Home Economist Career Description
Home economics focuses on the improvement of the well-being of individuals, families and the community. The six main areas in home economics are food and nutrition, clothing and clothing construction, housing (including interior planning and design), resource management, family interaction and consumer behaviour.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Home economists can get involved in adult education, community development projects, research, personnel training in large institutions, catering and interior planning, for example kitchen planning. Several options exist for small business development, for instance presenting clothing construction, cooking and entertainment courses and the planning and construction of interior
products. At the same time, this will contribute to job creation.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
This career demands the ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships as well as leadership qualities, organisation abilities, originality, initiative and practical ability.
Artistic talent is an advantage when home economists have to market products through the presentation of interesting recipes, demonstrations or photographs of products.
This career is ideal for people who are interested in both the physical and social sciences.
Where can I work?
Owing to the broad field of knowledge covered in home economics training, many diverse job opportunities can be explored. Home economists are employed by large institutions, government departments, municipalities, control boards, home developers and large chain stores.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Home economists can start their own businesses in various fields. Acting as consultants, they could assist prospective home-owners with basic information and financial guidance during the home purchase process. They can become involved in product development and organize product
promotions, write for magazines and news papers on a free-lance basis, present lectures, compile recipe books, demonstrate cooking techniques and interesting ideas in entertaining, act as clothing consultants and interior co-coordinators, do catering and design and make clothes. Other options of private businesses are the starting of a home industry or sub-contracting for interior designers by making specific interior products.
Many opportunities exist in the field of community development where home economists could assist in the general upliftment of families, assisting inter alia with basic human needs such as nutrition, as well as resource and financial management.
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