What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics? I wish I had a better story, but here is the truth: freshman year of college, my nutrition class was the only class I didn’t skip. I know that may sound horrible (sorry Mom and Dad for cutting class!), but I took that as a sign that maybe I really should consider nutrition as a career. Since then, I’ve really been hooked. I love the fact that I help individuals in my community live healthier lives – it’s incredibly rewarding, every day.

Your Job Title? Senior Associate, Total Health Management

Company you are with now? Mercer

Website:
http://www.CarolineSusieRD.com
https://www.mercer.com

Social Media: 
– Twitter: @carolinesusieRD
– Instagram: @carolinesusieRD

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you? The best part about being a consultant for Mercer is that every day is different! The Total Health Management team is a nationwide team consisting of individuals who are subject matter experts in various health advocacy solutions for our clients. Dietitians, nurses, social workers and more all assist in client needs such as solutions for diabetes management to mental resiliency programs. It is our job to give clients the best advice.

How did you get your current job in dietetics? I have been practicing as a dietitian since 2004, and found a home in corporate wellness in 2007. Prior to working in corporate wellness, I worked in outpatient diabetes education, as a research dietitian, and a bariatric dietitian. I truly appreciate corporate wellness, because it gives dietitians a platform to promote preventive healthcare before chronic diseases develop. For example, I have seen among my clients, how annual biometric screenings prevented more than 10 critical health incidents; this was all because an employer saw the value in offering this sort of benefit – how cool is that? Employers are increasingly seeing the benefits of corporate wellness as a means to keep their employees healthier, happier, and more productive. Because of this experience, I was able to join Mercer. Being in the field for over a decade, you learn a few things. I am so excited to in my current position to provide guidance and be the trusted source for all things wellness.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I’ve never met a stranger :). Effective communication is one of my strongest assets. Now that I am serving multiple clients, I had to learn to sharpen my time management and project management skills. OneNote and Outlook are the only way I keep my sanity.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Be aggressive (I’m from Texas – saying that makes me want to yell the “be aggressive” cheer to you all – I’ll spare you). Send the resume. Make that follow-up call, not just the follow-up email. Go volunteer. Don’t just shadow. Get involved! I am huge believer in the phrase “people know people.” Join the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and appropriate subunits. Go to area meetings and network. Simply, say “yes” to everything. You never know who your next boss might be! The biggest mistake is to do nothing.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? That is a toss-up! Miles for travel or fine wine. I’d be a happy camper either way.

Sarah Koszyk is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta. A family-based wellness program and blog focusing on recipes, family health tips, and videos with kids cooking in the kitchen. She is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Coach specializing in sports nutrition and adult and pediatric weight management. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or LinkedIn.