Human Nutrition and Dietetics student lands role with BDA
A GCU student is hoping her previous experience running a breastfeeding support group will provide her with the perfect formula in her new position with the British Dietetic Association (BDA).
Fourth year Human Nutrition and Dietetics student Lisa Singh will be taking on the role of Events Organiser with the professional body’s West of Scotland Branch. She will be tasked with helping to deliver four events over the course of the next year and will also be responsible for setting up surveys to find out what members want to know more about.
Lisa is hoping her prior unique events experience will stand her in good stead. She explained: “I was previously a Paediatric Nurse in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and there was a time where we didn’t have a Lactation Consultant who was working full-time. As a result, I did further training back then and found it really interesting.
When I moved to Scotland, I no longer worked as a nurse but I still wanted to use my new knowledge to provide support to others. I was self-employed for a time and started running my own breastfeeding support group and also organised a charity event for parents as part of World Breastfeeding Week a couple of years ago.”
Lisa added: “I also coordinated my high school graduation event, so I definitely have some skills to put to use!”
Following a busy period in both her family and professional life, Lisa explained why the time was now right for her to get involved with the BDA.
She said: “No matter what job you have, I really think it’s important to engage with your professional body.
I’ve been wanting to take on a role for a while but it wasn’t the right moment for me. I fell pregnant, had a lot of coursework and there was also a pandemic to deal with over the last couple of years. Now I have more time to just go for it!
I also spoke with Elaine Penman and Joanna Taylor, who have both previously taken on student roles with the West of Scotland branch of the BDA, and they reassured me that it wouldn’t be too demanding - even with my final year placement just around the corner.”
Lisa added: “I decided to apply and was notified by email that my application was successful. I’m absolutely delighted to get the opportunity and really looking forward to getting started.”
With her University journey shortly coming to an end, Lisa recognises the importance of gaining experience while learning.
She said: “It’s great because it gets me in contact with other dieticians and allows me to gain different perspectives on situations that I’ve faced during placement.
I would definitely advise other students to volunteer. It’s obviously beneficial to your CV but it’s also giving you new skills that you can bring into your work and personal life. It’s important we all use our time wisely.”
By Ross Clark
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