How to Research Wellness Careers While Still in School
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Depending on your preferences, the number of options available to you for careers in natural health and wellness seems limitless. Don't lose hope of finding your niche! With a few, simple steps, you can find careers in natural health that exactly suit your needs.
Start your search for natural medicine careers broadly
Especially if you are just embarking on your alternative medicine studies, a basic internet search for "careers in alternative medicine" returns a treasure trove of possibilities. Natural medicine careers range from holistic nutrition consulting to natural products manufacturing, wellness coaching to holistic spa management to aromatherapy.
From there, check out your state's Department of Labor and Industry website or the United States Department of Labor website. The US DOL site provides broad brush strokes regarding occupations in their Occupational Outlook Handbook. State sites can include more detailed career information such as occupational outlook statistics, mock interviews with healthcare professionals and statewide professional resources such as the Pennsylvania Job Gateway.
You can also checkout websites such as EHC (Explore Health Careers) to assist you in narrowing your choice of natural medicine careers.
Read blogs, white papers and articles
After careful consideration, say you have narrowed your search to aromatherapy careers. With the rising recognition in the value of aromatherapy in many aspects of life, several blogs center around this topic. The Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA) Blog not only discusses essential oil use, but includes information about professional topics like protecting your intellectual property.
Dorene Petersen, Founding President of ACHS, wrote an excellent white paper on "Careers in Aromatherapy." The paper explores the industry trends, the growing essential oils market and the expanded employment opportunities for aromatherapists as the practice becomes an integral part of other medical treatments.
The International Journal of Clinical Aromatherapy is a worldwide medical journal for professional aromatherapists. Submitted articles pass through a review board prior to publication. Each Journal follows a specific theme, with the scientific/practitioner articles supporting that theme.
Attend events in your chosen alternative medicine career
Once you have studied the topic more thoroughly, search for events regarding aromatherapy (or whatever natural health modality most speaks to you!) in your area to meet actual practitioners and ask practical questions regarding your field.
The Alliance of International Aromatherapists not only hosts conferences, but also conducts teleseminars and shares valuable resources regarding aromatherapy. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy conducts webinars and keeps a calendar of upcoming events, meetings and conferences. Many hospitals, clinics and spas conduct an "open house" offering other opportunities to meet with professionals in your area. Join a local group or club of natural medicine practitioners. While not all members will have careers in your specific field, attending club meetings will provide an excellent networking opportunity for you to meet people in related fields who can then introduce you to people on a similar career path.
What professional path are you currently on? Share with us in the comments.
Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog may contain affiliate links. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.
