Hello world! My name is Janice and I am embarking on my journey as a social media intern for the EFNEP and FNEC program. Though I have used social media (particularly Instagram) a lot throughout my life, this has been a new and exciting experience for me. I was eager to learn more about how to tailor content for educational purposes online and how to deliver effective messaging regarding nutrition. Join me as I take you through the highlights of my first week, from my initial meeting with my supervisor to diving into the world of nutrition-focused social media accounts.

1. Meeting the Supervisor: Setting the Stage for Success

The first official meeting with my supervisor, Sarah Hess helped to set the timeline and expectations for my internship. I have met Sarah before, through the interview process, CCE luncheon and individual meetings, so I wasn’t as nervous as I could’ve been. Thanks to that we were able to jump right into the discussion. Our discussion focused on reviewing EFNEP’s and FNEC’s mission and vision, their target audience, and the specific objectives they hoped to achieve through social media. I also received materials that gave an overview of their social media best practices and assets. 

2. Creating Interview Questions for EFNEP Nutrition Educators

One of the tasks that Sarah set for this week was to create interview questions directed at EFNEP Nutrition Educators. The plan would be that I interview 2-3 of the Nutrition Educators to get a better idea of their work. Because these Nutrition educators work directly with the target audience I am interested in, I tailored questions to better understand their methods of communication. I wanted to learn about their experiences working with low income families and get advice on how to create content that can be just as educational. 

3. Reviewing the Group’s Current Social Media Pages

Throughout the week, I took some time to dip into their current social media accounts. I have reviewed their blog in the past, however, since the goal of my internship is to focus on increasing engagement on their Facebook and Instagram I chose to start there. While I was reading through their previous posts, I compared their strategies to other nutrition focused social media accounts. This analysis helped me identify opportunities for improvement, such as incorporating more reels, standardizing visual aesthetics, and more engaging captions.

As I conclude my first week as a social media intern, I am both grateful and energized by the opportunities that lie ahead. From my initial meeting with my supervisor to diving into the world of nutrition-focused social media accounts, I have gained valuable insights and embarked on an exciting journey of learning and growth. Stay tuned for more updates on my social media internship. Stay tuned!