We welcome Jessica Miller, RDN, CDE, who shares, “It pays to network because those connections are important and can open new and exciting doors.” She got her current job with the Seafood Nutrition Partnership through networking. Someone encouraged her to apply to the position and she landed it. Who you know matters when it comes to getting hired. Read on to learn how Jessica found her passion and dream job and how she continues to connect with others. Her fun motto: “Will work for food.” - Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics?
I was interested in running in high school and I ran my first full marathon a month after I graduated. From there, I began to become more interested in how to properly fuel for training and realized I found the field interesting. I also enjoyed cooking and baking, and as a teen, I had a small venture cooking for other families from my parent’s kitchen. My customers would simply pick up meals I had prepared and that is how I made money. Dietetics, ultimately was my two worlds colliding and made perfect sense.

Your Job Title?
Nutrition Communications Manager

Company you are with now?
Seafood Nutrition Partnership

Website:
- seafoodnutrition.org
- Seafood Nutrition on IG

Social Media:

- Instagram: @jessies_feed_rd

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you?
Every day is different and that is what I enjoy about my job. Some days, I am writing blogs. Other days, I’m creating recipes in my kitchen for social media. We meet and collaborate with our various partners from restaurants to grocery stores, and I recently took a virtual farm tour of an oyster farm. There is no room for boredom because we have so many different things in motion and I love that.

How did you get your current job in dietetics?
I worked in retail dietetics for years, which connected me to a lot of commodity boards and various groups in the ‘foodie’ industry. After leaving retail, I ultimately knew I would be back in some capacity. I loved the energy in that space. Educating customers and working with partners was exciting to me. One of my connections I’d made through retail, reached out to me and recommended that I submit an application for my current role. The rest is history. It pays to network because those connections are important and can open new and exciting doors.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way?
I have a positive outlook on life. I am energetic and have a curiosity about others. I want to know their story, their passion and the why behind what they do. One skill I have learned and is most important in communication, is listening. This is a skill we are not often taught much about, but it’s where I find that I discover the most. Especially working in a virtual setting, it’s easy to let your e-mail or other things distract you in a meeting, but giving your full attention to someone when they’re speaking and making them feel heard and understood is invaluable.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?
I would say to network. If you have a passion in one area of dietetics, there is a reason. Seek other like-minded groups and people out on social media or attend conferences to learn more about your interest. Get to know people, send messages, ask someone to mentor you and step out. It’s fulfilling to work in a job that you are passionate about, rather than one that simply pays your bills.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what
would it be?
Food! This is a dietitian answer for sure, but my favorite part about working in this space is samples! Taste testing, new products, coupons, bring it on. Will work for food.