I originally met Liz Jalkiewicz, RDN, LDN, at a business bootcamp hosted by Dietitians in Business and Communications Dietetic Practice Group in Napa over 10 years ago. She has had an incredible career and has held jobs in clinical, retail, marketing/public relations, communications, and culinary media production, all within the dietetic field. Her past experience has helped her find her current dream job where she has freedom and flexibility in her schedule AND she is rocking her dietetic side hustle! Check out what Liz is doing now and how she leverages her knowledge and skills to enhance her dietetic career. - Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics?
There were several factors that really led me into the field of nutrition. Growing up, I was a competitive soccer player and was always interested in the way nutrition and hydration played a key role in my performance on the field, especially into my college years as a student athlete at Montclair State University. But I think one of the main reasons I wanted to become a registered dietitian nutritionist was because I grew up with a father who was an Italian chef. And needless to say, I quickly learned that I needed to balance those delicious, indulgent meals with a well-balanced eating pattern. My aunt, a fellow registered dietitian, was another factor that influenced me to get into this field. I had the opportunity to learn a lot from her about her role as a clinical dietitian.

Your Job Title?
Health & Wellness Specialist, American Dairy Association North East and Owner, Liz Jalkiewicz Nutrition, LLC

Company you are with now?
I have a full-time position with the American Dairy Association North East as one of their Health & Wellness Specialists. And earlier this year, I started my dietitian side hustle through my own company, Liz Jalkiewicz Nutrition, LLC where I combine my love for writing and editing, along with health and nutrition on The Dietitian Editor blog.

Website:

https://thedietitianeditor.com/

Social Media:

Instagram: @TheDietitianEditor

Facebook: @TheDietitianEditor

Pinterest: @TheDietitianEditor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizjalkiewicz/

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you?
In my full-time position, I work a typical 40 hours a week, Monday thru Friday. The majority of my work revolves around developing and managing relationships with key health organizations within our territory, as well as building trust and inspiring passion around dairy products, like milk, yogurt, and cheese. We do this by creating and sharing educational webinars and other nutrition communications materials to health professionals like pediatricians, family physicians, school nurses and fellow registered dietitian nutritionists.

In my dietitian side hustle, The Dietitian Editor, I mainly work early in the mornings during the weekday, but sometimes I also get work done in the evenings and on the weekend, if needed. Earlier this year, I read a book titled The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma and it was a game changer for me. I’ve always been a morning person, but this book really helped to redefine my mornings. My mornings are now more peaceful and more productive. This has helped me tremendously so I can make the most of mornings for my business before the kids wake up and the organized chaos of the day begins.

How did you get your current job in dietetics?
I have been working in my current role as a Nutrition Specialist with the American Dairy Association North East for the past three years. I took this position after I completed an extended maternity leave with my first child. Everything worked out for the best. I really enjoy being able to work remotely from my home-office in this position.

In terms of The Dietitian Editor, I’ve always had a passion for writing and editing. Back when, I remember one of my dream jobs was to become an Editor-in-Chief of a health and wellness glossy magazine. While my career path did not take me down that road, over the years, I’ve obtained many of the skillsets necessary to be a great editor and writer. And so, I decided to start my own side hustle where I can help fellow registered dietitian nutritionists, food brands, associations, and commodity groups, share their health and wellness messages with the world, one constructive edit at a time.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way?
This is a great question. I’ve learned a lot about myself over my 15-year career as a registered dietitian nutritionist especially when it comes to having patience, building my confidence, and persevering through challenging times.

Some characteristics that I consider innate are my drive to always do better and do more (I definitely have an entrepreneurial spirit, so in my mind there is always more work to be done…), my ability to think creatively and outside-of-the-box, and my attention to detail.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?
Over the course of my career, I have held a variety of jobs in clinical, retail, marketing/public relations, communications, and culinary media production within the dietetics field. There are so many opportunities for dietitians to explore. My advice for others would be to allow yourself to explore those options and don’t settle into one job for years and years just because you’re comfortable. Break outside of your comfort zone. This is how we grow and learn to become the best versions of ourselves.

Lastly, I would say don’t wait for opportunities to arise, but rather create them yourself. Dream big and then set goals to make those dreams a reality. You are the only one holding yourself back from where you want to go.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what
would it be?
I would have to say travel.

About the Author

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of MIJA, a superfood supplement company, and Haumea Health, a fertility wellness clinic. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.