A career in food and nutrition is ideal if you want to help people improve their diets and embrace balanced lifestyle choices.
Studying nutrition can get you career ready, so you can make a meaningful impact in this fast-growing industry. Delving deep into the science of food and the body, the Bachelor of Food & Nutrition at Federation University is a versatile degree that’s perfect for anyone with a passion for wellness and healthy eating.
From establishing a fulfilling career to improving your own health, there are many reasons to study nutrition – let’s talk about the top five.
#1. Help others reach their goals
A degree in food and nutrition is a stepping stone to a career as a nutritionist in a clinical practice, and it’s also very useful for personal trainers and other healthcare professionals. When you graduate, you’ll be qualified to provide tailored diet plans, assess health conditions, and give personalised food and lifestyle advice.
Combining food science with business acumen, a well-rounded nutrition degree can give you the skills and knowledge needed to run a thriving business.
Why become a nutritionist?
Nutritionists have consultations with a wide range of people with various health goals. By promoting balanced lifestyle choices and improving people’s diets, you can support them through a number of health challenges.
Natural Therapy Pages explains how nutritionists help individuals with their lifestyle goals by making the science of healthy eating easy to understand. People most commonly see nutritionists for:
- Digestive issues
- Fertility and pregnancy
- Weight loss
- Blood pressure
- Heart health
- Eating disorders
- Allergies
- Mental health
- Education in schools and community spaces
The demand for nutrition advice is growing. A CSIRO report showed that less than 5% of people eat enough fruits and vegetables, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics published statistics that over 50% of Australians have a chronic condition that could be improved with nutrition.
#2. Better your quality of life
With a deeper understanding of how lifestyle and food affect the body, nutritionists are equipped to manage allergies and intolerances, recognise the early signs of medical problems, and take charge of their own general wellbeing.
Wellbeing South Australia has reports on how nutrition affects us at all ages. Studying a hands-on food and nutrition degree will give you the tools to promote you and your family’s health through all stages of life.
#3. Challenge mainstream beliefs
Research presented at the 2021 Dietitians Australia National Conference showed that social media is the greatest amplifier of dangerous fad diets. To beat this kind of misinformation, we should learn what really works to improve people’s health and why.
Built on a bedrock of science, a degree in food and nutrition will empower you with knowledge of nutritional biochemistry, pathophysiology, and the psychological aspects of healthy behaviour. With evidence-based knowledge about nutrition, you could become a positive influence and trusted source of information.
#4. The wellness industry is booming
The field of food and nutrition is rapidly expanding, and a degree in food and nutrition can prepare you for a fulfilling career that has a significant impact on people’s health.
In Australia, the wellness sector has seen 5% – 10% annual growth due to the increasing awareness of nutrition’s role in disease prevention and general health. Additionally, McKinsey published a report in 2021 that shows the global industry is now estimated to be worth $1.5trillion USD. With a business-oriented approach, a Bachelor of Food & Nutrition prepares graduates with advanced business acumen to thrive in private practice, the corporate sector, and global entrepreneurship.
Why study nutrition in the wellness industry?
There is a significant surge in demand for complementary medicine such as nutritional counselling and supplements, closely followed by sports nutrition.
Seek projects that nutritionists will see a 7.2% increase of job opportunities over the next five years. To give yourself the best chances of career success, our Bachelor of Food & Nutrition equips you with practical experience, plus a sound understanding of business practices.
If you’re waiting for the right time to jump into the wellness industry, head over to our guide on making a successful career change.
#5. Complement your training routine
Why study food and nutrition to support your fitness training? Broadening your understanding of nutrition can bolster your own fitness journey and give you the right tools to mentor others. An extensive survey of the fitness industry showed that personal trainers with nutrition expertise earn more than others.
In a food & nutrition degree, you will explore the role of macro and micronutrients in performance, and then delve deeper into the scientific relationship between nutrient intake, energy use, and recovery.
For those who love exercise or have an interest in personal coaching, nutritional science adds an invaluable dimension to your knowledge.
What careers are there in nutrition?
Nutritionist
With a firm understanding of the science of food and nutrition, you will help individual patients, corporate clients, and groups in managing their health. Whether working in private practice, in community groups, or alongside other allied health professionals, you will be equipped to help a diverse group of people.
Specialised Personal Trainer
Stand out with a qualification that allows you to give personalised nutrition advice and boost your clients’ performance, prevent injury, and improve recovery time.
Health Promotion Officer
Raise awareness of healthy food and lifestyle choices within companies, businesses, and community organisations.
Food Technologist
Assist in the development and refinement of food products in line with national regulations.
Feeling inspired?
Learn about the Bachelor of Food & Nutrition at Federation University or speak to one of our Course Consultants today. For more information, download the course guide now.
Ready to learn? Apply today.
