Are you unsure about your future? Maybe you can’t decide what to pursue, or you’re growing tired of the career path you’ve chosen. If you’re passionate about helping others, a career in the health and wellness industry might be perfect for you. You might not be sure how to start, so here’s everything you need to know about breaking into the health and wellness industry.
Get the education
Successful careers in the health and wellness industry are made by individuals who are skilled and knowledgeable. If you’d like to help others create meal plans or learn more about nutrition, look into becoming a nutritionist. Nutritionists have a bachelor’s degree in health or nutrition and have to pass a state licensing and certification exam. Some nutritionists even have a graduate degree in the field. This process — bachelor’s degree and licensing or certification — is fairly common for many careers in the health and wellness industry, though some careers require graduate-level work.
Some careers don’t require any specific schooling. If you’d like to become a personal trainer, you can work towards certification on your own without any degree. Certifications are available from accredited organizations such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine. You can apply for certification online and then study for the exam on your own. After you pass the certification exam, you’ll be a certified personal trainer. This is especially important if you’re looking to work in a fitness studio because most studio owners will not hire someone who isn’t certified.
Even after you’ve gotten the proper education and certification, it’s important that you make sure you’re staying informed on new advances in the health and wellness industry. Many certifications will require you to earn credits towards your certification because this proves you’re staying up-to-date on the current research. Something like an online dynamic stretching course will typically help you keep your certification current, and it will give you something new to implement with your fitness classes.
Find the right location
After you’ve decided what you’d like to pursue and you’ve earned the right degrees and credentials, you need to find the right job. And retained executive search firms can help you find the right location. You can also check your current neighborhood. If you realize your area has no nutritionists or health coaches, it might be a good idea to start your own business. This might sound scary, but if you’re cornering the market in your area, it will be easy for you to find clients.
If you’ve become a personal or group trainer, see whether there’s a fitness studio in your area that’s looking to hire. Working for a studio is advantageous for you because the studio already has an established client base, and you’ll never feel the pressure of being your own boss. However, you’ll have to split some of your profits with the studio owner. So if you think you can be more successful striking out on your own, it might be the best idea. Luckily, you’ll always have the option to start your own business when the time is right, so don’t worry too much about starting out at a studio or club.
Careers in health and wellness are predicted to grow, so now is a great time to start the transition to a new path in life. Helping others become healthier and happier will help you feel amazing, and having a career you’re passionate about can make all the difference in your life. Start working towards your new career, and you’ll be able to break into the industry in no time.
