Month: February 2017

  • Student Life

    What I Learned At My First Nutrition Conference

    Attending your first nutrition and dietetics conference is an important and exciting step in becoming a Registered Dietitian.

    I remember it well- the nervousness, intimidation, and the restless night before. I spent hours picking out the perfect outfit, double-checking my purse for a notepad, and packing two pens. Most importantly, I remember stepping in the doors and attending my first nutrition conference. This experience provided some critical takeaways. 

    R.D’s love food- a lot

    This may seem obvious, but it sunk in the first hour of my conference. While I was too nervous to eat breakfast, R.D’s around me strolled in with coffee, homemade smoothies, and snacks. I expected a stuffy room of strict professionals, but most attendees enjoyed a snack or beverage throughout the day.

    You will hear excellent presentations…

    Sometimes, it can feel like you are all alone in your homework and textbooks. But when you finally sit in a room of like-minded, passionate individuals, you will be reminded differently. You will engage in presentations about things you didn’t realize were a part of the nutrition and dietetics scope. You will hear presentations that inspire you, terrify you, and validate your passion for this field.

    … And some not-so-great presentations, too

    Not everyone is a performer. Just like your food science presentations in class, some dietitians aren’t great presenters. Regardless, hearing imperfect presentations may help you feel a little less intimidated at a big event like a nutrition conference. This reminds you that RDs are people, too, just like you.

    Dietitians love to mingle.

    While presentations are a large part of a nutrition conference, socializing is, too. Dietitians live for small breaks throughout the day to get to know each other more. While some of the attendees may be your professors or classmates, others may be gathering research about lentils or working with eating disorder patients. Whatever the case may be, you will meet a variety of R.D’s who do just about everything. When you find someone who stands out to you, make sure to make a lasting impression. You never know where mingling with a few R.D.N.s will take you!

    You may feel overwhelmed.

    During and after my first nutrition conference, I felt a lot of confusion. I was confused not only about the content of some presentations but about myself, too. Connecting with R.D’s taught me that nutrition is a wide-open field. Finding your population, role, and niche in nutrition takes time, which many students haven’t quite figured out. By attending conferences, you are one step closer to learning what your place is.

    My first nutrition conference exhausted me. I was physically tired from being nervous about the little things like my hair and outfit. But mentally, my first nutrition conference excited me. It inspired me to head back to my classrooms and study harder, gain external experience through research and volunteering, and ultimately communicate with those all around me and connect over a passion for this field. Your first nutrition conference will be something you will never forget, and I know it will be an experience to push you forward.

    P.S. What was your first nutrition conference? If you haven’t attended one, check out FNCE for a great place to start!

    P.P.S. Are you applying to dietetic internships? Join the Get Matched Course to find clarity and confidence in your application and land the dietetic internship of your dream! 

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  • RD2Be Fun

    How To Start A Foodie Blog

    Blogging can help you from average nutrition student to star! Here are some tips and tricks for publishing your best material for the internet to see.

    Blogging, it seems, is the new thing. Students, interns, and dietitians alike are taking to the internet to share their passion. Now you can, too! While starting a food blog may seem overwhelming, it can be as easy as making a dietitian-approved meal. Below are tips and tricks to help you succeed.

    Find your platform.

    Whether you want to purchase a domain name and create your website, you want to focus solely on social media such as Instagram, or you want to team up with a few friends and create a Facebook group, find your platform first. If you choose to make an internet blog, check out easy SquareSpace, Weebly, or WordPress templates.

    Determine your style.

    Find inspiration from other blogs and see what makes them tick. Is it their focus on quick and easy meals, their attention to detail, their adorable photos, their focus on a specific health concern or population, or their everyday upkeep? Once you understand the niche you want to focus on, it’ll help you know where to begin. Once you find an aesthetic you like, own it. Make your style yours.

    Create your content.

    Before getting your foodie blog live and running, make sure to create content ahead of time for the next few weeks or months. This helps your blog jumpstart early, and it allows you to be posting new and relevant information on a revolving basis. Plus, this gives you time to work and re-work your layout, ideas, and materials.

    Go live!

    Finally- publish your work! Please share it with friends and family, your professors and mentors, even your peers at college. By going live and sharing your information, you’ll be sure to gain a following.

    Connect with others.

    Make sure to interact with your readers and viewers by replying to comments, shares, and every interaction they make. This will help grow your following as well as connect with others interested in your work. You never know what opportunities or friendships could come out of a simple “thank you.”

    Keep working!

    After your nutrition blog is live, the work isn’t over. Maintaining a blog is a regular job that requires social media skills, communication, work ethic, and knowledge of nutrition and dietetics. Please include new recipes or facts in your blog and share them with your followers as you learn new recipes or facts. Work hard on making your blog better than ever before, constantly.

    While creating and maintaining a successful nutrition blog may sound easy, it requires dedication, determination, and inspiration. This project can be as small or large as you want it to be! If you work hard enough, it can even become your entire career. There will be trials along the way, but using your nutrition knowledge with other skills and passions, you can make it work — an RD2BE can do anything!

    P.S. Are you a new Registered Dietitian or recent graduate looking for your first job? Join Get Hired Coaching to prepare for your following interview and land your dream job!

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  • Dietetics Programs, Dietitian Career Advice

    Advice from Dietitians to Future Dietitians

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    Becoming a Registered Dietitian certainly isn’t easy. We’ve compiled advice from dietitians for nutrition students, dietetic interns, and all future RD’s.

    We all have a clear recollection of why we wanted to get into the nutrition field and become registered dietitians.  Some of those reasons are near and dear to our hearts, and some of those reasons are very simple- we love nutrition!  When on the journey to become a registered dietitian, there are plenty of bumps along the road. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget why we are doing what we are doing.  

    “Why did I decide to volunteer again this week when I have a test tomorrow?”  Why am I taking six classes this semester?”  How is summer almost over when all I did was a volunteer and work?” These are common questions I’ve both asked and heard during my years as a student.

    Since becoming an RD (yay!) in July 2016, I often thought about what I wish I knew along the way to make things a little easier for me.  Honestly, the best advice that I could give would only begin and end with two words: networking and volunteering.  So important.  Not only do these things look amazing on your resume, but they will also help you navigate your way through dietetics with a bit of ease.  

    Networking can lead to you shadowing multiple RDs in different fields, learning about nutrition from another point of view, and making your name known in the dietetics field early.  

    Volunteering will make your resume and your DICAS application look amazing.  I asked one dietetic intern and one dietitian about what they would have liked to know before starting a nutrition career. This is what they had to say.

    “Network as much as possible, take on as many volunteer opportunities as you can, big or small.”

    “If you’re struggling in academics, then definitely seek out a tutor, your professor, or other resources that your University provides for extra help. When trying to get into an internship and meet with the director, whether it’s one-on-one or in a group setting, come prepared with questions.  Don’t forget to update your resume and LinkedIn as you go continually”. – Jess Mirkin, Dietetic Intern at the University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT.

    “Becoming a dietitian is a long road, but it will all be worth it in the end; keep going!”

    The dietetics community is tiny and close-knit. Never burn bridges; you never know who knows your potential internship director or future boss.  Volunteer as much as you can; it’s the best and sometimes the only way to get experience in nutrition as a student. Be persistent; dietitians are super busy and may not respond to questions right away but typically respond well to those who show they are ready to work, learn, and show that they have something to offer.  Being a dietitian can sometimes feel like a thankless job; remember why you started in the first place and how important what you’re doing is”.  – Hailey Beiner, RDN, C-DN.

    The consensus seems to be the same- networking, persistence, volunteering, never feeling like you can’t ask for help, and always remembering why you started this journey.  Never give up, and remember that it’s worth it!

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  • Student Life

    Our Favorite GRE Study Resources

    The GRE company recommends that each test taker spends at least three months preparing for the exam, so here are study resources to help you do your best!

    The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test all potential grad school students must take as a part of their application process. We’ve compiled our favorite resources to help you score your best!

    GRE PowerPrep Online

    The test maker made this software, giving you the best overview and helping you get a good feel for how questions are asked in a simple format. It goes over each section of the test and comes with two practice tests. Even better? It’s free! Bonus: PowerPrep Plus is available for $39.95 and includes extra resources.

    Kaplan Test Prep

    Kaplan offers four different options of test prep: in-person, live online, private tutoring, or self-paced. They provide a free consultation to see which option is best for you and personalize your study plan. It is an investment, but it’s worth it if this is what you are looking for.

    Manhattan GRE Prep

    Manhattan is a great source that provides a free practice test and even has in-depth explanations for each question’s answer. The practice tests mirror the actual GRE and track your progress, so you know what you need to focus on.

    Other Tips

    • Need help with a particular topic? Head over to Khan Academy, where you’ll find instructional and in-depth videos on almost any subject.
    • No time to make hundreds of vocabulary flashcards? Scour Quizlet to find some GRE vocabulary flashcards already made. Just press print, and voila.
    • Don’t be shy to ask for extra help if you’ve forgotten about a specific topic (looking at you, geometry). Finding a tutor could make all the difference.
    • Are you still enrolled in school? Some universities offer free or reduced-fee GRE resources. Head over to your student services building to find out more.

    P.S. Are you a dietetic intern preparing for the R.D. Exam? Pass the Exam Tutoring can teach you how to study smarter, not harder, to increase your chances of passing the exam!

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  • Dietetics Programs

    How to Help Save for Your Internship

    Getting matched to a dietetic internship is your first battle in becoming a Registered Dietitian. Paying for your dietetic internship is the next.

    We can all agree that being matched into an internship is one of the biggest hurdles all future R.D.’s face before becoming a dietitian. And they paying for the training? Not easy. Many future interns often struggle to find ways to fund their internship since student loans often do not apply, scholarships are scarce, and outside employment usually isn’t doable.  So what’s an RD-to-be to do?

    Click here to take your application to the next level with free resources and exclusive advice from Jenny!

    Set a Budget… and Stick to It

    Setting a budget will help make all of those numbers floating around in your head more real. Write down all of your future (and current) expenses, then make a doable plan for you. It will also help you see where your money is going and help you trim down what isn’t essential (and notice how much you spend on Starbucks… #oops #worthit).

    Remember that Every Little Bit Helps

    • Think coupons! You need to buy groceries and other essentials, so why not save some money if you can? Those little savings can add up over time and can make everyday expenses more affordable.
    • Sell things you don’t need. You haven’t worn that sweater in forever? Apps like Poshmark let you list your previously-loved clothes and accessories that others can shop. Once it’s sold, they’ll send you a check. Declutter and make money! Need funds fast? Hold a yard sale.
    • Finally, have some free time? Offer to babysit or pet-sit for neighbors or friends. (Usually) easy and tax-free money.

    Search for Scholarships… Everywhere

    The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has yearly scholarships that you can apply to for dietetic internships. Don’t forget to check out your local chapter of the Academy too. Other local organizations may also offer scholarships or grants regardless of major or program, so look anywhere and everywhere!

    Watch Your Expenses

    An internship is usually less than a year of your life, so see what things you can live without for that time. Cable T.V., monthly pedicures, paid-for music subscriptions, etc., can all probably be put on hold until you are finished with your internship. Besides, you probably won’t have time for daily Netflix binges anyways!

    What are your tips for saving money for your internship? Let us know in the comments!

    P.S. ARE YOU IN YET? Check out Get Matched Coaching to land the dietetic internship of your dreams!

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