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CV BUILDING FOR NUTRITION AND DIETETICS STUDENTS Joe Alvarez Student, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Chester
Searching for a new job can be a long-winded process for new graduates. CVs, covering letters and applications can be time-consuming. How can nutrition and dietetic students increase their chances of getting an interview and hopefully securing an ideal job?
HELPING WITH COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Joe is currently studying MSc Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Chester, with a particular interest in gastroenterology, especially allergies. he is passionate about Paediatrics and hopes to work in an acute setting in London after completing his course.
Soup kitchens, school nutrition/cookery workshops, cook and eat sessions, local breastfeeding support groups, weight loss groups. These are some examples of nutrition or food related projects however, any community projects that you help with you will be developing skills that can help with your applications for jobs.
Nowadays, a degree is not enough to get that job you’ve been searching so long for. Employers are increasingly looking for alternative experiences and skills that applicants can bring to the table. But how and where can you find and obtain these all so important extra-curricular experiences? There are many Employers are ways to do this without taking up increasingly looking for too much of your alternative experiences and precious study time skills and still allow time to relax (which we all know is still so important!)
GAIN WORK EXPERIENCE This could be volunteering in your local care home, working at summer schools at university (or elsewhere), and with any part time job you will be developing transferable skills such as communication and organisation skills that will be vital in your graduate career.
WRITE AN ARTICLE OR BLOG Write for a magazine like NHD - this shows your ability to communicate with other health professionals or the public and get involved in current debates. It is also a great way to show your ability to Continue Professional Development.
ATTEND CONFERENCES, TALKS AND WORKSHOPS The British Dietetic Association, British Nutrition Foundation and other organisations offer these sessions regularly. Your university may also have external speakers coming into give talks about their specialist areas. Try and attend as many of these as you can to show your dedication to learning the most up-to-date research.
These are also great networking opportunities where you can meet others who are in the industry. Sign up to food or nutrition companies to receive emails about their events (many of them are free to attend).
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Network! Attending events like the ones discussed above but also, get active on social media, create a professional account and make yourself known!
Continue professional development Read articles, keep up to date with the latest research, sign up to magazines or join relevant organisations to make sure you stay in the loop! These are just some examples of ways in which you can build your skills and experience. These experiences will give you plenty to talk about in your applications and interviews and are a great way to show how passionate you are about your career. For further information contact your University Careers Service who will be able to help with CV writing and applications, as well as finding part-time jobs or volunteering opportunities. Good luck!
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