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Home Economist

Also known as Consumer Adviser, Family and Consumer Studies Professional, Community Health Officer, Food and Nutrition Consultant and Public Health Consultant.

Home economists teach, inform and advise government, industry and the community in order to assist individuals to make better lifestyle choices.

TASKS

Home economists may perform the following tasks:

educate the community about aspects of everyday living, such as family, interpersonal relationships, food, nutrition and leading a balanced lifestyle
teach independent living skills to school students and disabled or disadvantaged people
assist people to take control of their health, develop healthy behaviours and make informed consumer decisions
design, evaluate and promote products, such as foods and household appliances, or services for everyday living
design and plan nutritious meals and assist people to prepare them

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

good human resource management skills
good oral and written communication skills
aptitude for analysis and problem-solving
aptitude for design and creativity
sensitivity when dealing with a wide range of people and issues

Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Community Health Home Economist - undertakes a range of home economic activities in the public sector, such as providing information services about financial management, family relationships, child care, food and nutrition, and household management. They may also manage food service operations such as canteens, aged-care centres and community food facilities and develop programmes and policies for health and social services.

Home Economics Teacher - teaches students the skills required to understand and deal with a variety of issues in their personal, home, family and community lives. These skills are taught through a variety of topics, such as food and nutrition, textiles and clothing, vocational skills and knowledge, and family and interpersonal relationships.

Consumer Scientist - measures and interprets consumer needs and preferences, ensuring that these are taken into account in the design, production, delivery and use of products and services.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a home economist you usually have to complete a degree in science or health science with a major in nutrition, food science or food technology. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics are normally required. To become a home economics teacher you usually have to continue on to complete a graduate course in education, or complete a 4-year degree in education with a teaching specialisation in home economics. For more information about education and training for teachers, see the separate entry for Teacher - Secondary. Most universities in Australia offer relevant degrees.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Home Economics Institute of Australia. Student membership is also available.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Most home economists find employment as home economics teachers in government or non-government schools.

Home economists may also work in a range of community health organisations, such as government health departments, local councils and health promotion agencies.