June 17, 2021
How IFSL Inspired this Public Health Professional’s Career Pivot
Erik Trelstad spent two years addressing public health needs in 18 communities across Minnesota. Afterward, his next steps seemed clear—earn a master’s degree in public health to improve community nutrition. Then a graduate school fair threw a curveball. Erik learned about the Integrated Food Systems Leadership (IFSL) program, and his next steps shifted toward a more systems-based approach to improving nutrition and public health.
Erik enrolled in the IFSL program in 2020. He currently works at 3M as a medical services professional and plans to leverage his IFSL training to launch a career in food systems. Learn more about Erik’s career pivot, his passion for hydroponics and how IFSL inspired his next steps in our Q&A.
How did you discover the IFSL program, and what prompted you to apply?
A few years ago, I spent two years in AmeriCorps VISTA where I led 18 projects across Minnesota. I gained firsthand insight into how the food system can help increase access to healthy foods for disadvantaged communities and improve public health. Afterward, I planned to get my master’s degree in public health and nutrition.
I went to a graduate school fair at the University of Minnesota and a program advisor recommended the IFSL program since I was more interested in a systems-based level of exploring food and nutrition versus a research and clinical level. At first, I was unsure. The IFSL program seemed more agriculture-based and not as public-health-oriented. But as I looked into it, I realized it was right up my alley.
IFSL would give me the perspective I needed on how the whole food system influences public health and how a better food system can improve public health outcomes.
What are your thoughts about your experience in the program so far?
In reflecting back on the past eight months, the perspective IFSL provides you on the food system is immense and far-reaching. I feel like I’m touching all corners of the food system that are necessary to understand the bigger picture, how it operates as a whole, and how all the different parts affect each other along the way.
I don't think I would have had the opportunity to learn about all the different factors of the food system if I hadn’t taken this program.
What unexpected learnings have you gained from the program?
IFSL has made me think more about food access. As people have lost their jobs during the pandemic, or aren’t supposed to go out as much, food access has taken the spotlight. How do we continue to get fresh food to people, particularly in rural areas? I have focused on this topic in our projects, and it’s strengthened my systems-thinking around food access and equity.
The program has also sparked my interest in hydroponics, a farming system based on water, not soil. After discussing this technique in class, I’ve begun exploring how hydroponic methods could increase the capacity for food to be grown year-round, especially in Minnesota, decrease the cost and toll of importing food, and improve a local food system’s access to healthy food.
What are your favorite takeaways from the program so far?
I’ve enjoyed hearing the perspectives of all the different actors and players in the food system, from my classmates to the speakers who have come to talk to us. Learning about roles I never knew existed in the food system made me realize the system is way bigger than I thought it was. It’s not just about farmers and grocery stores.
It also has given me the confidence that everyone has their own unique track. This program helps you carve your own path and match your personal interest with a future position. The speakers who visited had personal interests that matched the path they took, and it made it less scary for me that I didn’t know where I was going.
How has the program shaped your career path?
At the end of last year, we did our personal brand statement where we developed personal slogans. My slogan was about helping people think differently about food. As I reflected on the slogan and my public health background, I realized that I’m interested in a role that introduces kids to eating healthy and thinking about food in a new way. If we can build healthy eating habits early on, we can contribute to public health long-term. I envision working closely with stakeholders across the food system to facilitate accessible, healthy and exciting food options for children, which can have a huge influence on their perception of food and their ideas of health.
Integrated Food Systems Leadership (IFSL) Program
Designed for professionals interested in accelerating their careers, the IFSL program is a unique, online, graduate certificate program that fosters leadership, collaboration, and innovation across the food system.
Applications are being accepted through July 15, 2021 for the September cohort. Schedule a consultation call for more information.