Food for Real

I am two finals away from being a Master in Science and Nutrition! How in the world did time fly so quickly?! It seems like just yesterday I was a new student at Boston University, having only ever studied Journalism and Public Relations – fairly unclear on basically all concepts in Science. And now, I’m closing up my notebook from Metabolic Regulation class and putting it away for a day when I can’t remember whether the liver oxidizes fatty acids! Pretty cool stuff.

photo cred: careergoals via google image

With that being said, it’s time to start looking toward the future. My friends and I are entering our Dietetic Internships in just a few short weeks, and in no time, we’ll be taking the RD exam, and then soon enough, we’ll be RDs. But what happens after that? We must find jobs that make us happy! Well fear not. Gone are the days when dietitians entering the field are faced with few options! A recent webinar hosted by Melissa Halas-Liang, MA, RD, CDE, provided insight into the many career possibilities available to RDs and RDs-to-be. The webinar was focused on instructing dietetic students and interns on how to open up doors for new opportunities by hearing the stories and paths taken by a number of successful dietitians. Unfortunately, my lap top didn’t allow me to join, but my friend and colleague Nathalia Trees, MSDA president, sent me some notes. From these notes, I typed up a quick recap for other MSDA members, and now I present it to you. Among those featured during the webinar included the following amazing, successful RDs:

Melissa Halas-Liang: Has been a CNSD for 10 years and is very active in the Medical Safety Committee. Check out her work at superkidsnutrition.com Her advice: If you see a need, figure out how to fill it. Get involved with your local dietetic association (like the MSDA!), and learn how to organize events. She recommends following inspiration and getting involved with the ADA.

Toby Ambidor: Now works as a nutrition expert for the Food Network. She used to be the Director of NUtrition at diettv.com. Toby recommends carving out a specialty, such as food safety, and becoming aware of all areas of dietetics..

Jamie Schwartz: Vice President at Ketchum Public Relations in New York City were she is involved with nutrition branding and the ketchum.com blog, which provides insight in to what dietitians are doing publicly. Jamie is a shining example of  how working hard really pays off!

Debi Silber (aka Mojo coach!): She is a vibrant personal trainer as well as an RD, and believes one key to success is getting involved with dietetic practice groups and enhancing your learning through ADA DPGs.

Ashley Reynolds: Began her career as an intern at MGH and then became the first dietitian at Mullen Public Relations in Boston. Her advice: Investigate all areas of practice, try something new, stay open-minded, and don’t burn bridges!

Janel Ovrut:  Janel is fabulous.  She started working in a clinical setting followed by corporate wellness. And now she is now successful author of Eatwellwithjanel.com and spends most of her time doing what she loves including freelance writing, speaking, counseling, and cooking. Her advice: Networking is key!

Linda Mattson: Linda works in a school foodservice establishment and believes that the number one priority of RDs should be to learn and teach. I couldn’t agree more! It’s all about continuing your own personal education, staying fresh, feeling inspired, and inspiring others.

Ashley Koff: Named Top 10 RDs in the US by Today’s Dietitian Magazine. Specializes in integrated medicine, nutrition counseling, and branding. Her advice: Volunteer! Try everything and whatever sticks is what you were meant to do.

Manuel Villacorta: Runs two businesses called MVNutrition.com and Eatingfree.com. Began her career in prenatal care at Kaiser Permanente. She is also a media representative for “Latinos 5-A-Day” and “Got Milk” campaigns. Her advice: Network and get involved with the ADA. “Push yourself past your comfort zone.”

Stacey Dunn-Emke: Creator of two websites, nutritionjobs.com and exercisejobs.com, and oversees research for Dean Ornish. Her advice: Showing up and networking can be challenging and somewhat tiresome, but the gain you get from it in the end makes it all worth it.

Wanda Stu-Chan: Dietetic Internship Director of San Francisco State University and has worked inpatient, outpatient, homecare, and consulting. Her advice: Take hold of new opportunities, work in the local community, and volunteer!

Orville Bigelow: Started as a flight attendant before going back to school. Works as a project manager for an organization that provides meals for AIDS patients. Is currently a program reviewer for Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. Advice: Never stop learning, and stay tech savvy!

Teresa Wagner: Spokesperson for the National Dairy Council. Her advice: Ask questions!

Thank you to all of your for sharing your advice and stories! I felt this post was appropriate today considering the conversation I had with Elizabeth at dinner last night. We talked about the decisions we have to make as we move forward with our careers, and just how scared you can become that you’ll miss an opportunity or overlook something important. Especially as women with overwhelming ambition to excel in the nutrition field, we recognize that it can be tough to have it all: amazing career, love, family, etc. I mean, we’re all still new at this! No one has ever been in this moment, right now, this very second ever before. Every minute is a new experience. Every day is an opportunity to take the reigns of our lives and steer ourselves in the direction of happiness. Luckily, there are some amazing people in this world who offer guidance and advice, and as long as we keep open ears, eyes, and hearts, we will find our own way!

Be well, and enjoy the day!

What are your plans for the future? What do you believe is the key to sucess?