Life after graduation can feel uncertain, but for Park University alumna Shelby Birmingham, the lessons she learned on campus continue to shape her path forward.
Birmingham, who majored in Communications with a minor in Healthcare Administration, admits she didn’t always know what she wanted to do. “I originally wanted to be a doctor,” she said. “But after taking biology and chemistry, I realized it wasn’t for me. Communication gave me flexibility to explore different options.”
Some of her most impactful experiences at Park came from classes with Dr. Laura Combs, who taught her not only academic lessons but also life skills. “She was sweet and kind to me,” Birmingham said. “Her classes taught me interview skills, how to research, and how to stay organized. Those skills prepared me for the real world.”
Like many alumni, Birmingham looks back fondly on the lighter side of college life, too. She recalled one memorable trip home from a track and field conference in Iowa with her team. The team went to a rest stop to use the restroom after eating some bad food from a restaurant that they had previously gone to, which turned everyone’s stomachs. She said former Head Coach Brian Renshaw accidentally threw the van keys into a trash can at a rest stop. After a moment of panic, the team watched as Coach Todd Warner dug through the garbage to retrieve them. “At first we thought he was joking,” Birmingham laughed. “It’s still one of my favorite memories.”
After graduating, Birmingham landed a job in healthcare administration as a patient care coordinator. “I was the first face patients saw and the last one they saw on their way out,” she explained. “It was my responsibility to make sure everything ran smoothly, from paperwork to keeping patient information confidential.”
The transition from student-athlete to professional life wasn’t easy, she said. Having run track since age seven, Birmingham was used to the structure of practices, classes, and meets. “It was weird going to work and then just going home,” she said. “It takes some adjusting. Some former athletes adjust faster, some slower.”
Today, Birmingham balances her professional career with her passion for coaching. Her daily routine includes working during the day, then heading to coach middle and high school athletes in the evenings. On her off days, she hits the gym or spends time with her family, often cooking dinner and reading the Bible.
When asked what advice she has for current Park students, Birmingham emphasizes the importance of preparation and networking. “Build your resume as much as possible, community service, internships, LinkedIn connections with alumni,” she said. “And when looking for jobs, pay attention to things like mental health support, diversity, and family benefits like maternity leave.”
Although she hasn’t yet connected with Park alumni groups, Birmingham says she would like to. Looking ahead, her goals include finishing her master’s degree, moving into her own place, and advancing her coaching career.
Her journey reflects the flexibility and resilience that many graduates discover after leaving campus life behind. For Birmingham, the lessons she carried from Park continue to guide her in building a future that blends her career, her passion for athletics, and her commitment to family.
