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Geoff Spencer, Public Relations Specialist, Public Affairs Specialist, Communications and Public Liaison Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health
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Public Relations SpecialistMeet a real Public Relations Specialist, Geoff Spencer
1. I chose this career because...
2. My typical workday involves...
3. What I like best/least about my work...
4. My career goals are...
5. When I'm not working, I like to...
6. Advice and recommneded resources...
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1. I chose this career because...
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Geoff and a colleague work at the NHGRI exhibit booth, which travels to professional meetings held nationwide.
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I chose to become a public relations specialist because I wanted to translate scientific research findings into relevant and easily understood information that could be used by patients and families to improve their health.
When I was growing up, my parents were my biggest influence. The importance of education and hard work were concepts instilled in me from an early age. My father went to the Air Force Academy and had a master’s degree in History. He was an intelligence officer at the Pentagon. My mother stayed home to raise me and my two sisters. After some time, she went back to get her master’s degree and started a career in education at the University of Maryland, University College. The military was the primary focus of our household. I knew I would eventually join myself.
My parents supported whatever activities I was into, but there was no early indication of a career in public affairs. Throughout middle and high school, I enjoyed English, art, and history. I was fascinated with biology and other science classes, but was horrible at conducting the experiments.
Shifting My Career Path
I joined the U.S. Army at 19 years of age, after attending a community college for a year. I started as a radar mechanic in air defense artillery and eventually became a pharmacy technician. I enjoyed the idea that I was helping patients feel better.
After getting out of the Army, I knew that I needed to get a college degree and wanted a health career. Originally, I intended on becoming an Athletic Trainer. That’s the person who runs out onto the playing field to help an injured athlete. The degree required students to commit 40 hours a week in the training room. It was unpaid and I needed a paying job to work my way through school. Instead, I decided to major in Communication Arts. I chose it because I wanted to write, perhaps in journalism; but it also suited my personality and skills. I knew I could do a variety of things with the degree. I did an internship at a local hospital and that’s what really sparked my interest in health communications. My public relations professor was my primary influence in choosing a career in the field. He made it sound exciting and taught me why a relationship between an organization and its public was valuable.
College Education
Currently I am working towards a Master of Arts, Communications in Contemporary Society, at the Washington D. C. campus of Johns Hopkins University http://www.jhu.edu/
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2. My typical workday involves...
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Geoff stands next to an image of a DNA molecule, which is often used to symbolize NHGRI’s genomic research.
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My typical workday is never really typical, which is great. I work in the director’s office of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). One minute you may be trying to set up an interview for a reporter from the New York Times who is on a tight deadline, while simultaneously having to manage logistics for an exhibit at a scientific meeting, or setting up a major press conference downtown.
My typical schedule of work is Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some late nights. I often write during the weekend because I know I won’t be interrupted by other things.
My Major Responsibilites
- Handling Media Relations - My primary responsibility at NHGRI is media relations. This includes setting up television, radio, and print interviews with institute experts in genomics, but especially for our well-known director. To maintain good relations and assist members of the media effectively, I maintain a comprehensive understanding of the science and programs taking place at NHGRI. Keeping up-to-date is possible because I have access to the experts in genomics, health, policy and education. Most reporters work on tight same-day deadlines, so you must be able to provide relevant background information or an expert for an interview if your organization’s viewpoint is going to be included in the next day’s print or broadcast story.
- Writing and Editing - I work closely with other public affairs staff to research, write, edit, and distribute press releases and background information to the media.
- Acting as a liaison to the public - I am also the public liaison for the institute. I respond to public inquiries by phone and email. I work with public liaison officers in other NIH institutes to organize events or tours.
- Managing NHGRI Exhibits - I manage the institute’s exhibit program which travels to professional scientific and health meetings to distribute information about NHGRI research and programs to scientists, students, and patients.
Other Skills Important in the Communications Field
- Writing - You have to be able to write. More importantly, you have to be a good editor or else have a good editor, which I do. Writing is difficult and I’m always learning and improving this skill.
- Building Relationships - You have to know how to talk to your various audiences. As my boss always says, “Communications is all about relationships.” I work to build relationships in whatever I do. Whether I’m talking to the media or a scientist, I strive to be as helpful, personable, and diplomatic as possible. You must be customer service oriented and willing to listen.
Vital Teamwork
Typically, my colleagues and I will work as a team to get a project done. I may take the lead on writing materials or have to make copies at Kinko’s right before a press conference. Communications is a field where teamwork is vital to getting the job done.
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3. What I like best/least about my work...
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Geoff prepares for a Web cast as part of the annual National DNA Day celebration.
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What I like best about my work is that I get to be one of the first people to hear about exciting new findings in genomics. The Human Genome Project (http://www.genome.gov/10001772) was wrapping up when I first started eight years ago. It was a high profile story in the media, and it was kind of fun knowing the news before it was on the front page of the next day’s newspaper.
You can work in communications or public relations almost anywhere. It’s rewarding to do it at NIH because you get to promote a great message: research that improves people’s lives.
What I like least about my work is what I call “grunt work.” I’ve logged lots of time at the copier and on the FedEx Web site, and carting materials back and forth across the NIH campus. It’s part of the job, but it’s not very satisfying.
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4. My career goals are...
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Geoff and his colleagues gather to review an NHGRI promotional video.
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My career goals are to complete my master’s degree in communications at Johns Hopkins University. Eventually, I would like to be a communications director at an NIH institute. In graduate school, I’m learning a great deal about health communications and I would like to use that knowledge to launch effective communication campaigns aimed at improving public health.
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5. When I'm not working, I like to...
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At his desk, Geoff takes calls from the media and answers questions about NHGRI research and other resources.
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When I’m not working, my wife and I volunteer to rescue cocker spaniels. We have four of our own, and foster one or two at a time. Between that and school, there’s not much free time left. I enjoy traveling and reading about history when I have time. I inline skate whenever I can, and enjoy doing long distances. The most I’ve done is 52 miles.
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