Hi All,

I would really appreciate input or advice! I have been in Switzerland for the past 6 months with my Husband. I have a B permit.

I am a dietitian with 7 years experience. I have worked extensively in the areas of obesity and public health, and am currently completing my diploma of sports nutrition.

My problem is that I am finding it hard to get a job. I am aware of the big companies like Nestle but they seem to offer jobs which are not suitable for my skill set.

I am have been in contact with the Swiss Dietetics Association but they haven't got back to me yet.

can anyone help? Any ideas of where I maybe able to find work?

Thanks in advance

Amy

Germany or the U.K. need you more than Switzerland. Switzerland doesn't really have the obesity problem - yet.

No, I'd disagree. There is a lot of interest and concern about nutrition here - especially as it relates to chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease.

I'd suggest you contact the nutrition departments of cantonal and/or university hospitals, endocrinologists (dealing with diabetes), oncologists, perhaps some primary care docs, maybe cardiologists. I think it's a situation of networking and finding out where the opportunities are, and what qualifications you need to be the level of professional you desire.

Right- first thing, if you haven't already done it, is to find out if your education is recognized here. You may be in for a shock. Or maybe not, but still important to know.

How about fitness centers ? They may need some consulting work for their clients.

I think you will have to contact them once again because the Swiss, no offense meant to the Swiss, would probably not just return your contact.

Did you write a letter or phone or e-mail?

If you write a certified letter( Einschreiben in German, French don't know ), you might get a better response.

What are you language skills? German, French, only English?

Certified letter in French = lettre recommandée BUT, you just need to write Recommandé on top of the adress (there is a new designation "Lettre signature" but it's rarely in use).

Good luck

i would also check into the local gyms- at least for consultation for sports nutrition and the like. also, in lausanne there are many sports federations, why not contact them- just to see what is out there. best of luck!

Thanks very much for all your help

Just to clarify I think there is a lot of interest in nutrition here - I am not saying that at all - what I am saying though is the job advertised are usually require a high level of skills and qualifications (i.e. phDs).

I also think that even though the Swiss are interested in prevention of chronic disease their health statistics are very good in comparison to other Countries as you stated Tom1234! The obesity rate here is very low. I have worked in the UK for 5 years so I know how the bad the problem is! Anyhow, I am not sure how much they would be investing in obesity and life style related diseases.

I have contacted the Red Cross regarding recognition of my degree so thank you to Mud for suggesting this - that was really helpful.

Best Wishes

Amy

I hope you didn't gain your knowledge with the U.K. NHS?

At the hospital in the U.K. where my Swiss wife had her first baby, she asked whether they ever served fruit with the meals and was told that Thursday was fruit day -hardly the message that one would think they should be getting across when half the people in hospital seem to be in there for diet and lifestyle related illnesses. And, in the same hospital, the only food you could get in the food hall was from fast-food outlets.

Some one high-up in the NHS needs a good kick-up the backside.

Anyway, this is a bit off-topic so good luck with your quest!