Katherine Pringle, our specialist Senior AHP consultant, got caught up with Leanne, one of our fantastic Dietetic Support Workers working within the Belfast Trust. Leanne kindly shared her experience of finding employment after her studies, what her current role means for her career path, how she found working through agency and her advice for the students currently studying.

Tell us about you, what you studied at university and how did you find searching for employment after completing your studies?

My name is Leanne Fearon and I studied BSc Food Quality, Safety and Nutrition at Queen’s University Belfast. I am currently working as a Dietetic Support Worker within the Belfast Trust. Post-graduation, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the initial search for employment was difficult as not many companies were hiring and if they were, it was mainly only part-time roles available. At this stage, I had in mind that I would like some experience within a Dietetic department. Thanks to Keenan Recruitment, I ended up with a relatively straightforward search for employment and finding a brilliant job opportunity to help with my career progression.

Can you discuss your experience of working as a Dietetic Assistant throughout the last year? What does your day to day involve?

My experience as working as a Dietetic Support Worker throughout the last year has been brilliant. My current role within the Community General Team entails a number of routine tasks alongside project work such as completing Oral Nutritional Supplement (ONS) reviews with patients and carers, requesting these supplements from the GP’s and generating patient assessment letters. I get an opportunity to liaise with Dietitians, other healthcare professionals, clients and their carers face to face, via telephone and through written letters, emails and reports daily and I often complete patient weighing clinics on a regular basis. Alongside this, I have gained valuable experience within different teams as the first four months I was a part of the Community Diabetes Team so I have had the opportunity to see and learn different tasks and responsibilities within each team.

How do you feel your current role will help with your career progression, and your plans for further studies?

My current role has provided me with a valuable experience to help with my career progression. Not only has it allowed me to enhance and develop some of the key skills and qualities associated with working in a healthcare environment, but it has provided me with a valuable insight into the world of Dietetics. I am very excited to start my plan for further studies which includes completing MSc Dietetics in Ulster University Coleraine, commencing September 2022.

What has been your experience working through agency? Would you have any advice for students that are considering agency work?

My experience of working through the agency has been excellent. The staff within the agency are so friendly and have provided any help and support throughout my role. Before starting this role, I had never even heard of agency work or what it entailed but I would definitely recommend this to other students as it is a brilliant way of getting some experience and your foot in through the door.

What advice would you have for students currently studying in regards to employment upon qualifying?

My main piece of advice for students currently studying is to contact every possible company/ agency to enquire about any upcoming roles. While they may not be actively recruiting at that time, they will have your details and contact you as soon as any potential roles come up, providing you with a head start to show your interest before other candidates. Alongside this, start the job search early – it often takes some time before jobs become available and the hiring process to commence. Lastly, I would advise students to do as many interviews as possible, even if it’s just for practice. This helps to perfect any answers that you have prepared as the style/ type of questions asked in interviews are often quite similar and this will help to boost your confidence. Additionally, these interviews give you an opportunity to ask for any feedback on what went well or how you can improve for the next time.

If you are interested in registering for work with Keenan please call T: 028 90447144 or email alliedhealth@keenanrecruitment.co.uk