Dietitians Week: Why I chose dietetics as a career

This Dietitians Week, which runs from 3-7 June, celebrates dietetics as a career.

For some the interest starts at school, perhaps from having experience working with a dietitian or simply from being excited by food. For others it presents itself later in life, as a second career choice - or even by chance.

Nevertheless, it’s a diverse career that helps people, continuously develops with new roles and specialisms and gives people the opportunity to progress.

Here Laura Sherman, an Early Years Team Lead Dietitian, explains how she ended up choosing dietetics as a career…

Why did you choose to work in dietetics?

I had always been very interested in food and nutrition. I wanted a career where I could make a positive difference to people’s health and wellbeing.

When did you decide that you wanted to be a dietitian?

I decided I wanted to pursue a career as a dietitian my mid 20s. I returned to education to complete an access course in Science and following successful completion, gained a place on a Nutrition and Dietetics degree course at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

What inspired you to train as a dietitian?

I had worked in various jobs in retail, hospitality and spent some time travelling abroad. I enjoyed all of these, but wanted a new challenge and a career where I could use my passion for food and nutrition.

I remember searching for nutrition jobs online and reading about the varied career prospects for dietitians on the British Dietetic Association (BDA) website, with opportunities to work in clinical settings, community and public health.

Additionally, I attended a Nutrition and Dietetics Experience Day where I met dietitians working in lots of different specialist areas, which really inspired me.

What continues to motivate you?

I am motivated by the positive outcomes achieved for the families we work with, including families who have attended our Nutrition Skills for Life Get Cooking courses. They gain increased confidence to cook affordable, healthy, balanced meals and make healthier food choices as a result of attending the course.

As a team lead dietitian, I am also motivated by seeing my team develop and achieve their goals.

For more information on Dietitians Week please go to the BDA website here