It’s Normal to Still Be Figuring Out Your Specialty

By Valeria Portuese

As I approach the completion of my Master’s program, I find myself experiencing a mix of excitement and nervousness as I prepare to officially enter the field of dietetics. While I am eager to begin my career, I also feel uncertain about which area I want to specialize in. I recently began my clinical rotation, which I am greatly anticipating, as it will provide the opportunity to explore various aspects of clinical nutrition. I am hopeful that one of these areas will resonate with me. Knowing that several of my peers are feeling the same way has been reassuring and reminds me that I am not alone in this process. 

Nutrition is a diverse field that overlaps with medicine, psychology, food systems, fitness, and more. While some individuals seem to have their career paths and specialties determined early on, it is completely acceptable to still be figuring things out. Comparing oneself to peers can create unnecessary pressure to make quick decisions, but career paths are not one size fits all. Although the wide range of specialties within dietetics can feel overwhelming, it is also one of the profession’s greatest strengths, as it provides opportunities to explore and grow. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition with a minor in Psychology and have always enjoyed working with people. Initially, foodservice was not an area I was particularly interested in; however, completing my foodservice rotation and gaining real-world experience helped me appreciate its value and importance. 

At the start of my clinical rotation, I felt extremely nervous and sensed an internal pressure to enjoy clinical work and pursue a career as a clinical dietitian. Hearing other dietitians discuss feeling overworked and underpaid in clinical settings made me question whether this path was 

right for me. As the rotation progressed, however, I gained valuable insight and learned that clinical nutrition heavily emphasizes interprofessional collaboration. I found this aspect especially rewarding, as it fosters learning, teamwork, and meaningful connections with other healthcare professionals. I am now truly enjoying my rotation and appreciate the opportunity to apply the knowledge we have spent years studying. Most importantly, this experience has reinforced that the true value of this work lies in the satisfaction of helping others. 

By the end of this rotation, after working with a variety of populations, I hope to discover an area that genuinely resonates with me. If that clarity does not come immediately, I understand that it is normal for interests to evolve over time. One of the greatest advantages of the dietetics profession is its flexibility and range of career options. With continued experience, I am confident that I will eventually find my specialty. For now, I am focused on building a strong foundation in medical nutrition therapy, evidence-based practice, and effective communication skills, which will allow me to be both confident and adaptable in my career. At this stage, I envision beginning my career as a clinical dietitian and potentially transitioning into outpatient counseling, but I am open to wherever my journey leads. 

As healthcare professionals who advocate for health and well-being, it is essential that we also extend that compassion to ourselves. Allowing space to explore, and grow is not a weakness but a strength. Trusting that clarity will develop through time and experience, is an important part of the professional journey.

We love celebrating the next generation of nutrition leaders! Want to learn more about the passionate students shaping the future of our profession? Click here to get to know the 2025-2026 FAND Student Advisory Committee.