A Career in Nutrition

the following is an excerpt from an interview Bonnie
gave to a student interested in getting into the field of nutrition. 

Q - If you were entering this field today, 
is there anything you would do differently to prepare for it?

BONNIE - For me, not one bit.

Q - What are your main responsibilities?

BONNIE - Servicing clients, servicing clients, servicing clients. 
Staying on top of the cutting edge nutrition and public health research. 
Luckily, my son runs the business end, so I can concentrate on my clients.

Q - What is a typical day like for you?

BONNIE - Clients back to back 9AM-5PM. Answering emails 
and phone calls from anywhere between 5-7PM. Catching up 
on research and news in the late evening and early AM.

Q - What do you enjoy most about your job?

BONNIE - When I can solve issues for clients whom a slew of 
other health professionals could not. Getting that call to thank me 
for what I have done for a client's health.

Q - What do you like and not like about working in this industry?

BONNIE - I have never been one to be in-tune with the pulse 
of the industry, as far as what other health professionals are doing. 
I've never had time to (except when I co-authored the bill that got 
nutritionists licensed in the State of Illinois). I've pretty much always 
walked to the beat of my own drum. It seems to have worked so far.

Q - What skills are the most important to succeed in a position like yours?

BONNIE - Supreme confidence in knowing that what you are 
suggesting is right. Obviously, total dedication to the field. 
You must also know how to speak with people and a counseling 
degree for me was an immense help.

Q - What is the most important advice you can give me about this industry?

BONNIE - You can separate yourself from the next person 
by giving yourself totally to what benefits the client. How can 
you go wrong when you can look yourself in the mirror every 
day and say "I gave the best advice I could to every client."