Start Thinking about your Career NOW!

I know you are all only students or an intern like me, but you can get started in your career planning now! Preparation is key, so why wait? You might say, "I have no idea what area of nutrition I am interested in." So, how will you find that answer?

You could be busy with school, busy with extra-curriculars, etc. Totally understandable! What I have realized, though, is that sometimes when you have a lot on your plate, you can prioritize and be more productive than if you just had one or two things to manage. Like the busier you are the more productive you are! Start by making to-do lists and checking things off. DONE DONE DONE. You might find you have some extra time on your hands! Use that time for career planning and figuring out what you want to do, who you need to talk to, and what steps you have to take to get there.

The best, most inspirational book I ever read was Success Principles by Jack Canfield. It is kinda an accumulation of every self-improvement book out there and I loved it a lot and took a lot away from it. I suggest reading that to get a positive/confident/BRING IT ON, WORLD! attitude.

The time is now to set goals. You just have to prove it to yourself and give yourself the confidence to succeed and reach your goals. Each time you meet a goal, the next one is more challenging, but also more rewarding and gets you closer to bigger things-- like your DREAM CAREER.

The mentality to have is that life is only going to get busier, so you will never have time 'later on' to do something. Never push things off, just DO IT! :) Take small, action steps EVERYDAY, no matter what just take ACTION! For me, nutrition writing/communication is my little passion and I want to be on Oprah someday (seriously haha), so first action step--start writing! So I started a blog and then got a blogging gig on Super Kids Nutrition, then contacted Skinny and the City.com and told them about my blog and how I write similar things, so now I contribute to their website. Writing for DPGs newsletters, the AAI newsletter, and the ADA Student Scoop gets my name out there too and is something to put on my resume when I apply to communications-type jobs.

I also think social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIN) are powerful tools for networking. Putting yourself out there and letting people know what you like and how you can help them is a great way to start. Connecting with other nutrition professionals and finding mentors has been beneficial in big and small ways too. Also, not being afraid to e-mail people in your potential area of passion. Asking them what they did and what you can do to be like them (not in those words exactly) will help you find some direction, instead of running around in circles not sure what you are trying to accomplish or what career you want to pursue!