Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
It was such a pleasure to work with recent dietetic intern Marco Aguirre! As part of his rotation he was able to interview a dietitian who works in an area of dietetics he would like to learn more about. He shares, “Through sports nutrition, I am able to merge two of my passions, which is why it was such an honor to be able to interview the incredibly accomplished Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, founder of RD Career Jumpstart, a business designed to help dietetic students, interns and new registered dietitians determine and take the steps necessary to reach their dream career.
Marco Aguirre: What is your philosophy on food and living a healthy lifestyle?
Amy Goodson: I am a big believer that all foods can fit in a healthy lifestyle. If I had to sum up what I live by and what I teach, is to live by the 80/20 Rule. 80% of the time do what you are supposed to - eat whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, plenty of fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water and exercise. In other words, eat for health, energy and performance. 20% of the time you can splurge and eat some of the foods that are higher in calories, sugar and saturated fat, and are lower in nutrients, or foods that you likely should not eat daily basis. In other words, eat for pleasure, which can include family pizza night, vacations, birthdays, friend happy hours and more.
MA: What were some strategies you used to help promote your consulting services and build your client base when you first began?
AG: When I first became a registered dietitian, I had a full time job and kept it for 10.5 years. The way I built my client base is I said yes to everything, EVERY SINGLE THING! Every speaking gig, every opportunity, every content development opportunity, every interview, etc. I went to every local dietetic meeting, served on committees, volunteered, etc. I networked and met people everywhere I went. I was never home, always out, going the extra mile. That is what launched my career. I didn't live on social media, ha it barely existed, I worked and I worked some more, and some more. I made a name for myself in the field and in my city and by default, when I started working for myself 11 years later, I had people referring to me all the time. I really believe the younger generation believes they can do everything on social media and just jump into your dream job day one, but the truth is, you have to work and network and get out there; that is what launches a career. You want more people reaching out to you than you reaching out to them and that comes with time and hard work. I also believe LinkedIn is a great opportunity to network and connect with people in and out of your career field. Now, I do have speaking and media kits and do pitch ideas for TV and presentations, but I don't market to clients. While it is not a big part of my business, all of them come referrals. No better job opportunity than one where you were referred, as that means someone vouched on your behalf.
MA: What was your motivation for starting your RD Career Jumpstart business?
I have always been a preceptor for interns and done my best to do interviews and calls with students, interns and new RDs when I can. I would say on average, I get asked 1-2 times a week, almost every week of the year. Upon helping some RD friends that were transitioning in their career, helping some dietetic interns and a friend (outside of the dietetics world) that referred a student to me, I heard the same phrase, "Why aren't you doing this for business?" Literally three people said it to me in a 24-hour period. I was in the middle of deciding to launch my own business, so I considered the idea. As I thought more and more about it, I got excited and decided to do it! I have not grown like I have hoped due to other business things that have come up, but still have intention to do so.
MA: So many early-career or new Registered Dietitians/Nutritionists want to go into sports nutrition, what are three tips for an aspiring professional?
AG: Yes, it has become such a popular field and is now very competitive! While there are more and more jobs, they are still few and far between all the people that want them. My three best tips would be:
Get a Master's Degree. Most sports dietitians have a Master’s Degree and without one, it will limit your chances to get many jobs as others will have it.
Get as much experience as you can. That often means non-paid, volunteer experience. The more experience you have, the more you set yourself up to be more appealing for job opportunities. This could be volunteering with sports teams in school programs, working with sports dietitians in your area, watching webinars, volunteering to talk to youth sports teams, etc.
Be patient. The likelihood you get your "dream job" paying your dream salary right out of school is just not likely. You are likely going to have to put in the work, get experience, learn from experienced sports dietitians, etc. So be patient, good things come to those who work hard, get experience and stay the course.
MA: What is your favorite food?
AG: It has to be a toss-up between cheese, which I love and eat every day of my life and oatmeal with peanut butter, which I have been eating for breakfast for about 15 years! I look forward to both every day. Sometimes my favorites are based on what food mood I am in, but these two, due to consumption, have to be my top two!
MA: What is the best professional advice you ever received?
AG: Get involved and work hard. When you do that, you set yourself up for opportunities to find you.
Interview by Marco Aguirre, who recently earned his Master’s in Nutritional Science and completed the Internship Program in Nutrition & Dietetics through California State University, Long Beach . Marco has been playing competitive sports since the age of four and continues to live an active lifestyle every day.