An exploratory study of industry perspectives to inform undergraduate nutrition employability initiatives | JoVE Visualize

An exploratory study of industry perspectives to inform undergraduate nutrition employability initiatives

Sharon Croxford^1,2, Emma Stirling^1,2, Susan McLeod²

¹School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria.

Nutrition & Dietetics : the Journal of the Dietitians Association of Australia|March 29, 2022

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Nutrition professionals seek enhanced employability skills in graduates, emphasizing communication and practical experience. Universities and industry must collaborate to bridge curriculum gaps for better career readiness.

Area of Science:

Nutrition Science
Higher Education
Workforce Development

Background:

Undergraduate nutrition curricula may not adequately prepare graduates for industry demands.
Understanding industry needs is crucial for aligning academic programs with employability requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore nutrition professionals' perspectives on essential employability skills for graduates.
To identify knowledge and skill gaps in current undergraduate nutrition curricula.
To inform curriculum development for improved graduate preparedness.

Main Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 nutrition professionals across Australia.
Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview data.
Data were collected via telephone interviews in 2018.

Main Results:

Key skills identified include interpersonal communication (writing, listening), professional, business, and discipline-specific communication abilities.
Participants emphasized the need for embedding employability skills within the curriculum.
Work environments included nutrition education, food development, and leadership roles.

Conclusions:

Enhancing graduate employability requires early career planning, professional skill development, work experience, and networking.
A collaborative approach between universities and industry is suggested for curriculum development.
Work-integrated learning and networking are vital for skill acquisition.