Best Careers for Nutrition Majors
Think nutrition studies are just for nutritionists? Think again.
This multi-faceted degree program explores the fascinating relationship between food and wellbeing. It covers everything from food production and legislation to the complex psychology of eating. Over the course of their degree, nutrition majors develop a strong understanding of how different ingredients affect our bodies and our minds, where food products come from, and how nutrition works from a chemical and biological perspective. Along the way, they gain valuable transferrable skills in laboratory science, data interpretation, research and assessment, and communication.
With this diverse skill set, nutrition majors end up in a wide range of jobs. Let's take a look at a few of the most popular ones.
This article will be covering the following careers:
| Career | Avg Salary | Satisfaction | Your Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Market Analyst | ?? | 3.5/5 | |
| Research Chef | ?? | 3.5/5 | |
| Blogger | $30k | 3.8/5 | |
| Fitness and Wellness Coordinator | $83k | 3.5/5 | |
| Health Educator | $58k | 3.5/5 | |
| Dietetic Technician | $30k | 2.6/5 | |
| Animal Nutritionist | ?? | 4.0/5 | |
| Caterer | $33k | 2.9/5 | |
| Personal Trainer | $42k | 3.5/5 | |
| Registered Dietitian Nutritionist | $66k | 2.9/5 |
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1. Food Market Analyst
This career brings together aspects of nutrition science, management, and marketing. Professional food market analysts use their research skills and industry knowledge to help brands make better business decisions. For example, they might conduct a competitor analysis to assist a company in pricing its newest granola bar. Or, they might survey a sample of consumers to understand what kinds of food products they prefer.
Food Market Analyst
A food market analyst combines food science skills with an understanding of the management and marketing of food.
2. Research Chef
Healthy eating trends are constantly evolving, and some businesses need professional help to keep up. Nutrition majors know how to distinguish between food fads and facts, and understand how different diets affect people's physical and emotional wellbeing. They can apply their knowledge in this career, developing new products for coffee shops, restaurant chains, and other manufacturers.
Research Chef
A research chef is someone who formulates and tests new products and supplies for places like hotel chains, coffee shops, restaurants, food manufacturers, and other companies associated with the food and beverage industry.
3. Blogger
The only thing people love more than eating food is reading about it! Many nutrition graduates go on to become successful food or wellness bloggers. Drawing on their expertise, they share healthy eating tips and recipes with their followers. By writing and promoting compelling blog posts, they introduce readers to dishes that will delight both the body and the tastebuds.
4. Fitness and Wellness Coordinator
Fitness and wellness coordinators work in gyms, community centres, and other health facilities. They coordinate all of the organization's wellness activities, including nutrition seminars, exercise classes, and special events. They help people in their community achieve better health and fitness outcomes—a rewarding task for any nutrition major.
Fitness and Wellness Coordinator
A fitness and wellness coordinator is someone who works for a gym or health facility and coordinates or plans all of their fitness and wellness activities - such as exercise classes, health seminars, and special events.
5. Health Educator
Not every nutrition major enjoys teaching, but those who do can thrive as health educators. Health educators work in many places, including hospitals, public health facilities, nonprofits, and high schools. They provide nutrition and other wellness-related information to members of their communities. They also develop, assess, and implement programs that help people lead healthier, happier lives.
Health Educator
A health educator is someone who teaches people how to incorporate positive and healthy habits into their lives.
6. Dietetic Technician
Nutrition and dietetic technicians are found in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and nursing homes. They work with registered dietitian nutritionists to prepare food for individuals with unique nutritional requirements. For example, they might work with someone recovering from a severe illness or a recent surgery. By providing personalized menus to their clients, they help them regain or maintain their health.
Dietetic Technician
Are you interested in the field of health, and particularly in helping people make better food choices?
7. Animal Nutritionist
Animal nutritionists work in many places, including zoos, farms, pet food companies, and veterinary clinics. They study the dietary needs of different creatures, taking into consideration their age, wellness concerns, and breed. Then, they provide individualized meal plans to help each animal achieve the best health possible.
Animal Nutritionist
An animal nutritionist specializes in the dietary needs of animals in captivity, such as pets, farm animals, and zoo animals.
8. Caterer
Not all catering companies prioritize their customer's health, but a growing number of them do. Nutritionists with a passion for flavor can take advantage of this wellness trend. As caterers, they can use their knowledge of food science and production to craft delicious, nutritious feasts for their clients. Specializing in a culinary niche, like gluten-free or vegan catering, can be an especially good fit.
Caterer
Catering is one of the fastest growing careers in the culinary arts field!
9. Personal Trainer
Nutrition students do more than study vitamin and mineral quantities; they also learn about how digestion works, the factors that affect the metabolism, and the development of different eating disorders. As personal trainers, they can apply all of this knowledge—along with their passion for helping others—to guide their clients towards their wellness goals.
Personal Trainer
A personal trainer is someone who helps their clients achieve certain fitness goals, including but not limited to weight loss, strength training, toning, or overall health management.
10. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Last but not least, some nutrition majors go on to work in exactly what they studied—nutrition. They work with individuals who are struggling with food in some way, guiding them toward more nourishing dietary choices. Some specialize in a particular subfield, like prenatal or paediatric nutrition. Whatever their niche, all nutritionists aim to help their clients lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is someone who is a food and nutrition expert.