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

Aim
The aim of this study was to explore nutrition professionals' perspectives of nutrition graduates' employability skills, and knowledge and skills required in the industry to understand gaps in undergraduate nutrition curriculum.

Methods
Nutrition professionals (n = 26) across Australia were approached to participate in semi-structured interviews via telephone in 2018. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, data analysed using thematic analysis, and results interpreted and discussed.

Results
Nine participants across six work environments completed interviews. Common work roles were identified in their diverse areas of practice: nutrition educators, food developers, team members, and business leaders. Nutrition professionals identified that, in addition to evidence-based discipline knowledge, key skills and knowledge needed for their roles were interpersonal communication, including writing and listening. Participants highlighted the need for employability skills to be embedded within curriculum with emphasis on professional skills, business skills and discipline-specific skills in communicating complex science messages to a range of audiences. Networking, and formal and informal work-integrated learning were viewed as important vehicles for developing required skills. Participants expected that universities develop curriculum to address gaps; however, reflection by the academic researchers suggested this should be a joint role.

Conclusions
Early career planning, professional skill development, work experience and networking opportunities should enhance graduate employability.