Alumni Profiles
Laura Walsh
Hometown: Elmhurst, IL
Graduation Information
Bachelors: 1992
Work Information
Company:Walsh Nutrition Group, Inc.
Years Worked: 9
How did you obtain your job?
I started my own food and nutrition consulting business in 1999. My major at UIUC was Foods in Business and I worked in a test kitchen for 2 years after graduation. Then I went back to UIC for a BS in Nutrition and Dietetics. I worked at The American Dietetic Association and USDA before starting my own business. I consult for food companies, websites, magazines and really anyone that needs nutrition communications, recipe development,nutrient analysis along with other food and nutrition related projects. www.walshnutritiongroup.com
What do you enjoy most about your position?
I enjoy the flexibility, salary and variety of work.
What advice can you provide current students seeking a career in this field?
Prepare yourself to the best of your abilities. Develop an attitude for life long learning. Periodically evaluate the progress in your career.
Achievements
I am proud of earning two BS degrees and working different jobs and gaining the experience and skills needed to start my own company.College of ACES
What was your favorite ACES class and why?
I really enjoyed the hands-on food lab classes.
How do you feel the College of ACES prepared you for your future?
Wow, I can't remember the exact class but I performed an experiment with a fake fat. We ran various performance tests on the finished product. These classes were small and I liked getting to know everyone.
How do you feel the College of ACES prepared you for your future?
It gave me a well-rounded background in business and nutrition.
What advice would you give current students while a student in the College of ACES?
Study hard but remember to enjoy your time there. It goes by way too fast.
University of Illinois
Why did you choose to come to the University of Illinois and College of ACES?
I had an interest in food and health. I really liked the campus. Even though the school was large, my classes were small and I felt like I really received personal attention from all the faculty.
What is your favorite memory on campus?
The whole college experience was memorable.
What activities were you involved in on campus?
Sorority.