Jed Bruce

For Jed Bruce, university has been about giving things a go, exploring new opportunities and staying open to where they might lead.

With a long-standing interest in health and nutrition, Jed began studying a Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Newcastle's Ourimbah campus in 2024 before transitioning into the Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) in 2025.

“I have always been interested in health and nutrition,” Jed says.

Now working towards graduating in 2028, he is discovering how that interest could translate into a career that makes a difference to the health of individuals and communities.

While Jed knows health and nutrition is where he wants to be, he isn't limiting himself to one particular career path.

“I want to work in many areas of the health field, particularly in public health and promotion,” he says.

He's particularly interested in the potential to promote better health within everyday settings, including workplaces and schools.

“I want to contribute to positive public health promotion and work in spaces such as workplaces and schools.”

For Jed, the possibilities beyond university are part of what makes the field exciting. His goal is to find a career that allows him to keep learning, meet new people and experience different places.

“I want to be able to learn, travel and connect in a variety of jobs. I am very open to everything.”

That willingness to explore has shaped Jed's university experience so far.

He has attended conferences and networking events, become involved as a Student Ambassador and participated in iLEAD and course-related events.

“I have been able to attend a lot of in-person events and opportunities,” he says.

One of the experiences he's looking forward to next is travelling to Thailand as part of a group study tour later this year.

These opportunities have given Jed the chance to make connections, experience more outside the classroom and start thinking about where his degree could take him.

He has also used the University's Careers Service to support his career planning and received a scholarship for ESSUN.

Like many students, Jed is still working out how to balance study with everything else in his life.

“I am still facing challenges, trying to balance everything, and am still figuring out how best to budget my time,” he says.

Outside university, running, going to the gym and spending time with friends are some of the ways Jed enjoys spending his time.

On campus, he particularly enjoys the library and the walking tracks, giving him spaces to both focus on his studies and step away from them.

Jed has also found support and encouragement through the University's Student Living team.

“The Student Living Team were particularly supportive and encouraging!”

With his sister having previously graduated from the University of Newcastle, Jed already had a connection to the University before beginning his own studies.

He saw university as “the best next step for my career and personal life”.

Now, as he continues his nutrition and dietetics degree and explores where it might lead, his advice to others considering university reflects the approach he has taken himself.

“Just start, give it a go, try something new, take the next step wherever you think that might be for you.”

I want to contribute to positive public health promotion and work in spaces such as workplaces and schools.