Dietetic Career Spotlight on Natalie Brandenburg, Dietetic Student
By SARAH KOSZYK, MA RDN on JANUARY 21, 2019
Meet Natalie Brandenburg, dietetic student, who I met at a dietetic presentation for undergrad students. She has drive, talent, creativity, and an amazing eye for food photography. Natalie is definitely a student to watch out for. She’s already paving her way through social media and building her brand. She’s a great reminder that one can start their career at any level. – Sarah
What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics?
My interest in nutrition and dietetics started as a teen when I noticed how diverse diets were. Not only did my sister have Irritable Bowel Syndrome induced by stress but also my grandparents were Diabetic. My cousins had all types of allergies whether it was to fruit, gluten, or nuts. Picture that family reunion! I would attempt to research how I should be eating wondering if there was a correct way but I would always be left feeling overwhelmed by the contradictions I saw. Overall, it was a mixture of curiosity, confusion, and fascination that led me to Dietetics.
School you are studying at now?
Currently, I am studying at San Francisco State University working towards applying to Dietetic Internships!
Website (if applicable):
Social Media:
– Instagram: @thecaliforniabowl
What area of dietetics do you want to go into once you graduate?
This is so hard to answer as I love not only the clinical side of Dietetics but also the business and promotional side. I love being able to go from creating healthy recipes and beautiful pictures to volunteering in the hospital. There are too many options to choose from. I prefer to stay open to whatever comes.
Describe your dream job:
My dream job would be to start my own business to work with clients on their own individual health journeys while also having time to focus on writing for my own media outlets and possible other clients (health magazines, companies, other bloggers…).
Any special projects or nutrition endeavors you are doing?
Currently I am actually working with Barilla, the pasta company, on redeveloping a product they are selling to better fit the United States Market. It is all very exciting as food product development is not the usual field one first thinks of with Dietetics. It’s all hush-hush though so you’ll have to wait and see what our team comes up with!
What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way?
I truly believe one can develop any skills through practice and MORE Practice. Through multiple work and volunteer experiences I have developed communicative skills, leadership skills, and self-confidence. Innately, I have always been creative, thus my love for shooting eye-catching food photography and coming up with healthy irresistible recipes. But practice does make perfect.
