Elizabeth MacNeal

Graduation Major: BFA in Design: Graphic Design major

Marywood Clubs/Activities: Zeta Omicron Kappa Pi, Kappa Gamma Pi, Delta Epsilon Sigma, CMYKlub, Volunteers in Action, Community Service Liaison for Student Clubs and Organization, Community Service Student Representative for Alternative Break Program, and Student Representative for the Integration Committee

Current Occupation: Design Communication Specialist for Mercy Volunteer Corps

In high school, I was required to shadow someone in my future profession. I decided to contact the college I knew I was going to attend, Marywood University. I emailed my admissions counselor to find Marywood alumni in my area. He contacted professor Sue Jenkins, who gave him the name of a recent graduate of the Graphic Design program, Elizabeth MacNeal (who is featured on the Study Abroad page on this blog). Then, on March 28, 2016, I visited Elizabeth at work and shadowed her to see what a typical day was like for a Design Communication Specialist.

When I arrived at Gwynedd University, where Elizabeth works, I saw college kids walking around and was completely overwhelmed. When I met up with Elizabeth I reached out to give her a handshake and she gave me hug. It caught me off guard but it immediately made me feel welcome. I was beyond excited that she was so friendly. We walked in together and she introduced me to the people she works with every day.

I followed Elizabeth to her office, which was comfortable. Her job allows her to work remotely. Once we settled in, Elizabeth gave me an overview of what she does and what Mercy Volunteer Corps was. After that I interviewed her. She was more than eager to answer my questions. After the interview, I obtained her business card. Then she went over what the schedule was for the day. The entire time I was in awe; she showed me her work and I wasn’t surprised with how great it was.

Elizabeth was the only designer on staff so she began to work on her laptop. The job of a graphic designer is to just sit in front of a computer screen, so while she worked I suggested we talk about Marywood because I plan to attend and she is an alum. We talked about roommates, the daily ritual all the art kids did, her graduation in 2014, her study abroad, service work, and her sister who currently studies at Marywood (who was studying abroad in Australia). The way Elizabeth spoke about Marywood made me even more excited to start my own journey. She gave me a lot to look forward to.

The day I spent following Elizabeth around was one of my biggest highlights. Not only did I get to see a type I place I could work with a BFA in Graphic Design, but I got to shadow a wonderful person who graduated from the school I currently attend and love.

Thanks for sharing your day with me Elizabeth!