With the aim of ensuring our IMU Nutrition and Dietetics students are better prepared for the workforce, the Graduate Preparedness Advisory Committee (GPAC) has always engaged industry partners to align university-industry expectations for health science graduates.
Now entering its 5th consecutive year, the forum themed ‘Expanding Your Career Horizons in Nutrition and Dietetics – What’s in the Future?’ was held virtually on 9 September 2021. Spanning almost 2 hours, highly experienced panellists from various institutions and industries contributed their invaluable insights and share about the career possibilities in the dynamic landscape of nutrition and dietetics.
| The seven esteemed panellists were: | |
|---|---|
| Basmawati Baharom | Head of Dietetic Profession at Ministry of Health and Chief Dietitian from Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban; |
| Nurul Aziah Musa | Chief Dietitian at Subang Jaya Medical Centre |
| Wong Mei Ching | Group Corporate Nutrition Manager from Nestle Malaysia |
| Chua Kai Jia | Community Dietitian from Alpro Pharmacy |
| Siti Amirah Shaheera | Founder of Studio Dietitian MY |
| Georgen Thye | Principal Dietitian from Holmusk |
| Prof Norimah A Karim | IMU faculty |
It was a successful event, with many students attesting to how the forum had enlightened them on their future career paths.
| What Our Students Say About the Forum | ||
|---|---|---|
| Jade Marie | Dietetics with Nutrition student (DN119) | I truly enjoyed the GPAC forum. It was a very useful session for us budding dietitians and nutritionists. All the speakers gave us very helpful advice, insights to the real-world which we will soon face after graduating, and the myriad of opportunities that lie ahead. I really appreciate all the effort involved in making this meaningful forum. |
| Khor Man Yee | Dietetics with Nutrition student (DN119) | It was an inspiring session that had broadened my perspective after hearing from the experts from the diverse industries. The most profound insight from me came from Ms Siti Amirah whose sharing emphasized to me that when there is a will, there is a way! – Khor Man Yee, DN119. |
| Chia Peang Hui | Nutrition student (NT119) | I was completely unsure about my career pathway before this. Even as I chose to be educated as a nutritionist, I want to define myself too. Joining the GPAC forum, they (the panellists) gave me new insights on my future. Our career can be impactful, and with the forum I believe I will have the confidence to succeed. |
| Choo Pei Yee | Dietetics with Nutrition student (DN119) | It was a very inspiring forum! I’ve always been interested in digital health and I was glad to hear from the panellist, Georgen, when he shared about his experience at Holmusk. It has motivated me to explore that field even more! Moreover, this forum has reassured my confidence and somehow told me that ‘I’m on the right track’. |
| Nathaniel Keshan | Dietetics with Nutrition student (DN119) | It was a very motivating and enlightening forum. The part that stuck with me the most was when the panellists talked about the skills, especially soft skills, that we should have or build upon before we go into the working world. Knowing what future employers look for would enable us to take the necessary steps in preparing for the real world while we are still studying. |
