Nutrition Professional Testimonials

“During my undergraduate degree in the dietetics program at the Mount, I worked in the Food & Nutrition Services department at the QEII. When I graduated, I had an unsuccessful attempt at the DC Match Internship Program. With my Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition, I got a job as a Dietetic Technician at the hospital. Working as a Dietetic Technician provided me with some of the best nutrition experience of my life. I learned so much about nutrition, patient-specific care, and I got to work with clinical dietitians everyday. When I reapplied for the DC Match, I was accepted and am now working towards becoming a Registered Dietitian.”     
A graduate of the Mount

“After my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, I completed my Bachelor of Education in Science Education, and then continued to do my Master’s and PhD in Nutritional Science. I am currently doing research to identify the physiological and environmental determinants that control appetite and food intake in children. I have worked as an elementary school teacher, researcher, and professor. My primary research interest is in children’s nutrition.”   
A professor at the Mount

“With my BSc. in Applied Human Nutrition from the Mount, I found a career in Pharmaceuticals as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative with Impres Pharma. What I like most about my job is that it is very self-directed; you get to make your own schedule and your own goals. I enjoy traveling to different parts of the province daily - every day is different. I also enjoy working in the healthcare field dealing directly with nurses, doctors, specialists and dietitians.”
Ashley Hartnett, BSc. AHN

“I graduated with a BSc AHN (Nutrition) from Mount Saint Vincent University in 2010. I plan to work at a pharmacy next year where I will be educating diabetic patients on ways to manage their diabetes through diet and nutrition and will be showing them how to use glucose meters to measure their blood sugar.”                   
A recent graduate of the Mount

“I worked with the National Nutrition Center which is affiliated with Ministry of Health in Burkina Faso as a Nutrition officer. The duties included design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of national nutrition policies. I also worked with the Division of Food Control and Applied Nutrition of the National Public Health Laboratory (Burkina Faso), the equivalent of Canadian Food Inspection Agency: drafting food laws and regulations, assessing quality of imported and locally produced foods, supporting implementation of food quality and safety systems, training staff from food processing companies. At the same time, I was teaching at the National University of Burkina Faso. I also worked as a consultant with UNICEF - Burkina Faso and other international NGO. I am currently member of WHO external advisory expert committee on nutrition guidelines (micronutrient team). I had the opportunity to work a as Nutrition Officer with many international organizations such as CDC, HKI, USAID, UNICEF and humanitarian organizations.”
A former professor of the Mount                         

What advice to you have for students in the Nutrition program at the Mount who are looking into nutrition related careers?

“If you are interested in why things work; go into research.”
A professor at the Mount

“While completing the degree, explore non dietetic career opportunities.”
A graduate of the AHN program at the Mount

“Never limit yourself. The skills that you acquire during your degree can take you places you would have never considered. Go into your degree with several options in mind.” 
A professor at the Mount

“Nothing is impossible in the field of nutrition.”
A graduate of the AHN program at the Mount

“Check out all your options and keep an open mind. There are lots of opportunities out there!”   
A graduate of the AHN program at the Mount

“When I didn't get my internship right out of my undergrad I was crushed, I didn't know what I was going to do. But then I got talking to a lot of different professionals and linked up with someone in pharmaceuticals so get out there and talk to people - find things related to dietetics! I ended up getting my internship the second time around because after working in a different field for a year I knew that’s where I wanted to be.  So my advice would be not to give up, and to not always follow the cookie cutter path that dietetic students think they are suppose to follow, it will all work out in the end and you'll wind up where you were always meant to be.” :)  
Ashley Hartnett, BSc. AHN

“First, make sure that you don't want to be in IEP. Then, try to find out what alternative options exist and understand their requirements: government (federal and provincial), food industry, NGO, CBO (community-based organizations), academic, international, etc. Meet with key persons in appropriate institutions to further discuss and understand the opportunities, their requirement and advices. Based on personal goals, select two or three (options A - top job and B – second choice) paths and build your resume to meet the background requirement. Sometimes, it takes an extra curriculum course, special internship or volunteer work. Build your portfolio and a network map with target institutions (80% of job are not advertised, they are filled by referral) including names, email, phone number and position of key persons in each institution. Maintain an active network. It is also very important to have good references including at least one faculty and one non- academic!”                                 
A former professor of the Mount