Meet Laura M. Ali, MS, RDN, LDN, who just revamped her dietetic career and started her own private practice. She’s had experience in clinical, outpatient, and CPG which provided her with knowledge, tools, and a well-rounded skillset. Using all her past jobs, she was able to excel her own career and successfully work for herself. Read on to learn more about Laura’s practice. - Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics?
I have always loved to cook and knew that I wanted to do something that involved food when I grew up. My mom was a nurse and was one of my early role models for healthy eating. Our meals were typically made from scratch, with a few exceptions, and always balanced. We only occasionally had sweet treats in our house. Dessert was often applesauce or fruit cocktail – I just thought that was normal! In high school, my mom went back to work part time and then I took over making dinner a few nights a week and even did a lot of the grocery shopping. I remember picking up the nutrition flyers in our local grocery store and reading through each one when I got home. I loved all of it and I think then I knew I wanted to do something with food when I got to college. When the time came to figure out what I wanted to major in I remember sitting down with my Dad and going through a careers book and landing on Dietetics. It just felt right. I really had no idea at the time what I’d end up doing!

Your Job Title?
Nutrition Communications Consultant and Recipe Developer

Company you are with now?
My own! Laura M. Ali, LLC

Website:

www.lauramali.com

Social Media:

- Instagram: @LauraAli_RD

- Twitter: @LauraAli_RD

- Clubhouse: @LauraAli_RD

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you?
I’ve only recently started out on my own, so my days are busy filling up my calendar with work and meeting people. But I spend a fair amount of time writing – usually in the mornings because that is when my head is the clearest and then I like to spend my afternoons in the kitchen or having meetings and doing some planning. I’m working on getting into a good rhythm and figuring out what works best for me so I can be most productive.

How did you get your current job in dietetics?
My career has taking many twists and turns. I started in clinical dietetics and outpatient nutrition. I know many people don’t believe you need to spend time in those areas, but quite honestly, I learned so much by working in a hospital I don’t think I’d be where I am without that experience. I learned how to work with a variety of people, a lot about nutrition and medicine, how to evaluate research and program planning. I also got my first taste of nutrition communications and public relations in the hospital setting.

Following that, I had a brief stint in retail and moved quickly to working in the CPG industry for both Del Monte Foods and StarKist. From those experiences I really learned more about communications, critical thinking, program planning and my passion for recipe development. I took the leap to start my own business this spring and am so happy that I did!

Throughout my career I’ve been involved in my local, state and DPG groups and volunteered in several capacities for all of them. I’ve met so many amazing RDs and made lifelong friends through my involvement. I’ve had experiences and opportunities that I know I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t been involved, including my job at Del Monte Foods, which was really a dream job. I truly believe the saying “you get out of an organization what you put into it” – but I know I have gotten even more back than what I have put in.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way?
I think I was born with a natural curiosity. My nickname as a little girl was “dickens” because I was always getting into things – I wanted to see how things worked! Everything else has been something I’ve learned along the way - some things come easier than others but by trying new things I think I’m constantly learning and getting better every day.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?
Get involved in your professional organizations and community organizations. Your time will be paid back a million times over with opportunities and long-lasting friendships.

Also – for people who want things to change, by getting involved, you can get your voice heard and be a part of that change.

I think the other thing is to not be afraid to make a leap and try new things. I truly believe you learn by doing. You may not be successful at everything, and some things may take longer than you’d like, but learning is growing.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what
would it be?
Food and Travel! I love exploring new places and eating out. I can’t wait to get back to doing both!