Meet Jennifer N. Petrillo, MS, RDN, who has applied her passion for cooking, science, and staying healthy with her job as a dietitian. Jennifer maintains a professional network within the dietetic community where I met her at a networking event. Just confirms the power of mingling and talking to our peers and colleagues. Read on to learn more about how Jennifer continues to build relationships within our field and better our industry.  – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics? Growing up, I always had a passion for food (cooking and eating), science, staying healthy and fit. The field of nutrition and dietetics seemed to be the perfect fit when selecting a college major.

Your Job Title: Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs North America

Company you are with now: Pfizer Consumer Healthcare

Social Media: – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/jennifer-petrillo-ms-rd/27/798/65b

A typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you: Ensuring proper representation of products in market, including developing the labeling of nutrition products and helping to ensure consumers understand how to use/take products appropriately and safely.

How did you get your current job in dietetics? It is important to establish and maintain a professional network. Start with your colleagues and academic educators at college, along with internships and work study programs. Throughout your professional career, you will likely find it is essential to stay in touch and maintain strong relationships, as your network can make you aware of new opportunities. In fact, through my professional network, I was made aware of the regulatory affairs position I currently hold.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? As I have grown in my career, I have also learned the importance of clear communication, hard work, working collaboratively in a team setting and maintaining a professional network of colleagues and mentors.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Be open to new professional experiences and ideas. Everything will not always be black and white. Things will not always go the way you want or hope them to go, so it is important to think broadly. Learn to embrace change, never give-up on yourself or your goals, and keep up-to-date through continuing education and professional associations regarding new nutritional health and wellness topics including food law and nutrition policy.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? Having the satisfaction of knowing your professional occupation makes a difference in someone’s life—and that you contribute to helping people live a healthier lifestyle.

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.