- A growing need for corporate nutritionists is to counsel employees with diabetes. These employees have special dietary needs according to their status as a patient with Type I or Type II diabetes. Writing on the perspective of the broad field of nutrition, Carol Coles Caldwell observes, "Intervention efforts include cultivating healthy nutrition behaviors, identifying appealing modes of exercise, and using varied therapies for nutrition management." In a diabetic consultation, the corporate nutritionist might interview the employee and create a custom meal plan based on the recommended daily sugar intake that incorporates the employee's preferred foods.
- Corporate nutritionists may also be responsible for planning large-scale meal programs for corporations with dining services for employees and/or customers. A nutritionist combines knowledge of nutrition and food safety with the principles of business management to create menus that are cost-effective and healthy. Nutritionists can play an important role in convincing management to reduce group health care costs by offering healthy meals on-site.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth for nutritionists and dietitians will grow 9 percent from 2006 to 2016. This statistic represents a projection for job growth as fast as average when compared to all other occupational groups in the U.S. Some nutritionists may find work in corporate nutrition careers by performing work on a consultant basis.
- Corporate nutritionists play an important role in helping employees develop overall healthy living patterns. The corporate nutritionist will collaborate with other employee service providers, including providers, counselors and fitness professionals, to provide strategies for total wellness. The nutritionist can work with an employee's personal trainer and medical doctor to build a comprehensive plan for improving fitness and weight loss.
- Corporate nutrition careers may also include working on the development of software tools that enable dietitians and nutritionists to plan meals and other tools for their clients. The Nutrition Entrepreneurs, a dietetic practice group of the American Dietetic Association, offers information on getting involved in developing nutrition software. Career seekers can visit their website to find Web seminars and other educational resources, including topics like building a corporate wellness business.
