NHD-EXTRA: SKILLS & LEARNING
CV BUILDING FOR NUTRITION AND DIETETICS STUDENTS Joe Alvarez Student, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Chester
Searching for jobs can be a long-winded process for new graduates. CVs, covering letters and applications can be time consuming. However, how can nutrition and dietetic students increase their chances of getting an interview and hopefully secure the ideal job? 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 ways to do this without taking up too much of your precious study time and still allow time to relax (which we all know is still so important!). 1.Gain some 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. 2. Helping with local community projects Soup kitchens, school nutrition/ cookery workshops, cook and eat sessions, local breastfeeding support groups and weight-loss groups. These are some examples of nutrition, or food-related projects. Any community projects you become involved with, will help you develop skills that can enhance your job applications. 3. 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 enhance your continuing professional development (CPD).
4. Attend conferences, workshops and talks The British Dietetic Association (BDA), British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) and other organisations offer these sessions regularly. Your university may also have external speakers coming in to 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 RSS feeds or nutrition companies to receive emails about these events (many of them are free to attend). 5. Network! Attend events like those discussed above, but also get active on social media, create a professional account and make yourself known. 6. Continuing professional development Read articles, keep up to date with the latest research, subscribe to magazines, or join relevant associations 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, applications and in your search for parttime jobs or volunteering opportunities. Good luck! www.NHDmag.com July 2017 - Issue 126
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