European University of Lefke (EUL) Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Nutrition and Dietetics organized a conference themed “Career Journey in Dietetic Profession”. Expert Dietitian Aslı İçingür participated in the conference as a speaker.

It is important for people studying in such an important section that affects human health to improve themselves in related fields.

İçingür said that “In a changing and developing world, the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics increases its importance and validity day by day” and emphasized that it is important for people studying in such an important section that affects human health to improve themselves in related fields. İçingür went on to say that “Throughout my professional life, I have aimed to do the best work I have done. As a student, I became a very social, sensitive and professional dietician. My starting point was ‘I will always try to be part of the solution, not the problem’. When you start to act with this discourse, you stop complaining and you just work hard.”

There are three components that a Dietitian must have

Talking about the three components that a dietitian must have, İçingür said that “First, a dietitian should be a good leader. Because they are usually responsible for the kitchen in the institutions where they will work”. Pointing out that working in harmony with the chef in the kitchen hierarchy and managing that team is one of the golden rules of success, İçingür said that “Hospital, school, hotel or catering companies need to spend a serious kitchen shift. Therefore, experience in human management is a must”.

“The second feature is its high persuasion ability. No one wants to work with a dietitian whose diction is not smooth, does not care about its appearance and does not understand human psychology. Whether you work in a private polyclinic or in any institution, it is very difficult to hold in the sector if you do not have the ability to convince”, she said. She also added that in order for this feature to develop, one should first know himself / herself very well and trust him/herself. Pointing out that it is impossible to convince without having knowledge, İçingür said that “Therefore, it is very valuable to be a dietitian who reads, researches and renews him/her self constantly”.

İçingür stated that “The third feature is to be competent in project management and strategy development” and added that this is an important feature not only in the profession of dietetics but also in every profession in order to make a difference. She went on to say that “Being able to correctly perceive, analyse and develop new projects and strategies according to the needs of the society or the institution you are in may bring you to a different point than your other colleagues” and added that reading, research and getting to know new people will develop in direct proportion. “If you could start doing these in your school years, it will return to you as an advantage”, she said.

It is very important that a dietitian has good culinary and recipe knowledge

Pointing out that dietetics is an in-depth study of the nutritional science of the department, and the kitchen is in fact an integral part of this science, İçingür said that “  It is very important for a dietician to have good culinary and recipe knowledge, so it was an unforgettable experience for me to cook in various restaurants and hotels after reading and after graduation. In this way, I can prepare my diets in a more conscious and internalized way”.

İçingür finally gave some advices to the students and said that “ Do your job fondly. Because our job is with man, we must understand ourselves first to understand human beings and to understand ourselves, we must learn the basics of creation and human nature. In fact, we should be able to understand some anthropology, some philosophy, some psychology and physiology. I have no doubt that each of you will be precious dieticians who will make a difference in their field. Believe in yourself and your profession, and always strive to bring your community or organization to better conditions”.