A Career In Nutrition Science

Introduction “In the United States 70.7% of adults are overweight” (obesity and overweight 2015). it is more important than ever to have a career in nutrition science. There are so many different paths that you can take with a degree in nutrition science. In this paper we will explore all of them and discuss what skills and traits are needed to be successful in the nutrition field.

A degree in nutrition science can be applied to many professions in and out of the health care field. Nutrition counseling for health clubs and weight loss centers. Food, menu or recipe analysis for school districts. Nutrition writing and editing for fitness blogs and magazines. Nutrition education planning for insurance companies and private athletic
You are able to give nutritional advice and counseling but you must not use the name nutritionist or dietician (nutritionEd.org/Virginia 2015-2016). “If you use the name nutritionist, you must first meet several requirements. You must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university in on the following majors: Nutrition sciences, community nutrition, public health nutrition, food and nutrition, dietetics or human nutrition. You must also complete a program of supervised clinical experience approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)” (nutritionEd.org/Virginia 2015-2016). Virginia has a loophole for employees under contract with a government agency. The employees can have a bachelor’s degree with a major in foods and nutrition and have two years of work experience in nutrition and as long as they are currently contracted with a government agency they can practice nutrition. (nutritionEd.org/Virginia
All people are born with different social traits. Some people are out going and have great social skills. Many people are very likeable and are very popular even from a very young age you can see these traits emerge. Some people are shy, timid and introverted. Not everyone should work with the general public especially in a one on one setting. “Many jobs in the nutrition field require analytical skills, organizational skills, people skills and speaking skills” (educational requirements). My results from Kaplan University profiler test was no surprise to me. I am investigative which really comes in handy when you are going over a client’s food history. I am also social which is the most important trait to have when you are working one on one with someone. It is always important the client and co-workers like you to maintain a non-toxic workplace. If the client doesn’t like you, chances are they will not be a client of yours for very long. I scored zero on the conventional personality trait test which is great because you need to think outside of the box in this ever changing profession. Even though I scored high on the social skills test I know I need to work on my listening skills. I often find myself tuning out during a one on one personal training session with a client when it has been a long day. I know they deserve my undivided attention and I must make more of an effort to be a better