant future, you will be stepping foot on The University of Texas at Austin campus and spending plenty of time in the McCombs School of Business. The MPA Program Office staff and accounting faculty will be assisting you, step by step, to prepare you for your classes and the busy, yet exciting, employment recruiting season. In the meantime, we recommend that you…

  • Learn about UT’s history and traditions.
  • Take a virtual tour of The University of Texas at Austin’s campus.
  • Follow the instructions on the website for new students.
  • Become familiar with student life at UT and in the McCombs School of Business. Over the years, our student bloggers have written about their experiences in our program, their favorite places to study, and the perks to being in Austin and attending a large, prestigious research university. Some examples:

Why I Chose to Stay

The Coffee Experience

There is More Than One Library on the UT Campus!

MPA Educated Eats is More than Just a Sandwich!

First Impressions of Being a TA

Looking Back, Looking Forward

MPAC in the Community

A Weekend in Austin

Making Austin Memories

Live Music Capital of the World

Next Stop…More Barbecue

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Austin is Ranked 2nd in Job Growth

April 10, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Based on 2017 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Austin was ranked the 2nd fastest city for job growth.

Read more…

Why the Texas MPA?

February 21, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Tower #1 for Rose Bowl national championship Jan. 8, 2006_6618

Why should you attend the MPA program at UT-Austin? Consider this…

1) Top-Ranked Accounting: The McCombs School of Business graduate and undergraduate accounting programs are Ranked #1 with U.S. News and the Public Accounting Report. What contributes to our reputation for excellence?

2) High Quality Campus: The University of Texas at Austin is ranked highly in the nation and the world. Attending a top national university offers distinct advantages, such as access to

3) Great Place to Live: Would you like to live in a city that offers a relatively moderate cost of living and other attractive features? The city of Austin regularly tops many rankings, such as the city most likely to prosper over the next 10 years, one of the top cities for job seekers and fastest growing city. Austin offers great weather and plenty of outdoor activities in a laid-back, friendly environment and consistently receives high accolades for quality of life, innovation, employment opportunities, cost of living…and the list goes on….

4) Longhorn Spirit: The University of Texas at Austin is filled with history and traditions and plenty of exciting athletic events.

Want to learn more about our program from a student’s perspective? Read Live and Learn, our student blog, or contact an MPA student ambassador.

Hook ’em!

Austin = #1 Best Place to Live in the U.S.!

April 3, 2017 / / 0 Comments

U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Austin the #1 best place to live in the U.S. The ranking was based on the city having a good value, desirable place to live, strong job market and high quality of life. Read more…

Want to learn more about Austin’s history? Check out this fun video from the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau.

 

Austin: #1 City with Fastest Growing Economy

October 7, 2015 / / 0 Comments

Austin-downtown by river

WalletHub recently ranked Austin as the #1 large city with the fastest growing economy. The study compared 515 cities on 10 key metrics (such as population growth, median household income growth, growth in the number of businesses, and unemployment rate decrease) and identified those with the greatest socioeconomic expansion between 2008 and 2014. Other large cities in Texas that were ranked in the top 20:

#3 – Fort Worth, TX

#5 – Corpus Christi, TX

#10 – Houston, TX

#11 – San Antonio, TX (tied with Seattle, WA)

#14 – El Paso, TX

#20 – Dallas, TX

Texas at the Top of Fastest-Growing Cities

May 28, 2014 / / 0 Comments

Texas map

According to a recent article by the Associated Press [emphasis added in bold]:

“Three of the nation’s five fastest-growing cities — and seven of the top 15 — are located in the Lone Star State, new data from the Census Bureau shows. The Texas cities of San Marcos [located between Austin and San Antonio], Frisco [located just north of Dallas] and Cedar Park [located just north of Austin] were No. 1, 2 and 4 in percentage population growth between 2012 and 2013, each growing by at least 5 percent in that time span.”

and

“By population increase, New York City is still on top, growing by 61,440 people in 2012 to 8.4 million people in 2013. In addition to having the largest numerical increase, New York City is also still the largest city in the United States by population.

Houston increased by 35,202 people to 2.2 million in 2013. Los Angeles grew by 31,525 to 3.8 million.

The rest of the top 10 by numerical increase were: San Antonio, up 25,378 to 1.4 million; Phoenix, up 24,843 to 1.5 million; Austin, Texas, up 20,993 to 885,400; San Diego, up 18,867 to 1.35 million; Charlotte, North Carolina, up 18,420 to 792,862; Seattle, up 17,770 to 652,405; and Dallas, up 15,976 to 1.3 million.”

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