Fueling a Career While Fueling Athletes
As a top employer of registered dietitians, Sodexo offers several unique career options for those seeking variety and pursuing their passion.
Meet Stephanie May, a Sodexo Registered Dietitian at The College of William & Mary. She helps athletes get on the court and in the field by working with them to support their nutrition needs.
In honor of National Nutrition Month, here’s what Stephanie had to say about her career path at Sodexo:
What led you to a career at Sodexo?
SM: I have been with Sodexo since 2011. I started working as a barista on my college campus and have been working as a Registered Dietitian for six years. I started as the campus RD at Stony Brook University in New York and then transitioned to a clinical position in our Healthcare segment but had a goal of moving back to the Universities segment. When a position opened at William & Mary, I was thrilled.
Why did you choose dietetics as your career path?
SM: When I was in middle school, I worked with a dietitian for guidance in fueling my sport. After that session, I discovered the world of nutrition and all that it could do to support my health and performance. In my career, I have always gravitated towards working with active individuals and athletes, so when I was eligible to sit for the Board-Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) exam, I did. Now I work very closely with the athletes, coaches, trainers and counselors at William & Mary to support them and the rest of the student population with their nutrition needs.
What do you think is the most unique aspect of being an RD with this specialty?
SM: For a sports dietitian, every day and every university can be different. In my position, I support the athletes with individual counseling sessions, team talks, group presentations, and pre-game meal planning and travel meal planning. I work with the coaches and trainers to help them maneuver different challenges their teams may be having. If you are looking for variety within your workday, supporting athletics as a campus dietitian is your path!
What is the best thing about your job?
SM: The variety. I truly love how every day is unique. I am not stuck in the same office running through the same routine. I start my day in my office and then move around campus to work with the dining team, meet with coaches or trainers, check in on allergen concepts and then come back to my office to finish out the day with counseling. The flexibility is what I enjoy!
What is your favorite part about working for Sodexo?
SM: Having a group of dietitians across the country who I can work with or bounce ideas off of is so helpful. Many of us are wearing multiple hats on campus and being able to reach out for feedback or help with allergens, sports or events is fantastic.
Why should new grads consider a dietetic career at Sodexo?
SM: Sodexo offers a wide variety of positions with room for growth. You can work in Healthcare, Senior Living, Sports and Leisure, Schools or Universities. This is where having prior experience shadowing dietitians can help you narrow down which environment you would like to work in.
What advice would you give someone considering dietetics as they select a college major?
SM: Reach out to several dietitians in your area and ask to shadow them for a few days. Every dietitian has a different schedule, specialty and work environment. You may find you like working in long-term care, enjoy the flexibility of a private practice or thrive working with a specific population.
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Fueling athletes is something Stephanie has aspired to do since her first experience with a dietitian in middle school. The days can be unpredictable - but that’s what she loves! If you’re ready for a career that fuels your passion, check out our current dietetic opportunities now.