What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics? Growing up I learned I was really good at 2 things – eating and sweating to choreographed workouts! When I started to look at colleges, I saw that I could dual major in both dietetics and fitness. I really did not understand the whole path to becoming a dietitian, but I dove in and haven’t looked back since! I liked the idea of having SO many options to help people become healthier and happier.

Your Job Title? Depends which hat I am wearing! From 8-5, I work as a Bariatric Dietitian. Before and after work I provide nutrition counseling through my private practice, as well as personal train, teach group fitness, and train fitness professionals as a Beachbody LIVE Master Trainer

Company you are with now? – Bariatric Dietitan at IU Health North
– Owner/Dietitian at Katie Hake Health & Fitness, LLC
– Instructor/Personal Trainer at Fit Flex Fly & YMCA
– Master Trainer & Fitness Presenter at Beachbody LIVE 

Website:
http://www.katiehake.com 

Social Media:
– Facebook:katiehakefitness
– Instagram: @kthake
– Snapchat: @kthake 

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you? I’ll wake up around 4:45am to either teach a group fitness class and/or workout on my own. Before heading in to clinic, I will listen to a podcast or do some sort of training based on what I am focused on at that time. When I arrive at clinic, I will begin by reviewing patient recent lab results, and call them with any recommendations for their vitamin therapy. The majority of my day is spent counseling patients before and after bariatric surgery to help them achieve a healthier weight and maintain these changes. Between patients, I will monitor our Facebook page, answer phone calls, plan support groups, and often teach a pre-operative education class. I work closely with my team which includes a psychologist, physician assistant, surgeons, and more.

 After work, I may go to teach another class, train a client, or see a patient for a one-on-one nutrition counseling session for my private practice. I usually spend a little more time working on the fitness side of my business – recruiting and planning events for training fitness instructors, which I travel the Midwest for on the weekends. To some this may seem crazy busy, but to me, I am passionate about what I do and who I get to work with, so it often does not feel like work! Luckily, I have awesome support who reminds me when I need to slow down.

How did you get your current job in dietetics? I was looking to be more challenged and move to a new city. I applied for the job online, had a few interviews, and landed the position! It was a quick turnaround, but the people and position felt like a good match at the time. For my private practice, I did a LOT of research on my own, and found mentors who were already established to help get me started. I could not have done it on my own.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? From a young age I have always had a strong work ethic and an internal pull that I was put on this earth for something greater, which makes me self-motivated and persistent with my goals. Anything I have been curious about or wanted to learn, I have been able to research and learn on my own or with the help of others. I am constantly diving into online academies and reading articles to learn about social media, stay on top of nutrition and fitness trends, and attending conferences to network and learn more. I believe any skill can be learned, we just need to focus on a few at a time. For example, I am currently working on improving my counseling skills through practice, mentorship, and reading a book on this topic.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Success leaves tracks. If you have a big idea or goal, chances are, someone else has done it! Don’t reinvent the wheel. Reach out to interview these people and use your resources to learn everything you can. You also can’t get anywhere alone. The more successful a person is, it is likely that their team or network of influence is even bigger. Build and maintain genuine relationships, because at the end of the day, this is what matters most.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? I would be so happy and fulfilled if I was only paid in ‘small wins’ from my clients. Every time a client messages me with something they’ve learned or how I’ve impacted their life, I store it in my ‘evidence file’. I look at this on days I am tired or feeling defeated.

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.