Employability and employment outcomes of nutrition science graduates: A qualitative exploration

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to explore experiences of employability and employment for graduates of a three-year nutrition science degree.

Methods: Qualitative narrative interviews were conducted with a maximum variation sample of 22 nutrition science graduates from one large university in Australia. All graduates (n = 126) from the initiation of the degree in 2015 to current 2021 graduates were eligible for inclusion if they had not gone on to study dietetics. The interviews elicited their stories and experiences of employability and journeys to employment post-graduation. Interviews were analysed using the framework method.

Results: Analysis of the graduate interviews identified four themes: (1) from graduation to employment; (2) there are challenges to obtaining employment; (3) curriculum can enable employability; and (4) employability resources can support career prospects. In this group, the nutrition science degree on its own was not deemed sufficient to land employment in a desired nutrition-related field. The process of obtaining employment was supported by work experience, social networks, interpersonal skills, and a willingness to relocate.

Conclusion: Building employability skills in the curriculum through the development of professional social networks and a professional identity may be important in improving the employability of nutrition science graduates.

Keywords: educators; employment; graduates; nutrition science; nutritionists; preparedness for practice; workforce.