The University of
Maryland, College Park Dietetic Internship is one of the only programs with
a nutrition informatics emphasis. I am very happy to be a UMD Dietetic
Intern, especially because I have so many opportunities to enhance my
technology and communication skills. Whether I am learning about different coding languages such as HTML, managing an e-portfolio, or rotating through different facilities like
the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) or a long term care facility, I always run into nutrition informatics in every areas of the dietetics practice.
During technology days
at UMD, Interns work on e-portfolio websites, learn about different tech tools, listen to guest
speakers present on topics related to informatics, and more! Every couple of weeks interns have to meet e-portfolio
milestones which includes things such as adding content about rotations, posting a resume, or embedding twitter widgets to personal websites. One thing I have never done before this internship began was record a podcast. As a part
of our e- portfolio milestones, we have to record a podcast on an interesting topic and post it to our websites.
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| The homepage of my e-portfolio website |
My first podcast is on
the current malnutrition issues in Ghana, West Africa. This was a great
learning opportunity for me especially because it allowed me to research and
gain more knowledge about malnutrition and how it affects not only mothers, but
children as well. Researching this topic exposed me to the many international public
health organizations and how they work together to combat malnutrition in Ghana
and other developing countries. I enjoyed it, and can't wait to record my next one!
There are many kinds of audio
recording softwares to choose from, but UMD interns choose to use Audacity.
Audacity is a free, easy to use multi track audio editor and recorder for
Windows, Mac, and other operating systems. For a beginner like me, this is a great software to use.
Here are some podcast pointers before you get started:
Inspiration. Listen to successful
podcasts. This is helpful for those just getting started.
Provide information of value. Value
can come in the form of education, information, inspiration, motivation. Record
on a topic that is trending in the dietetics world!
Time. Create a podcast that is not
too long or not too short. Give listeners a reason to come back.
Be enthusiastic. Find your voice,
add some excitement to your podcast, be energetic not monotone.
Market yourself. Post your podcast on your website, mention it in your email
signature, promote on social media.
Whether or not podcasting is your
thing, it gives you a chance to practice your communication skills; a skill necessary in the world of dietetics. Research a topic that excites you, find your
voice and give it a try, you never know who is listening.
thank you - this was just great advice
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