Internship or NYSC First? A Fresh Graduate’s Guide to Navigating the Next Step in Nutrition and Healthcare

Graduating from university as a nutritionist, dietitian, or healthcare professional is exciting, but also overwhelming. One of the first big decisions you’ll face is whether to complete your internship first or head straight for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), especially as a Nigerian graduate.

For non-Nigerians, the process may look different, but the journey into professional practice still follows a structured path.

If you’re passionate about mental health, self-care, and supporting new mums and babies, this guide will also show you practical steps to start your career in maternal and infant nutrition—whether you choose an internship first or go straight to NYSC.

Let’s break it all down.

Internship vs. NYSC: Which Comes First?

For Nigerian Graduates

In Nigeria, nutrition and dietetics graduates typically have to complete a one-year internship (Supervised Industrial Work Experience Scheme - SIWES) before proceeding to NYSC. However, this depends on your university’s requirements and the council you are registered with.

✅ If your profession requires an internship before certification: You MUST complete it first before NYSC.
✅ If an internship is not compulsory: You can go for NYSC first and gain work experience.

💡 For Nutritionists/Dietitians in Nigeria:
If you want to work in a clinical setting or with a hospital, your internship is necessary first to get registered with the professional body before NYSC.

For Non-Nigerian Graduates

If you're outside Nigeria, your next step after graduation will depend on your country’s requirements.

✔️ Some countries require internships before full licensing (e.g., the UK, US, and Canada).
✔️ Others allow you to work immediately if you have the necessary qualifications.

If you're in a country where NYSC-type service programs don’t exist, you should prioritize:
🔹 Internships for experience and mentorship
🔹 Additional certifications in maternal and infant nutrition
🔹 Volunteering in hospitals, clinics, or NGOs to build a portfolio

Starting a Career in Maternal and Infant Nutrition

Now that we’ve settled the NYSC vs. internship debate, let’s talk about how to kickstart your career in supporting new mums and babies—a crucial and highly rewarding field in nutrition.

If you’re passionate about:
💜 Helping new mothers navigate postpartum recovery
👶 Ensuring babies get the right nutrition from birth
🧠 Focusing on maternal mental health and self-care

Then you’re about to embark on a meaningful career path that is much needed in society.

Step 1: Gain Knowledge & Specialized Training

Even after your degree, you’ll need extra knowledge to stand out in the field of maternal and infant nutrition.

🎓 Courses and Certifications to Consider:
✔️ Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) certification
✔️ Lactation Counseling & Breastfeeding Support
✔️ Maternal Mental Health and Postpartum Nutrition
✔️ Basic First Aid for Infants & Mothers
✔️ Psychology of Pregnancy and Motherhood

💡 Where to Learn?
Many NGOs and online platforms offer free and paid courses. Examples include:
🔹 UNICEF’s Nutrition Training
🔹 Coursera & FutureLearn (Nutrition & Maternal Health Courses)
🔹 Lactation Education from International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC)

Step 2: Volunteer & Intern in Relevant Places

Experience is everything in this field. The more hands-on work you do, the better your career prospects.

💡 Where to Gain Experience?
✔️ Hospitals & maternity wards
✔️ Mother-baby support groups
✔️ Nutrition-focused NGOs like Alive & Thrive, UNICEF, WHO programs
✔️ Mental health organizations focusing on postpartum depression

Step 3: Build Practical Skills

Aside from academic knowledge, soft skills will set you apart in maternal and infant nutrition.

🌟 Key Skills to Master:
✔️ Empathy & Active Listening – Mothers need emotional support as much as they need nutrition advice.
✔️ Counseling & Mental Health Awareness – Recognizing postpartum depression is crucial.
✔️ Public Speaking & Education – Teaching mums and caregivers about proper nutrition.
✔️ Writing & Content Creation – Sharing valuable tips through blogs, social media, or books.

Step 4: Find Job & Business Opportunities

There are various career paths in maternal and infant nutrition, and you don’t have to limit yourself to hospitals.

💼 Where You Can Work:
✔️ Hospitals & Maternity Clinics – As a nutritionist/dietitian for new mums.
✔️ Public Health & NGOs – Running nutrition programs.
✔️ Private Coaching & Counseling – Helping mothers with postnatal nutrition.
✔️ Schools & Early Childhood Centers – Developing infant feeding programs.
✔️ Wellness & Self-Care Brands – Consulting for postpartum care products.

💡 Entrepreneurship Option:
If you prefer working independently, consider:
🔹 Creating a maternal health blog or YouTube channel
🔹 Hosting online workshops for new mums
🔹 Launching your own nutrition coaching business

Step 5: Network & Join Professional Groups

🤝 Networking will accelerate your career growth. Connect with experts, attend conferences, and join relevant organizations.

📌 Professional Associations to Consider:
✔️ Nigerian Institute of Nutrition (NIN)
✔️ Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN)
✔️ Global Nutrition Community (TGNC)
✔️ International Board of Lactation Consultants (IBLCE)
✔️ Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Final Thoughts: Your Path is Unique!

Choosing between an internship or NYSC first is a big decision, but the key is planning your career with clarity.

💡 If your profession requires an internship for licensing, complete it first before NYSC.
💡 If you can go for NYSC first, choose a placement that aligns with your career goals.

✨ For those passionate about maternal & infant health, self-care, and mental health:
Start building your expertise early, get hands-on experience, and connect with the right people.

💬 Question for You: Are you currently deciding between an internship and NYSC? Or are you already working in maternal health?