“As a new grad one of the greatest challenges, lack of experience, can also prove to be a greatest opportunity when volunteering is utilised.

When I graduated five years ago now, the several jobs that I’d been promised didn’t eventuate as funding was cut. I decided that I needed to demonstrate to potential employers that I was someone who would work above and beyond the call of duty to ensure continued learning and leadership skills. Volunteering provides these opportunities whilst also allowing you to network with experienced dietitians in your areas of interest. And you would know the saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know that provides the opportunities.” This is so true!

Also, with a view of needing the hours to qualify as an Accredited Practising Dietitian when you’re struggling to find enough work, volunteering time counts.

I found that the easiest place to find volunteering opportunities as a new grad was through the Dietitians Association of Australia, particularly through the Interest Groups. Within only a few years I’m now convenor of the Dietitians in the Private Sector interest group and sitting on a couple of advisory committees to the DAA board. In these roles, which I can fulfil in my ‘spare’ time, I have ‘collected’ some amazing mentors as well as building my own reputation as a dietitian which has propelled my career as a dietitian.

If you’d told me this would be the case I might not have believed you. There’s only one way to find out for yourself! Just Do It!”

Sally Marchini is an Accredited Practising Dietitian who diagnosed with type 1 diabetes almost 40 years ago and then coeliac disease 13 years ago. It was that second chronic disease diagnosis that inspired her to go to university to become a dietitian, both to benefit her own health and lead by example to help others to enjoy life/food when dealt a condition related to food intake. Sally sees clients from all over Australia via Skype for all types of diabetes, coeliac disease and food intolerances. For more information please visit www.marchininutrition.com.

More articles on My Health Career:

• From patient to dietitian – by Sally Marchini
• Are your clients going gluten free for the right reasons? By Sally Marchini
• What to do if you just graduated and can’t find a dietitian job – by Maree Ferguson, director Dietitian Connection