Hello Class & Other Readers!
Greetings from Washington DC! I am here completing a health and nutrition communications-focused internship at the International Food Information Council (IFIC) – a nonprofit organization with the mission of communicating science-based health and nutrition information to multiple audiences. I’ve been at IFIC now for a little over 3 weeks and so far I am really loving all that my internship has had to offer. I have been able to attend a number of meetings including the IOM healthy weight workshop, the first DGAC meeting, a number of nutrient/ingredient webinars, committee meetings, and other project meetings. It’s definitely a change from my full-time job in industry working for the General Mills Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition. IFIC supports a broader range of topics and does so with a broader lens (than what I am used to being just focused on one company and one portfolio).
I’ve been supporting/leading a number of communications-focused projects – and let me tell you I am learning so much! If you are interested in checking foodinsight.org – I have one blog (on sucralose/diabetes) already published and 2 more coming soon (on stress/inflammation and food safety for the Fourth of July). Even though I’ve only been here for a short period of time – I have been able to develop my research translation and communications skills tremendously. I am working on a number of consumer-focused nutrition communications and research projects that have really broadened my horizons and challenged me to think critically about the research.
Wanted to share 5 quick “Ah Hah’s” I’ve had during my short time here so far:
- IFIC covers a broad array of topics and issues, for multiple audiences! – broad set member companies and invested parties means covering a broad spectrum of important topics! Plus – they communicate messages to health professionals, industry professionals, academia, and consumers so they need to be cognizant of how they are communicating to each group.
- They strive for a happy medium – Due to their broad member base, member-approval of resources, messages and communications is critical, but unfortunately sometimes this creates redundancies, re-work and so they often need to flex to find that happy medium.
- Influence of the Media – They are constantly tracking what’s going on the in the media and examining the “ripple effect” of various topics/articles/blogs/tweets
- Staff – Extremely hard working staff, many from very diverse backgrounds, very detail oriented! Being used to a VERY large company – It’s definitely been a little bit of an adjustment, but I am enjoying the nonprofit world and learning so much about operational differences.
- Small (nonprofit) organization=Limited $$. Budget is always a key factor when managing committee dollars and prioritizing projects.
Obviously there will be much more to come and I will go into more detail about my project: “Campaigning for Health: Promoting Healthy Behaviors and Increased Nutritional and Food Safety Knowledge to Consumer Audiences” in future blog posts. In the meantime, I am trying to soak up all that Washington DC has to offer since I am only here for 6 more weeks!
Nicole Hines
Hi Nicole.
Thank you for posting about your practicum. I’m so happy to hear that you are learning so much. I read your blog post on Food Safety for July 4th ( http://www.foodinsight.org/Default.aspx?tabid=60&EntryId=737 ) and it’s fun to read and informative. Great job!! Looking forward to reading the one on sucralose/diabetes and others.
Enjoy your time in DC!
Dr. Patsy
Thanks Dr. Patsy – It’s been a really great experience thus far! I went to a presentation yesterday given by Dr. Paul Offit from CDC and Jimmy and Roselyn Carter were in the audience! Apparently Dr. Offit’s work was being followed by the former President. Pretty cool!
I guess you never know who you might meet in DC!
Keep us posted!