Dietetic Career Spotlight: Brianna Peterson, RD, LD, CPT + Exercise Physiologist
By BRIANNA PETERSON, RD, LD, CPT on AUGUST 15, 2011
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Talk about the perfect dinner party companion. Brianna Peterson, RD, LD, CPT, combines a career in dietetics with exercise physiology. She shares her career path with NutritionJobs.
What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics?
I have a huge passion for health. Knowing that you can prevent some diseases, fight early signs of aging, maintain a healthy weight, feel great, sleep better, etc. with proper nutrition was a HUGE draw. I love sharing my passion with others and motivate people to make positive, healthy changes.
What Company you are with now?
Registered Dietitian and Exercise Specialist with Bariatric Solutions.
Describe a typical day-in-the-work-life for you.
The day varies, but it is definitely filled with meeting a variety of bariatric patients, whether for pre-surgery consults, post surgery consults, or supervised diet visits to meet insurance requirements. I educate patients on their nutrition and vitamin recommendations before and after surgery. I also set exercise goals with each patient. In addition, I blog about various nutrition and exercise topics for our Bariatric Solutions blog.
How did you get your current job in dietetics?
Networking! My internship director is AWESOME at sending her past and current students various job opportunities in the area.
What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way?
I was born with my joy to be around people, great listening skills, and dedication/passion to learn and continue to grow as a person. What I have learned along the way is to have patience (still working on this), keep a postive attitude and focus on the good in every situation, not get caught up in work gossip, and always stay true to who you are.
What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?
Do what you truly LOVE. I quit a high paying job to switch careers and become a Registered Dietitian. I was working in the oil industry and would have hit the fast track to lots of money, but I chose passion over money. I knew I would love my career and be a happier person if I could work in the nutrition/exercise area. The journey getting here was a tough one, but it was so worth it. Now I am in a career field that I can be proud of and the opportunities are endless. I have no idea what I will accomplish in this field and that excites me!
If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be?
Travel. There is so much to see and experience in this world…
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