Graduate Profile: Shaina Buhl
When Shaina Buhl ’11 is being creative, she says she feels most like herself. It’s no wonder then that she chose to major in art and design and minor in new media studies.
“I chose to major specifically in graphic design because I enjoy creating art with communication in mind,” she says. “It makes me feel like I’m reaching out to convey a message that will help someone, somewhere, and that makes me feel good about my work.”
Shaina Buhl
The Alma College graduate followed her passion for design to Chicago, where she works as a graphic designer for ComPsych, the world’s largest provider of employee assistance programs.
“It really felt like a good fit when I found out that I could work for a company whose mission is to help people improve their overall health, and my design work could be a part of that,” she says.
While at Alma, Buhl also formed a passion for Greek Life. The Alpha Xi Delta sister says the sorority was one of the best parts of her college experience, as it gave her countless opportunities to get involved with philanthropy.
“The experience of working for a cause becomes much more memorable and meaningful when you’re working in a team of sisters or brothers who push and challenge you,” she says. “The leadership experience in Greek life and sports helped me gain valuable time management skills.”
While Buhl admits packing up and moving away from Michigan was hard, she didn’t leave ill-equipped: the former swim team captain credits her overall Alma experience with preparing her for the workplace.
“I really do believe in the Alma experience,” she says. “It took me a while to step back and realize just how special Alma is. I talk to co-workers who went to larger universities, and they don’t feel connected to their alma maters. I can’t imagine not being connected to Alma. The experience you get as an Alma student is one that I don’t believe you can get anywhere else.”
