Careers
Related Skills
- Good decision making and judgment capabilities
- The ability to identify and solve complex problems
- Effective logic, reasoning and critical thinking skills
- Effective writing and speaking skills
- Active listening skills
Being Successful in the Field
- Most positions require the Registered Dietitian (RD) credential. Become an RD through an accredited bachelor's or master's program followed by an approved, supervised internship.
- A bachelor's degree is sufficient for some opportunities in applied research and in food processing.
- Earn a master's or doctoral degree to conduct basic research.
- Registration Examination for Dietitians.
- A high percentage of food scientists work for local, state or federal government. Learn government application procedures.
- One should enjoy helping people and working with healthcare professionals and have an interest in good health, nutrition, and fitness.
- Join professional associations and student organizations to stay abreast of current issues in the field and to develop networking contacts.
- Get involved with the Institute of Food Technologists.
- Talk to professionals already in your desired field regarding their backgrounds. Arrange a shadowing experience.
- Develop interviewing and counseling techniques.
Related Fields
The Dietetics sequence is a direct career path to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Dietitians practice in various settings including:
- Acute Care Hospitals
- Long-term Care Facilities
- Health Departments
- Cancer Centers
- Government Agencies
- Food Service Industry
- Sports Nutrition
- Private Practice
Program Highlights
- ISU has everything you need to be an RDN
- ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics
- Higher than national average dietetic internships placement
- Multiple options to complete master’s requirement at ISU
- Hands-on learning opportunities in newly renovated state-of-the-art foods lab
Being Successful in the Field
Get Experience Early
There are endless opportunities to get involved as you work toward a career in Food and Nutrition Management. Begin by joining a student organization like Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics Club where you’ll have the chance to network with faculty, alumni, and professionals as well as fellow students in the Food and Nutrition Management program at ISU.
Complete an internship that relates to your career goals. Students in the Food and Nutrition Management major will complete a required undergraduate internship as part of their academic requirements, which typically takes place the summer between junior and senior year. As you engage yourself in your courses, start thinking early about your passion areas in the field, what you still want to learn, and what kind of internship will prepare you for the career you want after graduation.
Consider Earning a Minor
Some common minors that pair well with Dietetics include:
* Adding a minor is not required to graduate
Alumni/Employers
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – Chicago, IL
- Sodexo – Bloomington, IL
- TouchPoint Support Services – Various
- OSF HealthCare - Various
- Northwestern Medicine – Chicago, IL
- UnityPoint Health – Various
- Carle Health and Fitness – Bloomington, IL
- Rush University Medical Center – Chicago, IL
- Kindred Healthcare – Peoria, IL
Career Industry Liaison
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Radcliffe | 223 Bone Student Center | nrradcl@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2200 |
Internship Coordinator
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jenna Kirkwood | Turner Hall 106 | jlkirk6@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2517 |