Dietetic Career Spotlight on Nikki Karetov, Private Practice, Plant-Based Nutrition By Nikki
I met Nikki Karetov, RD, during her dietetic internship and she was already a rockstar. The recipes she made, the food photography photos she took, and the articles she wrote are still live on my website, and they get some of my best traffic. Since her internship, she has expanded her dietetic career tremendously. Nikki is living her dream life, successfully working for herself, coaching clients, developing plant-based programs, and more. Read on to learn how her determination, perseverance, and continued personal development have helped shape and grow her business. - Sarah
What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics?
In high school and early college, I was very easily swayed by diet culture and got trapped in an endless cycle of yo-yo dieting. I was so confused about what the “right way” to eat was, so I decided to study nutrition for myself once I found out that it was a subject I could major in. I grew up as kind of a foodie, worked in restaurants since I was old enough to work, and loved learning about science in school, so this path was perfect for me.
Your Job Title?
CEO and head health coach
Company you are with now?
Self-employed at Plant-Based Nutrition By Nikki
Social Media:
- Instagram: @PlantPowered.Nutritionist
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-karetov/
Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you?
After my morning routine of making tea, reading for 15 min, and journaling, I open my computer to check on my current clients. I am answering any questions they have, supporting them, cheering them on, and making sure they are staying accountable to their goals. Then, I may have a few Zoom coaching calls with clients. I may send my clients education modules for my plant-based program. I may be making updates and changes to my plant-based program. I am likely making content for my Instagram page and making connections with potential clients on Instagram. I may have a few discovery calls over the week with potential clients. I always schedule time for personal development in my week, which is so important for operating a small business! I love that every day is very different from the next!
How did you get your current job in dietetics?
After 3 years of working as a clinical dietitian, I realized that I wasn’t fully able to practice and teach about what I am most passionate about, which is plant-based nutrition. During my dietetic internship, I was fortunate to complete two unique rotations with two different private practice dietitians. This was my absolute favorite part of my internship, and I knew that one day I could be in their shoes. I decided to leave my clinical job to pursue my passion and take a huge leap of faith into private practice. Now I work with wonderful plant-based clients, make an impact on their lives, inspire others to live their best plant-based lives through social media, and have fun while doing it!
What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way?
I was born with great listening skills. Ever since I was young, I was always more interested in what others have to say than talking about myself or my experiences. Over time, I’ve become a better listener by becoming an active
listener. I have become better at asking reflective questions, which is an extremely useful skill when I coach my clients to help them break through barriers or struggles.
What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?
In college and in your internship, it can seem that there are only 3 directions you can go being a registered dietitian: food-service, clinical, or management. Do know that there are unique and interesting paths beyond that! Once you find what you are passionate about in nutrition, run with it. If the perfect job isn’t out there for you where you can exercise your passion, create it yourself! Also, try to involve yourself in as many unique volunteer, work, or dietetic internship experiences as you can. Make outstanding connections with your peers, mentors, preceptors, and co-workers-- you never know what opportunities you will get referred to in the future.
If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what
would it be?
Free flights or miles to go wherever I want in the world! Besides food, exploring new places is one of my passions.
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About the Authors
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.
Stacey Dunn-Emke, MS, RDN, is the Founder Owner of NutritionJobs and an established dietetic career expert. She helps steer dietetic and nutrition professionals to a successful job search process with the top-ranked dietetic job board platform, NUTRITIONJOBS. Stacey is the author of The Dietetic Resume Guide and numerous dietetic career action-ables. She gives the tools to create a modern standout dietetic resume to land that job interview, help with job interview prep, and with creating All-Star LinkedIn profiles. Stacey has interviewed and hired many dietitians and in running NutritionJobs since 2000, she has reviewed thousands of dietetic resumes. She works closely with dietetic hiring managers and recruiters to know what standout resume elements land a job interview.
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