As a regulator we do not provide individuals with career support, however the information below may be a helpful start.

Remember that if you are a recent graduate, access to your universities careers support services are often still available to you for up to three years after completing your studies.

There is not one dedicated employment agency specifically for advertising/recruiting all nutrition vacancies, however nutrition job posts do tend to be advertised on the Nutrition Society website, AfN website, company websites, local authority job portals and/or the NHS jobs website. You could also try contacting your local PCT or other large industry employers. Additionally Nutrition Talent is recruitment and resourcing agency specialising in the provision of flexible, professional Nutrition expertise, which highlights opportunities.

The nutrition sector can be extremely competitive. If you are able to, try to get work experience, for example by volunteering. Some employers may require you to be registered with the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists. You can find out more about registration here. A basic thing to remember is to make sure your CV, covering letter and interview technique are as good as they can be. There is plenty of advice available on the internet, for example Prospects.ac.uk.

Work experience

Nutrition is becoming increasingly competitive. Work experience may improve your employment opportunities but even work experience can be difficult to find, so it is important to start looking early and be persistent.

If you are at university you may find that your programme involves a placement within industry, research bodies or local primary care trusts. If you haven’t already, you should speak to your personal tutor about finding placements and ask them how the University will support you in finding something. You should also visit your careers service and try to speak to an advisor there. Even if your programme does not have a placement year, you may be able to find a summer placement.

Companies such as Unilever, GSK and Nestle can sometimes offer work placements or internships. If you are looking for work placements in Public Health Nutrition, these are often arranged at a local level with local universities. Many Public Health Nutrition jobs are based in NHS Primary Care trusts so you could try contacting your local PCT for any experience opportunities.

You may also be able to find voluntary opportunities with charities or other not-for-profit groups. There are several online listings for voluntary opportunities, for example Do-It.