Dietetic Career Spotlight on Emilia Janeke, MBA, MS, RD, Advanced Dietitian, CDR Approved CEU provider
Meet Emilia Janeke, MBA, MS, RD, the current owner of Advanced Dietitian. Emilia has a background in both clinical dietetics and business development. Her education and knowledge in this field led her to create her current company, Advanced Dietitian.
Advanced Dietitian is a continuing education provider for RDNS, NDTRS, CDMs, and CFPPs.
Read on to learn about Emilia’s unique career path and how her past experiences helped shape her current business.
What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics?
My curiosity in dietetics was in how nutrition prevented the return of cancer after one of my family members fell ill with stomach cancer and nearly died. With this in mind, I was really attracted to clinical work.
Company and job title?
The owner of Advanced Dietitian, CDR Approved CEU provider.
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A typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you?
I have always worked in an acute-care hospital. In a clinical role, I would be between the floors entering nutrition notes and the office, discussing food preferences with staff. As a director, I'd be in my office seldom. I rounded on the floor every other day, talking to staff and patients. Otherwise, I'd round in the kitchen, talking to the kitchen staff.
Depending on whether the organization I worked for was a for-profit or not, my daily duties differed from having to enter mountains of data into a food service software system or having to create my own systems to improve processes and make them more cost efficient.
How did you get your current job in dietetics?
I obtained my jobs in dietetics by always doing the best work in my current job. By finding tasks that were unfamiliar to me in my current position, I would expand my experience and skillset. Along with continued education, either as degrees or certificates, my improved resume would always allow me to grow in my new career opportunities.
What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way?
I have a natural tendency to organize and do so very quickly. These skills really supported me as a student at university and a director, because I can organize information quickly and get the boxes checked off. But, although speed is useful, the skill I had to learn along the way, was the value of speed vs. time, and how to prioritize time differently. Whereas my younger-self thought that speed was great and time is forever, my older and more mature-self now understands that time is precious. Knowing when to slow down can be very beneficial at times.
What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?
Whatever you do, it should be fueled from a motivation that comes from "inside your heart". Sometimes we succeed, and sometimes we don't. We do not learn anything when we are successful all the time anyway. Sometimes we run out of luck. And that happens to everybody. Although it feels bad, it's not a bad thing. If you choose to, that thing you see as a failure will open you to new opportunities. Envision new beginnings, and become a better version of yourself. I think ultimately that will lead you to achieve more success and fulfillment, whatever that may mean to you.
If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be?
I think location is key. Where you find yourself physically is very important for your overall mindset and energy level. If I could substitute a paycheck with something else, I would choose being placed in a location either in the northwestern part of the San Francisco Bay Area or somewhere tropical like the Caribbean Coast of Mexico. Whereas a paycheck can buy you stuff that can make you happy initially, being in a great location will generate a real sense of fulfillment.
About the Author
Katie Padva, MS, RDN, LDN, is a Registered Dietitian passionate about delivering nutrition education through writing, teaching, and counseling to help prevent and manage chronic diseases. She works in a private practice helping individuals be the best version of themselves through healthy nutrition. She also works as an adjunct instructor at a University educating students on nutrition concepts. When she is not working, Katie enjoys being outside, running, writing, cooking, doing yoga and hiking! Connect with her on LinkedIn.
