Best route to careers in nutrition/personal training

College is right around the corner for me and I'm definitely extremely interested in nutrition and personal training. There is very little information around about the best choices in order to be successful in this field.

Here is my plan:
Major: 4 year degree in Exercise Kinesiology
Minor: Health Promotions
Add Ons- A&P 1&2, Intro to Microbiology, and Organic Chem for prerequisites

Post-Grad:
Master of Science in Nutrition
Obtain ISSN Sports Nutrition Certification
Obtain Personal Training Certification

If there is anyone out there with experience in this field I would love to hear any tips or opinions that you have.

Sounds like you are on the right track. What more do you want that you aren't gonna get with all that education and certifications?

[url]http://www.alanaragonblog.com/2009/11/12/directions-toward-a-career-in-fitness-part-1/[/url]

[QUOTE=realeyz;441796161]Sounds like you are on the right track. What more do you want that you aren't gonna get with all that education and certifications?[/QUOTE]

idk, I was thinking of Phd in Nutrition but I don't think that would apply to a profession I would enjoy. I was just posting this for any pointers or advice someone could give me that could benefit me in any way. I know the best way to learn about a career is to talk to those who are involved in it.

also interested in more info here. what Im most curious about is whether or not the training/diet industry is growing...will there be more or less jobs in 5 years than there are now? I don't want to spend my time/effort on a kinesiology degree only to graduate and be fighting for a job.

[QUOTE=getgot211;441803451][url]http://www.alanaragonblog.com/2009/11/12/directions-toward-a-career-in-fitness-part-1/[/url][/QUOTE]

Thanks, I actually already read that series as well as Girth Control. Alan is fantastic and knows what he's talking about. However, he was a bit unclear in that series as to the best choices for a nutrition career, but was extremely helpful because he detailed his journey through the ranks and I certainly learned a lot.

[QUOTE=crackberry420;441807261]also interested in more info here. what Im most curious about is whether or not the training/diet industry is growing...will there be more or less jobs in 5 years than there are now? I don't want to spend my time/effort on a kinesiology degree only to graduate and be fighting for a job.[/QUOTE]

Yes, this was an issue of mine also, however it appears that the industry is definitely growing and the potential jobs should increase in the field. The worst case scenario for me would to become a basic personal trainer at a local YMCA or something. You're pretty much guarunteed a job right now and most gyms near me are hiring for any PT's with minimal knowlege they can hire. The degree in kinesiology should only separate you from the pack and land you a better job.

[QUOTE=buddy72192;441809551]Yes, this was an issue of mine also, however it appears that the industry is definitely growing and the potential jobs should increase in the field. The worst case scenario for me would to become a basic personal trainer at a local YMCA or something. You're pretty much guarunteed a job right now and most gyms near me are hiring for any PT's with minimal knowlege they can hire. The degree in kinesiology should only separate you from the pack and land you a better job.[/QUOTE]

It's all about [B]WHAT[/B] you're thinking of doing as a job. Not specifically - but what it would entail (i.e. consulting like a PT, Dietician - clinical or not, nutritionist etc....). I'm in the program now myself and from people who have graduated and saw the job market, my advice was the same from everyone -- get a nutrition degree that allows you to sit for the dietician certification. Also a minor or double major in kin. or exercise science etc....would seperate you from the pack for sure.

[QUOTE=MarkVI;441856671]It's all about [B]WHAT[/B] you're thinking of doing as a job. Not specifically - but what it would entail (i.e. consulting like a PT, Dietician - clinical or not, nutritionist etc....). I'm in the program now myself and from people who have graduated and saw the job market, my advice was the same from everyone -- get a nutrition degree that allows you to sit for the dietician certification. Also a minor or double major in kin. or exercise science etc....would seperate you from the pack for sure.[/QUOTE]

Yes, that's the difficult part, I am unsure of what I want to do exactly. All I know is that I want to be something involved in the field of nutrition and atheltics. Whether that be hands on training, speaking to ppl about nutrition or writing articles for magazines or online sites I don't know yet. I hope that with what I plan to do I'll be ready to do just about anything in my intended general field.

I don't know if I'll become and R.D yet, you think that's essential?

[QUOTE=buddy72192;442075931]Yes, that's the difficult part, I am unsure of what I want to do exactly. All I know is that I want to be something involved in the field of nutrition and atheltics. Whether that be hands on training, speaking to ppl about nutrition or writing articles for magazines or online sites I don't know yet. I hope that with what I plan to do I'll be ready to do just about anything in my intended general field.

I don't know if I'll become and R.D yet, you think that's essential?[/QUOTE]

No, I don't think it is, but it also means you have a pretty reliable job to fall back on if times are tough. Plus stupid people will lap up any letters after your name.