The afternoon started off with the Human Nutrition (Bsc) Course Leader, Dr Ihab Tewik introducing the event and welcoming both guests, students and staff. Leonie Milliner, the Chief Executive from Association for Nutrition (AfN) started the afternoon off speaking about the AfN, what is it, the process of being a registered nutritionist post graduating and how students can become involve in opportunities. As a registered charity, the AfN was launched in June 2010 with the prime purpose to protect the public and at the same time to collectively influence the inter-professional relations with other professionals. Since the Human Nutrition course at Westminster is accredited by the AfN, students are automatically becomes Associated Nutritionists (ANutr) post graduating by registering within 2 years. This show how good the University of Westminster prepares students to become health professionals upon graduating- not every university gives this opportunity to their students!
Dr Margaret Ashwell OBE annually gives lectures to Human Nutrition students on one of the modules. Having done a lot in her science career, Dr Ashwell spoke about her scientific research and communications to the students. Inspiring us with her vast knowledge of science over the years, Dr Ashwell ended the talk by giving some advices to students on how to succeed- “…if your results don’t make physiological sense, think! You may have made a mistake or you may have made a discovery” She has shown how scientific communication is important to communicate with others.
The event welcomed another speaker, Dr Linda Thomas, Science Director from Yakult UK Ltd. It was interesting to hear how Dr Thomas started off as a microbiologist and became a science director today. Speaking about her career experiences and the challenges she went through, it was fascinating to know how knowing people working in the industry has led her to find opportunities and giving her the experience to seek what is out there. As well as sharing her challenges, she gave advices to students on what employers looks for during recruitment. Standing out from the crowd, being enthusiastic and demonstrating relevant skills are just a few good examples.
Helena Gibson-Moore, a Nutrition Scientist from the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) was the next speaker after break. From a small charity based in London, she spoke introduced the charity and how the BNF offers opportunities for students to expand their knowledge and skills from conferences, internships and membership.
The last speaker of the day was CEO, Mark Hollingsworth from The Nutrition Society. It was interesting to hear the CEO came from Air Force and how his career has changed to become who he is today. The Nutrition Society was explained and how becoming a member in the society gives members the opportunity to experience the 4 points: knowledge, support, development and network. It was inspiring to know that for only £20 a year, (yes, is £20 and we couldn’t believe it!) student members can have access to these opportunities.
The afternoon ended with a session of networking between staff, students and guest speakers. The event was a success and all students enjoyed the afternoon, knowing that there are opportunities for students to expand their networks, knowledge and skills whilst studying at the University of Westminster.
“Being a great opportunity to hear and learn from key professionals in the field of nutrition at what was a well attended event” (Colette Hurst, President of Westminster Nutrition Society)
For more information about the Westminster Nutrition Society or would like to join (free membership!!), please contact them at nutrition.soc@su.westminster.ac.uk or follow them on Twitter: @NutSocUWSU (During the afternoon, there was LIVE tweeting using hashtag #UoWNutrition
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