Career Journal for
LuAnn Soliah, Ph.D., R.D., Professor and Research Dietitian
Autobiographical Sketch:
I was born in Mayville, ND and grew up on a farm north of town. My early years were spent reading, bike riding on country roads, and helping with some of the chores that accompany farm life.
I was always a serious student; I liked the feeling of accomplishment that studying provided. At the age of 14 years, I entered Mayville State University. Science and Math were two of my favorite subjects, but I wanted a career with a practical application. Thus, nutrition seemed like a logical choice for me. In 1978, I graduated from North Dakota State University. The Food and Nutrition Department Chairwoman at NDSU convinced me to attend graduate school at Kansas State University, Manhattan.
After finishing my M.S. degree at KSU in 1980, I became a Registered Dietitian and went to work for the grocery store industry as a Quality Control professional at Safeway Foods, Inc. (Emporia, Kansas), and later as a corporate dietitian for Medicalodges, Inc. (Coffeyville, Kansas). I learned a lot by observing the corporate structure and the service component of the health care industry.
In 1983, I decided to return to school for a doctorate at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. After completion of my Ph.D. degree in 1983, I joined the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service as a Nutrition Specialist, where I was responsible for statewide programming in nutrition, health, and wellness.
In 1988, I interviewed at Baylor University, Waco, Texas, for the position of Nutrition Science Program Director. When the position was offered to me, I was flattered and excited about the opportunity to return to the classroom as an educator. Research activity is also a part of my position at BHU. Dieting practices and food selection behavior are my current research areas. During the fall of 2007, my first book will be published. The title is Good Things Happen to Healthy People.
Published Career Advice for College Students:
The US News and World report published a Best Careers Guide (July 2007) that summarized six basic personality types. The author is of the report stated that your personality should be consistent with your career selection. The six personality types include:
- Realistic, hands-on people: practical, straight forward, concrete thinkers. Suggested careers: engineer, surgical technician, orthodontist
- Investigative people: analytical, intellectual, science-oriented, rational thought. Suggested careers: health care professionals, librarians, computer specialists, professors.
- Artistic people: creative, imaginative thought with good spatial skills. Suggested careers; Architect, interior design, graphic design, editor, artist
- Socially gifted people: helping, patient, empathetic, generous spirit. Suggested careers: Pastor, nurse, social work, psychology, various therapists.
- Enterprising, competitive people: energetic, ambitious, quality leadership skills. Suggested careers: sales, financial managers, company executives.
- Conventional people: orderly, reserved, careful, thorough, efficient planners. Suggested careers: Accountants, statisticians, building inspectors, technical writers.
Career Advice from LuAnn Soliah:
Throughout my working life, I have noticed some distinct trends that have emerged concerning co-workers and career circumstances. Most people prefer to work with individuals who are dependable, pleasant, and have career competence, but beyond these basics, there are additional qualities that are useful for new college graduates to attempt to develop. These include:
- Be diligent (be prepared to work extended hours)
- Become and stay organized
- Be disciplined
- Pay attention to details
- Practice the “golden rule”
- Plan ahead, be ambitious
- Stay up-to-date in your field of study
Some of these qualities come naturally to some individuals and other qualities may have to be worked on and practiced with additional fervor. As time goes by, most people settle into a work rhythm, just be sure it is a rhythm of excellence and not one of sloth.
LuAnn Soliah is a Professor/Director of Nutrition Sciences Program at Baylor University in Waco, TX.
E-mail: LuAnn_Soliah@baylor.edu
