Nutrition is fascinating to study and an exciting area to work. The number of people studying nutrition increases every year, so competition for jobs is fierce. Before you commit yourself to the time and expense of a degree or postgraduate course in nutrition, ask yourself a few key questions: “What sort of nutritionist do I want to be?” and “How can I stand above the crowd to get a job?” The answers will help you choose the right career, and help you succeed. Working in nutrition will enable you to help develop a modern profession and contribute to the good health and prosperity of the public.
Work in health improvement, with groups or communities to promote health, wellbeing and reduce inequalities. For example: you might teach nutrition and food skills to young pregnant women or low-income families. Programmes such as Sure Start, Five-a-day or Health Action Zone initiatives involve the skills of a Public Health Nutritionist. You could also be based in Primary Care Trusts, Health Promotion, Government Departments, or work for a charity or in the food industry, such as for a large retailer or manufacturer. Community Nutrition Assistant posts are a useful way to gain experience in this area of nutrition. Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, your work could involve surveys or policy development. For updates about developments in public health nutrition see www.nutritionsociety.org. The Nutrition Society has professional standards for the professional practice of public health nutrition.
Clinical Nutritionists
Work in a dietetics department in the NHS. Dietetic Assistant posts are a useful way to gain experience and find out about dietetics. You can work with patients only under close supervision of a Dietitian or other regulated health professional. If you want to work with patients unsupervised, you must train as a Dietitian. See www.bda.uk.com for details of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the UK.
To get a research training post that leads to a higher research degree (MPhil/ PhD), in a specialist institute or university, you first need a good BSc (first class or 2.1) or a good MSc. You will need postdoctoral experience to go into an academic, research career. Many academics are Registered Nutritionists. To find out more, go to Higher Education and Research Organisations (www.HERO.ac.uk) or the research Councils UK Grad programmes (www.grad.ac.uk).
What you earn will depend on your qualifications, experience and where you work. New graduates with first degrees in nutrition, public health nutrition or related subjects may earn £14-18,000 per annum, with a higher figure in London. First jobs may be ‘assistant’ posts that include training. After 3 years experience you may earn £21-25,000. Posts in Industry tend to be slightly higher paying than in the National Health Service etc. A PhD studentship may be £9-12,000 per annum, perhaps without fees. A research council studentship is higher. First jobs after a higher degree can earn you £19,500-£25,000 depending on the area you choose to work in and whether you have relevant experience. Senior Nutritionists can earn £35-50,000+.