In the latest instalment of the Alumni Spotlight, we speak to Nicole Lavin, who studied Sport and Exercise Science before pursuing a Master’s Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. Nicole shares how the interdisciplinary learning experience at UL has benefitted her work as a dietician at University Hospital Limerick.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m from Limerick and went to school in Castletroy College. I grew up playing sports in UL, so I was here most weekends. I did both my undergraduate degree and master's at UL. For my undergrad, I studied Sport and Exercise Science at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science and graduated in 2018. I then went straight into my Master’s Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics at the School of Allied Health and graduated in 2020.
Why did you choose the MSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics at UL?
I absolutely love Limerick, so when the MSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics was brought to UL, I immediately applied. I knew I wanted to become a dietitian, but the only other dietetics course at that time was in Dublin. UL, in my opinion, has one of the best campuses in Ireland. It has so much to offer and there is always something going on.
What did you enjoy most about the course and how did UL support you throughout your studies?
I loved the mix of doing lectures in UL and then being out on placement for a few weeks at a time. I also really enjoyed having lectures with other members of the Allied Health team like physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists. I learned a lot about the other disciplines’ roles in healthcare. This experience has stood to me, now that I work with them every day in the hospital.
All the lecturers on the course were so supportive. It is a very small course so we got to know everyone very well. They were all such a great help and offered so much guidance.
Can you tell me about your work placement?
I did my clinical placements in Galway University Hospital and Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore which provided me with great experience to bring with me to my current role as a dietitian in University Hospital Limerick. I also did a community placement with Limerick Learning Hub and NOVAs Limerick. This was a role-emerging placement which involved working in areas where a dietitian could be hugely beneficial.
What career pathways can students expect from studying Human Nutrition and Dietetics?
There are so many career opportunities that come from this course. The obvious one is working as a dietitian in a clinical setting (hospitals) or community healthcare setting (primary care centres). Other pathways include sports dietetics which is becoming huge as nutrition is becoming more and more acknowledged as a key pillar to sports performance. Working with companies in industry is another option or if you are interested in clinical research there will always be career opportunities for you. It is definitely a growing profession and new career pathways are always developing.
What did you enjoy about UL? What is student life like here?
I loved all the events that went on in UL. From weekly farmers markets to RAG weeks to shows in the concert hall. I was always kept busy.
Are there any campus locations that hold special significance for you?
I love the living bridge. I still take my dog on a walk in UL and he loves running on the bridge. The scenery is so beautiful no matter the time of year.
Tell me about your own career journey so far?
Once I graduated, I started working in Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore. After a few months, I moved back to Limerick and began working in University Hospital Limerick (UHL), where I currently work. I took a career break and travelled to Australia for a year but luckily returned to my job in UHL halfway through 2024. I also work privately with high-performance athletes and have a real interest in sports nutrition.
How did your UL course and your overall UL experience prepare you for entering the workplace upon graduating?
UL provides a great opportunity for networking. I met so many dietitians and healthcare professionals throughout the course, which I have been in contact with since graduating. Because of my placements in different hospitals, I was really well prepared for going straight into working as a clinical dietitian. I was able to hit the ground running as I did my final placement in Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore and was offered my first job there thanks to that.
What are your hopes and plans for the future?
I hope to develop my private practice further and want to advance in the area of sports nutrition. I hope to continue working in UHL as a clinical dietitian. Healthcare is always evolving and there is always something new to learn.
What advice would you offer to students considering studying at UL?
UL is a really great university to choose. Get involved and give everything a go. Enjoy every minute, time flies.