Before you electronically submit your DICAS dietetic internship application, here are some fast facts you should know.
You’ve finally input all of your personal and academic information and are ready to hit submit on your DICAS dietetic internship application. But, what else should you know? Let’s discuss!
Random Things to Know…
DICAS does not take American Express- have your Mastercard or Visa ready!
You have to answer a few questions before you can submit your application. Don’t panic!
Make sure you get the email from DICAS that confirms you submitted your application. Don’t forget to save this email, too.
On that note, get an email confirmation on D&D Digital– just in case anything crazy happens, you want proof!
Please don’t go over the 1,000 word limit on your statement unless you confirm that your program allows it. Note: this is RARE. Following directions is key to success.
Send thank-you notes to your references and the directors if you went to an open house.
Final Thoughts
Applying to the dietetic internship program of your dreams is scary, but you can be a bit more prepared using our advice. These tips will make your application experience just a little less stressful- and we all need that!
Do you have a random thing other nutrition students should know about DICAS? Sound off in the comments!
P.S. ARE YOU IN YET? Join the Get Matched Course to fast track to a happy and successful Match Day!
E-Portfolios highlight your experience and personal goals so dietetic internship programs can learn more about you. Here are my top 3 e-portfolio tips!
Let’s talk about e-portfolios. These are websites that some programs will ask you to make that highlight your strengths. E-portfolios act as a visual application, including work examples, pictures of you, “in action,” in a dietetics experience, and share your goals and any other appropriate personal information (like your love for baking, for example!).
When putting together the e-portfolio, most applicants use Wix, Weebly, WordPress, or Pressfolios. I think they are all great!
Sample content includes work samples, handouts from experiences, case studies from MNT, a video of you giving a presentation, research papers, resume, pictures from adventures, a goals statement, about-type intro about you and your journey, links to social media if appropriate, and link to a LinkedIn profile.
As with everything in your application, you want to know how to sell yourself with an e-portfolio. When I am reviewing the e-portfolios of my clients (or training coaches on how to do this with their’s), these are the three areas I review:
Visual Appearance
Yes, you will be judged on how nice your portfolio looks. Here are some things to make sure you are doing visually.
Fonts are the same on every page.
You follow the sample “template” on each page (header, sub-header, text).
Include pictures from a variety of experiences.
Pictures are high-quality.
Logos (like for experiences) are high-quality.
Links look clean, and files are appropriately hyperlinked.
Organization
When organizing the different types of content, it needs to be obvious where to find something. Each category should make sense and be well thought out.
Page sections are separated enough, but not too much (5-7 teams are excellent).
It is easy to navigate the menu.
Paragraphs are easy to read, and pages are skimmable.
Separate large chunks of text with headers included when needed.
Grammar
Of course, grammar is essential here! DUH! My favorite grammar pointers (ha) are below.
Write picture captions in complete sentences.
Talk in the first person always.
Watch for mixing phrases with sentences. Always use complete sentences.
Complete any additional paperwork such as a different essay, preceptor agreements, application agreement from the program, or a link to your portfolio. These are either mailed, or we will upload these when completing the Program Designations section of DICAS. The program’s website will tell you exactly how to handle these.
Then, write and send checks with a form (depending on the program) or a cover letter. Include a cover letter if no other materials are required. Note that some programs allow you to pay online.
If you are nervous that your fees will not get there, you can send by priority mail and get tracking to ensure they received it. Otherwise, set a reminder to check your bank account and see when the check is cashed.
You do not need to wait to send these—send them ASAP, assuming you are applying there! You don’t have to wait until you e-submit.
Saturday- Program Designations
In the Program Designation section, add each program by searching the database and finding the right program to add to your portal. If you need to apply to one program because of an early deadline, only add one program. You can go back and add others later.
Within the program designations section, for each program, there is a spot for:
Supplemental Info
Add/Edit Personal Statement
Add/Edit References
For Supplemental Info, you will upload any additional requirements that the program is asking for. You mustn’t add anything that was not explicitly requested. For example, I know some applicants who sent photos, sample recipes, and more, even though this was not a part of the application process. It is best only to give them what they ask for. Otherwise, it will look like you are not following instructions.
For Add/Edit Personal Statement, assign the corresponding personal statement. Because you named them with the program name as you were adding them, this should be pretty simple!
For Add/Edit References, for each program, assign the references according to your reference game plan and the program’s requirements. Remember that you can use up to 4 but only assign the requested ones by the program. Many applicants will ask if they should do a 4th one just for “extra” help, but I think directors can misinterpret that as not following directions, so I don’t suggest you do that.
Sunday- DICAS completed!
By Sunday, DICAS should be complete, but don’t e-submit yet!
With no distractions, meticulously review your DICAS application online. Then, print out the formatted version of the application (found under Program Designations) and view this form. Just by changing the landscape and format, your eyeballs may catch errors they didn’t see before!
As you start to fill out DICAS, use this checklist to avoid the common mistakes:
The DICAS dietetic internship program application requires your references to address your weaknesses. What should you add? Read below!
I was asked a great question this week about helping your reference answer the DICAS application question about weaknesses or areas of improvement. My advice is below, but in general you want to take the same approach as in your personal statement, which is to focus on how you are CURRENTLY improving something and have a positive spin on it. More on that in a minute….
The second question is to comment on the areas that the applicant can improve on. This is definitely trickier to address, so I will do so now!
Think of something you improved throughout your time as a student and are continuing to work on.
It is a similar approach to the personal statement. You will want these to be different from what you used in your own personal statement and also be different for each reference you send this information to. If you and all 3 of your references said you had the same weakness, I’d probably think it was a big issue!
Avoid actual skills that directors are looking for.
Don’t say you are working on leadership, team work, communication, etc. Rather, think more in terms of professional development like public speaking, learning a language, confidence (we can ALWAYS be more confident), gaining more experience in your area of interest, seeking out mentorship, getting even more involved in dietetics groups. It is focused more on your GROWTH than on your SHORTCOMINGS 🙂
Keep it short and positive.
Reread it and ask yourself if there is anything that makes it sound more negative than it needs to be? Can you delete any random detail? Are you SHOWING how you are improving with an example or evidence?
Some examples….
For your professors, usually the weaknesses I suggest have nothing to do with the class, but more on a professional growth level based on conversations they have had with you outside classes.
Example – Jenny is currently working on getting more involved in professional dietetics groups related to her area of interest. While she has attended some local meetings as a member, she is planning to find a student leadership role in Oncology Nutrition dietetic practice group to prepare for her career as an oncology dietitian.
For your supervisor, this can be more work related so something that you have already improved on (like your confidence in applying the knowledge you learned) and then say how you are going to continue to gain more confidence.
Example – Compared to when Jenny started as a volunteer, her confidence in her decisions has improved tremendously. That said, I see her continuing to trust in herself and the application of her knowledge in the dietetic internship.
Final Note
The, “area of improvement,” answer can be super short. There isn’t a minimum number of words needed. The same goes for the, “what are strengths and weaknesses,” area. It is super silly that they even word it like this (sorry DICAS, I still love ya!) I always tell references just to focus on strengths for the first and then a real quick “area to improve” for the second question 🙂 My guess (I truly don’t know) is that DICAS keeps the first question open-ended to welcome anything negative the reference wants to share, but really your hope is that the reference should be overwhelmingly positive.
Below are my top 4 tips of what you need to know about choosing references:
Email Potential References
Make a list of 3-5 potential references and send them professional, tailored emails. Ask them specifically if they can write you a positive reference. If not, that is okay! You do not want someone to write you a reference if it isn’t going to be amazing.
After they agree to write a positive reference for you, complete the section under Additional Information (“References”).
Create your Reference Plan
For each program, assign the three references that you will use. You can mix and match for each program if you’d like. For example, you might use a food service supervisor for a food service DI and a clinical supervisor for a clinical DI. Be sure to check the program’s requirements to make sure you are giving them what they are asking for. If not, then email the director and see if your reference plan is acceptable to them.
Adding your transcripts to your DICAS application is essential so you can participate in dietetic internship matching process. Follow our advice below for success!
Inputting your transcripts into your DICAS dietetic internship program application can be tricky. Let’s focus on the main steps to accomplish adding your transcript below.
Complete the “Colleges Attended” section
Input all colleges and universities in this section. This includes all colleges and universities where you took a course, even if no DPD courses were taken there. This includes community colleges and any past degrees.
Print transcript orders
Transcript orders are populated with your information and are already completed. You have to sign them!
Some applicants have been known to forget transcripts (you need them from ALL colleges and universities attended). Do not order them too late (give yourself a month or more). Don’t let this happen to you!
Do you or someone you know have a transcript horror story? Let us know in the comments below!
P.S. ARE YOU IN? Join Get Matched Coaching for personalized advice to help you land the dietetic internship of your dreams!
Gaining dietetics experience helps an internship director know how prepared you are for an internship and a career as an RD. How much is enough?
I want to talk about my dietetics experience. The whole point of getting dietetics experience is because internship directors want to know how prepared you are for an internship and a future career in dietetics. What better way to prepare for clinical rotations than to volunteer or work in a clinical setting, am I right!?
While exposing yourself to these areas, you’ll also start to figure out your interests. These can change later, but it is wise to begin your career exploration sooner rather than later. Plus, it could lead to a job later on because of the connections you made!
But you might be thinking, “Jenny, if I do any more things, I’ll pass out from exhaustion!” Oh, man! That gives me flashbacks to my senior year fall semester when I was doing five different outside-the-classroom activities, trying to squeeze in as much as possible before applying. At one point, I did pass out (fall asleep) in the halls of the nutrition department. It’s tough, people. But it’s worth it.
Here’s one pro tip for getting more experience: do it virtually! Hashtag efficiency. Doing a virtual internship with a dietitian is flexible and doesn’t require as many hours. This shouldn’t replace on-site experience, but it can be in addition to that.
Awesome dietitians email me all the time asking to spread the word about their virtual internships (and some are on-site, too). So, we have these opportunities shown in the blog.
On that note…
A common question I get is about what type of experience is best. First, the higher your level of responsibility, the better. This means that being a paid employee is better than being a volunteer, which is better than being a shadow (zero obligation, you sit there!). While any experience is good, if you are faced with deciding the opportunities to pursue, that is my thought process for you. If you’re unsure where to begin, check out Volunteer Match for volunteering opportunities near you.
Then, it is essential to have a variety of experiences, but the 3 I like to talk about in the personal statement are:
Foundational
The most dietetics-y experience you have, ideally in a clinical setting.
Leadership
Something where you led a group or showed leadership in a job.
Goal-Related
Also dietetics-y, but related to the area you have goals in. Think big!
PS. Go out there and get experience. And then when it comes time to apply, work with a coach to make sure you SELL IT!
Applying for your dietetic internship isn’t easy. Reflect on our featured checklist to make sure you are on track to landing the DI of your dreams.
Time is flying by! How is it almost December?!
I have a few courses and coaching clients this year that are SO ahead of the game. Their statements are made, their references have been asked, their DICAS information is organized and ready to be input once DICAS officially opens next week. *jaw drops*
It is inspiring because when I was applying, and by the way, it was mailed-in applications in the pre-DICAS era, I was at the post office on February 15, 5 minutes before it closed. I asked the post office worker to watch him physically postmark my applications with February 15, so I knew for sure they would be considered “on-time.” I then celebrated with an Oreo milkshake from Potbelly’s, and it was glorious. But I was not recommended.
The point of this update is to give you a little push to get going on your applications. You don’t want to wait until the last minute on these- I promise. And to be honest, there isn’t much stopping you from getting about 90% of these babies done. For some of you in your final semester, before applying, you might be waiting on your final grades for this semester and your transcripts. I also know that you might have exams and finals. I get it! But I am just planting the seed here. It won’t be the last time I tell you to GIDDY UP!
Now, since you’re a dietetics major, you LOVE checklists. Duh! I included one below that will help you get organized for the chaos that is the application process. The sooner you look at this checklist, the sooner you can start checking things off of it!
Application Things to Do
Determine GPAs
Find Preceptors
Do Program Research
Communicate with Directors
Schedule & Attend Visits/Open Houses
Take GRE (optional)
Create a DICAS Account
Complete DPD Program Information
Order Transcripts
Complete Educational Information
Complete References Process
Complete Graduate School Applications (optional)
Finalize Resume (Coaching clients: with your coach)
Finalize Personal Statement (Coaching clients: with your coach)
Write Additional Personal Statement Versions
Complete Supplemental Materials & Fees
Complete Additional Information (Enter Experience into DICAS)
Designate Programs
Do a full DICAS Review (Coaching clients: with your coach)
Complete Online Portfolio (optional)
Complete D&D Computer Matching
E-Submit Application
Interview Prep (Coaching clients: with your coach)
Back up Plan Prep
Second Round Preparation (if needed)
ISPP Applications (if required)
Remember, the early bird stays calm and focused, while the late bird FREAKS THE HECK OUT.
Knowing the different types of GPAs will help you see what programs you will be competitive for. Here is everything you need to know about your GPA!
Hello. It’s me. Again. 🙂
There isn’t a perfect time to talk about GPA, so I figured the sooner, the better. Plus, from experience, I correct many students who think they understand the whole GPA story but don’t.
Overall: This is based on all classes, from all colleges, EVER.
DPD: This is based on ONLY the courses on your DPD Course List Form that you get from your director. This form needs to have the DICAS logo at the top… that is how you know it is the proper form.
DPD Professional: This is based on the DPD courses classified as Professional on your DPD Course List Form.
DPD Science: This is based on the DPD courses classified as Science on your DPD Course List Form.
These are the GPAs that you would want to determine, and if you have some courses in progress right now that will be done before you apply, you can at least “guess” what your grades will be and what your final application GPAs will be.
Then, add your courses to DICAS…
In DICAS, you can enter your DPD courses and grades in the Coursework section. If you need help, watch the DICAS Tutorial found on Members Only’s DI Application Resources page. Add in your “guesses,” too, if you can. Then, you can click on the GPA Calculations link in your DICAS dashboard to see the numbers.
You have your GPAs calculated. Now what?
GPA makes a lot of people nervous, especially for those with a pretty average value. It could always be higher, couldn’t it? Well, the cold, hard truth is that you can’t do much about it. It is what it is. But let’s not make the situation worse by mishandling what you are working with. Here are my two most prominent thoughts on GPA:
I rarely think it is necessary to talk about GPA in the personal statement.
Usually, I only make an exception if I want my client to show a considerable improvement in GPA later on in college or if there is some untold story that needs an explanation (like a death or illness or disability of some kind…not that you couldn’t figure out how to study or didn’t have time management.). You control what you say in that personal statement, and keeping it positive and confident is key! To say in your statement that your weakness is a GPA of 3.4 would be a terrible idea. (Sorry, that is harsh, but it is still a terrible idea.)
I suggest you look at the average GPA of current interns in The Applicant Guide to Supervised Practice.
This guide can be found here. This number will be more telling of the caliber of applicants that match their program. I’ve seen many programs with a 2.75 overall GPA requirement and an average GPA of current interns as of 3.75. AH! If this number isn’t in the guide, then definitely ask the program director, so you know if you are genuinely competitive there.
Alright, the GPA talk is finally over. I feel better getting this off my chest 🙂
Until next time! Jenny
P.S. Are you applying to the dietetic internship of your dream? Join the Get Matched Course to learn our proven strategies to become a match-worthy applicant!
Ready to talk dietetic internships!? Let’s first be clear that dietetic internships are more the same than they are different. There’s the minimum 1200 hour requirement, the standard rotations in clinical, food service, and community, and usually some coursework or project requirement throughout. All interns must meet the same competencies, no matter the program.
The “flavor” comes with the rotation sites, the breakdown of hours in each common area, elective options, concentrations, and other fun variables. You’ll start to notice the similarities and differences as you browse program websites.
So, when it comes to figuring out your perfect dietetic internship, you want first to be informed of your options. Even if you know you have to stay in a particular state, I still think that understanding the unique parts of your state’s programs, when compared with those across the country, will help you in the long run.
When you write your personal statement, you’ll want to add why you like the program. It will be easier to know why this program is different from others, and you’ll avoid saying something silly like how you love that there are various rotations (because ALL programs have that…). Seriously, the more research, the better.
So to start, the goal is to create your potential DI list of about 5-10 programs and then start reaching out to directors and interns from the program to narrow it down. Many people ask how many to apply to, and my magic number is 4. More on that in a future member update…
Here are some things to get this DI research PARTY started:
NEW! APPLICANT GUIDE TO SUPERVISED PRACTICE They recently updated this, so make sure you get the most current version. I keep seeing new programs getting added each year…so amazing!!
If you have a low GPA, look for programs that have lower requirements. Look specifically at the average GPA of current interns. That is more telling of your chances there. They may have a 2.75 GPA requirement, but if the interns they take have a 3.5 average, then SEE YA!
PS. Note that there are ISPPs on this list. You are only eligible for ISPPs if you have already applied and have not received a match.
One of the most challenging aspects of becoming an R.D. is getting matched to a dietetic internship. Here are some ideas to add to your resume this summer!
With the match rate hovering around 50-60% each year, the competition is fierce. Internship directors consider more than just your grades when they are looking at your application. And although each internship has its requirements, students with relevant work and volunteer experience in food service or a nutrition-related field have a higher chance of matching to an apprenticeship.
So what can you do this summer to improve your resume? Here are some ways you can gain experience.
Volunteer
According to a Deloitte study, 82% of hiring managers said they prefer applicants with volunteer experience, and 92% say volunteer activities build leadership skills. The same applies to DI directors. Volunteering your time in an area that you are passionate about shows DI directors that you are self-motivated, dedicated, and responsible.
There are four broad categories to a dietetic internship: clinical, community, food service, and elective. If the internships you are interested in are clinically focused, volunteer in clinical settings. If they are a community, find community opportunities. But remember that experience can be applicable in many different ways to focus on opportunities that interest you.
Spending the summer months at an internship is a great way to get experience. A summer internship can also help you get a better understanding of what you are interested in. Use online websites like internships.com or indeed.com to find available internships. Another great way to find an internship is to network with R.D’s that might need a little help over the summer.
Earn a Specialty Certification
Adding a specialty certification to your resume may not only help you get matched but may also help you land a job faster. Certifications confirm your knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice. There are specialty certifications that you can earn over the summer. If you’re passionate about physical fitness, weight management, yoga, or a specialty area in nutrition, research the different certifications that are available. When looking for a certification, you should look for a validated and reliable certification examination and credible organizations.
Here’s a list of just a few of the specialty certifications out there that would enhance your resume:
Perhaps you already have a lot of experience or are working this summer; make sure your experiences are communicated well by spending your extra free time editing and revising your resume. If you have a mentor, ask them to look over your resume and provide you with feedback. Would they hire you based on your resume? Would they call you for an interview? Ask them for their honest feedback. You can also use the Get Matched Course or Get Matched Coaching, which offers a resume template, resume strategies, resumes rubrics, resume checklist, and resume samples.
Getting matched to an internship may seem overwhelming and impossible, but there are many ways of obtaining quality dietetics experiences. Taking the time to build a strong resume as a student will allow you to enter the internship application process with more confidence.
P.S. Starting early with Get Matched Coaching gives you the advantage of getting advice from your coach on what experience to add before applying! Many of our clients start the summer before the February deadline to get a head start and be as strategic as possible. Check out more information on coaching here!
While summer may have been a time to relax from ages 5 through 18, it now means something different as a nutrition and dietetics student.
Time to say goodbye to 3 months of pool party freedom and hello to building your resume, your brand, and most importantly: yourself. I know what you’re thinking; I’ve worked all year long and deserve a break! And to that, I say, of course, you do. But I believe this summer, you will kick back and relax while also driving it into high gear, RD2BE style. Here are a few of my tips for staying professional this summer.
1. Create an online portfolio.
If you haven’t already designed your online space, now is the time to do so! Your online portfolio is only as involved and prepared as you want it to be. Make sure to give yourself time to make it great.
2. Volunteer.
Chances are, there are people in need right around the corner from you. Whether you devote your time to an organization such as a soup kitchen, church group, or your old high school, or you, decide to take on more personal projects by helping out your elderly neighbor, make sure to lend a helping hand. Not only does this help your resume, but it creates a more well-rounded and experienced version of yourself. Who doesn’t want that!?
3. Read a book.
It doesn’t have to be a nutrition-related book. Maybe it’s that hip romance novel everyone is reading, a classic, or your old favorite. Pick up a paper book and put down your screen. You spend enough time working for a screen during the school year to last a lifetime!
4. Listen to a podcast.
My favorite way of doing this is to slip on my tennis shoes, put in my earbuds, and head out for a walk as my favorite podcast fills my ears. It’s relaxing and informative, and I believe we all need to get out of our headspace for a little while.
5. Clean up your social media.
I get it; we all have fun. Although, my idea of fun might be reading a good book and enjoying some sweet tea. But whatever your idea of fun is, make sure it remains respectable on the internet. Everyone can see your adventures as they’re posted online, so make sure you’re posting things your Mom wouldn’t mind seeing.
6. Work.
Ugh- boring, I know. But the good thing about working over the summer is saving money. And that’s something we all need to do! Think of it as an investment in your future dietetic internship (and maybe for that purse you’ve been eyeing all year).
7. Do your research.
Maybe your next step is beginning a DPD program, heading off to your dietetic internship, or even applying to graduate schools. Whatever place you’re born to in the fall, make sure to spend some time doing your research for it this summer. Being prepared is the best way to ease into the school year and maintain positive energy.
8. Have fun!
Maybe summer doesn’t have the same meaning as it did when you were younger, but summer can still be as memorable as you want it to be. Travel and see friends, drive with the windows down and your favorite song blasting, and take more than enough pictures. Being relaxed can lead to creativity and relaxation, so let yourself feel a bit free!
Some people love summer, and few people hate it. But wherever you stand on the debate, make sure to spend your summer wisely. Your career will thank you for it! Most importantly, enjoy another summer with good food, good people, and good memories.
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