Brianna Tobritzhofer, MS, RD, LD: Marketing Manager and Faculty Advisor for Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship
Provide us with a brief description of your job: As a Faculty Advisor for Be Well Solutions, I guide and mentor dietetic interns through the distance internship. I facilitate group meetings, grade assignments, help organize rotation schedules, and troubleshoot anything else that comes up for the interns. The marketing part of my role is focused on bringing awareness to our program via social media, email marketing, outreach to DPD programs, etc. Additionally, I lead our alumni network and am on the advisory board for the internship.
What do you love about what you do? I love the creativity that’s involved in my position! It’s an “unconventional” RD role, and for that reason, I’ve been able to develop skills that I never thought I would have prior to working in marketing and academia. I also love being a part of the growth of the interns and seeing what they go on to do post-graduation.
What are the challenges? One of the biggest challenges that I’ve had is learning the “trial and error” of marketing. Sometimes you have an idea that you think is great, but it totally flops. I’ve learned to look at these as learning opportunities vs. failures. Another challenge has been navigating interns’ rotation schedules during the pandemic amid preceptor shortages, rotation cancellations due to covid or staffing shortages, etc.
How has your MAND membership benefited you? I had the opportunity to serve on the board for 3 years (1 year on the TC Committee and 2 years as the communications director) and it has allowed me to grow in my leadership experience. Additionally, I credit my previous MAND positions to opening up many opportunities for me in the nutrition marketing field which is an area I had been hoping to get into for a while. Furthermore, I’ve had the chance to meet many dietitians who are all over the state…so it has been great for networking!
What do you think is the future of nutrition and dietetics? The possibilities really are endless for what we can do as dietitians, and I think we will start to see more and more RDs in what you would consider “unconventional” roles, and more leadership roles as well (such as in healthcare leadership). I’ve been outspoken about the fact that our skills can be applied to many different areas–and based on what I’m seeing with my interns, there are many individuals entering the field who want to explore options that are beyond the 3 pillars we always hear about (clinical, community, and foodservice).
What are your favorite activities/hobbies?I love reading, spending time outside during MN summers, cooking new recipes, and going on long walks with my dogs!
What is your favorite restaurant in Minnesota? It’s hard to name just one! Parlour, Hazelwood, and Pajarito are a few that come to mind!
About MAND
Minnesota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MAND) is an affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. We are the largest professional organization of nutrition health professionals in Minnesota, dedicated to optimizing Minnesotans' health through food and nutrition.