Career Exploration of Culinary Nutrition: Motivations and Career Aspirations of Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Culinary nutrition is an emerging niche discipline that combines two traditionally-separated career paths of the registered dietitian nutritionist and professional chef. Family and consumer sciences’ (FCS) coursework may be the ideal setting to introduce culinary nutrition as a career path given the three areas of study in the national standards related to this realm. This qualitative study utilized focus groups at two institutions that offer a degree in culinary nutrition, Saint Louis University and Johnson and Wales University, to investigate the motivations and career aspirations of undergraduate students. Five major themes emerged: past experiences; interests and desires; career aspirations; career and lifestyle expectations; decision-making. Each major theme was supported by subthemes at either or both study sites. These findings may be used in career exploration and preparation efforts to further the discipline of culinary nutrition by FCS educators.