Your degree in Dietetics

Skills you'll develop

While studying Dietetics, you’re learning to help people in all different facets of their lives from their physical wellbeing to cultural environment through food and nutrition.

You’ll develop important skills to advocate for and educate others on nutrition in a variety of industries while gaining a professional designation.

These skills may include:

  • Creating nutrition care plans based on scientific research and a variety of social and health factors, such as income, geography, and/or education
  • Assessing food- and nutrition-related issues of communities and populations
  • Analyzing nutrition-related risks in programs
  • Obtaining and interpreting data related to the human body
  • Developing and managing service and educational programs and projects related to dietetics
  • Obtaining and interpreting food and nutrient intake data
  • Identifying signs and symptoms of nutrient deficiencies or excesses
  • Performing calculations to determine nutritional requirements for individuals
  • Examining current scientific nutritional studies to evaluate nutritional programs effectiveness
  • Developing advocacy skills to address misinformation and encourage positive eating behaviours
  • Using a systems-based approach with clients to provide

Find career possibilities

Career opportunities vary across a range of fields including healthcare, education, the food and beverage industry, consulting, extended care facilities, government and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

  • Clinical dietitian
  • Administrative dietitian
  • Consultant dietitian
  • Public health dietitian
  • Research dietitian
  • Food service supervisor
  • Dietary technicians
  • Director of dietetics
  • Home care services director
  • Home economist
  • Health services institution executive director
  • Health information and promotion director
  • Health program operations manager
  • Healthcare consultant
  • Health care planner
  • Health promotion program officer
  • Education curriculum development director
  • Education program administration manager
  • Child health care programs planning officer
  • Drug and alcohol abuse consultant
  • Mental health residential care program manager
  • Mental health programs consultant
  • Nutrition educator
  • Family services area manager

Make the most of your major

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help clarify understanding of your values and interests.

  • Departmental research opportunities
    Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
  • UBC Dietitians of Canada Student Representatives
    Connect with students in the program as well as dietetics students across Canada through association events.
  • UBC Farm
    Get involved with many different opportunities in teaching and research on this 24-hectare community farm on campus.
  • UBC Nutrikids
    Meet other UBC students to work together to provide nutrition education workshops for Lower Mainland elementary schools.
  • Roots on the Roof
    Join this student-run club that manages community garden plots and hosts community events  on the roof of the Nest.
  • UBC Sprouts and Seedlings
    Volunteer your time with this student-run non-profit grocery store and café on campus.
  • Vegans of UBC
    Work with other vegans to build a more ethical and healthier UBC community.
  • BC Children’s Hospital research
    Participate in an undergraduate research project related to child and family health.
  • SuperChefs
    Empower and educate children on obesity using programs showcasing balanced nutrition, food preparation, and building positive lifelong habits for well-being.
  • Fraser Health volunteer opportunities
    Gain volunteer experience with healthcare opportunities in local communities.
  • Vancouver Coastal Health volunteer opportunities
    Gain volunteer experience with healthcare opportunities in local communities.
  • Agora Eats Café
    Provide affordable, healthy food choices volunteering with this student run café within the MacMillan building.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC Dietetics graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More information

From your Land and Food Systems degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Land and Food Systems degree.

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