People end up in professions for lots of different reasons. In my case, I first thought I wanted to become a marine biologist, then possibly a nurse, and then I finally decided to become a nutrition scientist. I’m lucky because I know I made the right decision. The point is that it took years to figure it all out. I know other nutrition professionals who started out as journalists or fitness pros or medical technologists. The good news is that just about any first career can cross paths with nutrition science.
A Career Change – Are You Personally Ready?
Being ready to make a career change is often hard to evaluate. For example, if you feel bored in your current career then you might be ready for a change – or maybe you simply need more challenging projects to work on. Or, as another example, if you feel like your passion is not ‘on board’ in your current career then you might be ready for a change – or maybe you simply need to make a point of joining an out-of-work club or team to enjoy your passion.
If you’re trying to decide if the time is right for a career change then here’s a fun quiz that may help you with all the questions you’ll want to ask yourself.
A Career Change – Are You Financially Ready?
Being ready to make a career change gets more complicated when you think about the finances of it and trying to figure out if you can afford to make a switch. Giving up a current job that pays your monthly bills is scary and it’s risky. Let’s face it. A carefully planned career change is scary, but also exciting. It is risky, but also dream-fulfilling. It is stressful in the transition, but super satisfying in the long run. Here are some practical ways to reduce your expenses as a means of making a career change financially doable:
How to Save Money for a Career Change
- Rent a cheaper apartment or smaller house
- Use an Uber/bicycle/subway and sell your car
- Trim down your clothes budget
- Plan your meals and eat more at home
- Consider taking out a student loan
- Learn how to graduate from college with less debt
A Career Change – Are You a Good Match with Nutrition Science?
If Nutrition Science appeals to you, then think about how well you will ‘fit’ with others in this career niche. Also, be realistic about the focus on science and math in a Nutrition Science college degree. You will be expected to do well in science and math classes and labs. Plus, there will be internship hours that will be degree requirements.
Top Traits of Successful Nutrition Pros
- Organized
- Dependable
- Compassionate
- Ethical
- Flexible
- A self-starter
- Patient
Top Skills of Successful Nutrition Pros
- Good decision-making skills
- Ability to maintain relationships
- Excellent communication skills
- A passion for health
- An interest in helping others
- Great attention to detail
- An analytic personality
A Career Change – How to Get the Process Started
Planning will be your best friend when you put your career change to Nutrition Science into motion. Prepare yourself with these 5 Steps to Planning a Nutrition Science Career. Begin networking with other nutrition professionals as well as finding a mentor-teacher-friend.
When you are ready, personally and financially, and you feel there’s an excellent ‘fit’ with the career of Nutrition Science, then take the leap. Work hard, get the credentials you are going for, and feel the excitement and satisfaction of your experience. If all works out, you’ll never look back and you’ll love going to work in your future career!
What career change are you thinking of making and how does Nutrition Science fit with your goals?