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  • Dietetics Programs, Featured

    How to Survive the Dietetic Internship

    You’ve matched to a dietetic internship, now how do you survive? We’re breaking down the basics of each rotation and providing you with essential tips!

    Congratulations! All your hard work has FINALLY paid off and you have matched to a dietetic internship! The end is near! But first, you have to complete the internship. The thought of beginning the dietetic internship can be overwhelming. What should I expect? What should I bring? Wait, do we have to touch the patient? Don’t worry #RB2BE, we’re highlighting the key components of each rotation so you can plan accordingly! We not only want you to survive the dietetic internship, we want you to thrive!

    First things first, depending on your program you will have assignments to complete before each rotation so you can brush up on your skill set. Assignments can vary but for clinical they can include case studies, similar to the ones you completed in your undergrad MNT class.

    Next, you will have orientation, the length will vary depending on your program and whether it’s a DI, or DI + MS (or a Future Education Model program!). Orientation will provide you with a glimpse of each rotation and what to expect throughout the internship.

    Now it’s go time! The moment you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived.

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    Clinical 101

    Oh clinical, I think we can all agree the clinical rotation is the most terrifying rotation to begin. Gaining clinical experience before the DI is hard, so this may be your first time in the hospital setting. In other words, your anxiety may be through the roof! But don’t worry, the thought of beginning clinical is more intimidating than actually starting clinical.

    Your preceptor is not going to throw you to wolves and expect you to see patients by yourself on day one. You are going to be their shadow for the first few days, where they go, you go. Once you get a solid grasp of ADIME and the charting system, your preceptor will assign you patients to see YOURSELF. I know, I know SCARY. The first few times they will hold your hand (figuratively, but you may need a literal hand hold). They will go in to the patients room with you to make sure you are comfortable completing assessments yourself. Honestly, having them in the room made it even more intimidating. But just remember they are there to GUIDE you through the process, they are not expecting you to be perfect. Once you’re comfortable it is time to fly coop, the training wheels are off and it is showtime!

    Tips for surviving clinical:

    • It is okay if you forget to ask a patient something during your initial assessment. You can go back and speak with them again. When I first started I had to go back into a patients room three times! It’s a learning experience, the more you do it the better you’ll become.
    • Be familiar with the Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE). If you have not had prior training for the NFPE ask your preceptor to train you! It’s a great tool to have under your belt and unfortunately malnutrition can be quite prevalent at some hospitals.
    • Do ask questions if you need clarification about anything and everything. Ask for help if you need it!
    • Do attend the interdisciplinary rounds and ask questions! Contribute your knowledge.
    • Make yourself known! Talk to the Physicians and Pharmacists, show them your value and that you are essential. Hey, they may even call the office and ask for YOUR recommendation for a patient! (BEST FEELING)

    Let’s talk about the staff relief rotation. Staff relief may be the most unnerving part of clinical but trust me it is not. Since it is at the end of your rotation you will have gained SO much knowledge by this time that it should be smooth sailing. Your preceptor will still be there for you if you have questions or a complicated patient. But trust yourself, you are more than competent and capable of thriving! Having confidence is key! Remember, you are the captain of your ship.

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    Food Service Management 101

    Pop quiz! How many times can you stir muffin batter before a tough and dry crumb results? Just kidding, we don’t know either.

    Seriously though, if you enjoy management and all things food then food service is the rotation for you! Be prepared to put on a hair net every day and be put to work. There will be many days when the kitchen is short staffed and you have to jump on tray line, and deliver meal carts. Depending on whether your hospital is room service or not you may have to work a few shifts in the dietary call office taking orders. Which big shout out to them because there are so many different buttons and options to press and patients spew there orders out so fast. Talk about STRESS. But after a few times of trial and error you will get the hang of it!

    It is so important to remain positive throughout this rotation. You can easily go down the rabbit hole of this is a waste of time, it’s not utilizing my skill-set. BUT, IT IS! You are learning how to manage a team and part of being a GREAT manager involves stepping in when your team needs you! If there’s a fire you don’t just let the place burn, you get in there and you extinguish it!

    Tips for surviving the food service rotation:

    • Get a planner and plan out your weeks and what assignments you will accomplish. The food service rotation usually consists of many projects and competencies you need to complete. You can easily get bogged down and stressed out if you are not organized.
    • Do something EVERYDAY. The last thing you want is to be at the end of the rotation and still have A LOT of projects to complete.
    • Contribute what you know and develop ways to improve their food service system.
    • Look over the menu’s, offer suggestions and improvements. Conduct in-services! Be creative!
    • Most importantly, have a positive attitude even if food service is not your niche.

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    Community 101

    Assessment. Goals. Plan. Manage. Funding. Support. Implement. And again. Assessment. Goals. Plan. Manage. Funding. Support. Implement. These are the steps for completing a community nutrition program. Engrave this into your brain, tattoo it onto your arm, whatever you need to do to remember it. It will come up everywhere in community and you NEED to know it for the RD Exam.

    Community is less fast paced and not as high demand as clinical and food service. However, this doesn’t mean its a walk in the park. There are still projects and assignments you need to complete so stay ORGANIZED.

    All of the rotations are fun if you let them be but community is especially fun because you get to focus on providing nutrition education to groups and individuals! You get to express your creativity and knowledge. Depending on your program you will have to complete a variety of nutrition education presentations and develop marketing materials. Canva is the ABSOLUTE BEST site to create anything and everything. And its free to sign up, bonus!

    Tips for surviving the community rotation:

    • Assessing the needs of the community is key when providing a nutrition education program. You may want to do a presentation on the benefits of a plant-based diet but during your assessment you may find that it is not the best fit!
    • Have fun with your presentations. Engage the audience throughout it. If you mess up, roll with it. Remember you are the expert!
    • If you get to choose your own community sites choose ones that interest you, not ones you think will look good on a resume!
    • If there’s an RD you are really interested in working with but they are not in your area see if you can do an online rotation!

    Now lets talk about the essential items you need to survive the dietetic internship:

    book

    Nutrition Focused Physical Exam Pocket Guide for all your malnutrition needs. Get it here.

    lab coat

    Lab Coat – Check with your preceptor before purchasing a lab coat, the hospital may provide you with one or your site may wear scrubs! Get it here.

    clipboard

    A clipboard with storage is SO vital. It’s a great and convenient way to to store notes, charts, and reference books. Get it here.

    A clipboard with calculations, tube feeding formulations, malnutrition scores, and more. Get it here.

    survive the dietetic internship

    Meal-prepping will save you some much needed time during the week. They are glass so be careful and don’t drop it and lose your lunch for the day. RIP. Get it here.

    survive with h2o

    Practice what you preach and stay hydrated throughout the day! Get it here.

    For even more essential items for the internship check out our amazon store!

    To survive the dietetic internship remember to be positive, open-minded, respectful and remain engaged. You’ve worked so hard to get this point, give this internship your all. This is the FINAL step before you are eligible to sit for the CDR exam and become an RD. You can do this! We believe in you!

    Are you in a Distance program? Do you need help finding preceptors? Check out our blog post on how to find preceptors!

    Disclosure: The amazon links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase this blog will earn a commission. Please keep in mind these products are linked because they have been purchased and deemed essential by previous dietetic interns.

    PS. Check out one of our FREE toolkits to help you feel confident and prepared during your rotations. 

    CONTINUE READING

  • Featured, RD2Be Fun

    Instagram Q&A with Deanna Wolfe, MS, RDN

    Special thanks to Deanna Wolfe, MS, RDN (@dietitiandeanna) who recently did an Instagram Q&A for our Instagram community! Her insightful responses will help you navigate your RD2BE journey as you work towards landing your dream job.

    Q: What is your advice to stay positive during the dietetic internship?

    I did a Coordinated Master’s, which means I did the internship and Master’s combined in 2 years (instead of 3)! I would be in my training during the day and then have classes in the evenings. The first year was focused on community, corporate wellness, long-term care, WIC, retail, outpatient (diabetes, cancer, etc.), and a psych hospital (eating disorders). The second year was a FULL YEAR internship in a hospital plus rotations in a burn unit with a GI doctor, oncology, and a children’s hospital. It was a hard two years, but I stayed positive by enjoying downtime with friends on the weekends when I could (I also worked as a dietary food aide and a bartender) and enjoying where I was at in life. It was nice to have another year to focus on what I truly wanted to do with my life instead of jumping right into the real world. 🙂 Take it as a year to learn and grow!

    Q: Do you have any dietitians that you look up to or have had as a mentor?

    I have been a part of a mastermind with other celebrity/influential dietitians and love seeing how others have grown their business and made an impact.

    Q: How much experience would you recommend before starting your own consulting business?

    I would hire a mentor/coach and dive in. You don’t need ‘experience’ before starting your business- you have the knowledge you need. I had never worked a clinical job before I started. You don’t have to either. 

    There are also tons of business tools and systems you can put in place to help with back-end things you may be worried about. Dietitians are known to be Type-A perfectionists. I would have never gotten to where I am or started my business if I had waited for the perfect name, perfect website, etc.

    Q: What are your tips for finding opportunities on the business side of health and wellness?

    The best thing I did for my career/entrepreneurial spirit was dive into roles in corporate wellness. This expanded my ability to understand products, technology, sales, and marketing on a large scale with Fortune 500 companies.

    If you love social media, other avenues would be social media PR agencies or even working with brands.

    Q: As a student, how did you gain dietetics-related experience?

    I worked as a dietary aide at UPMC Shadyside (a local hospital), getting the meal tickets ready for the tray line. This made me realize that clinical wasn’t my favorite. 🙂

    I also was the food science laboratory assistant at PITT, which meant I grocery shopped for the food science labs each week! I loved that job, haha. I also was the president of the Student Dietetic Association. I networked with my professors, stayed in contact with people I admired. Get out and network!

    Q: How did you build your Instagram?

    1. Being authentic.

    2. Understanding marketing and sales.

    3. Consistent hard work. No one sees the years I spent hustling on the side to create the brand I have now. It wasn’t luck but hard work. If you procrastinate, find a business partner or mentor who will set goals and challenge you. The first business I opened with a partner.

    Q: What are your tips for starting out as a nutrition influencer?

    Focus on building a community FIRST, and the sales will come. Don’t just focus on ‘followers.’  Every single follower wants to learn something from you, so provide that knowledge. If you’re going to ‘influence,’ you will need a community of people who know, like, and trust you.

    Q: How did you begin marketing yourself?

    Understand who I was talking to. Understand what they need to hear. Being a person first, not a dietitian. I am sharing my mistakes, not just being an expert.

    Q: How did you get to where you are?

    Wow, maybe this would be best reserved for a book. 🙂

    P.S. Did you find this collaboration helpful on your dietetics career journey? Could you share it with your fellow RD2BE friends? Also, don’t forget to follow Deanna on Instagram and let her know how this interview resonated with you.

     

    CONTINUE READING

  • Dietitian Career Advice, Featured

    Should You Consider the DTR Exam?

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    • by

    Ryan Hartz, the founder of Visual Veggies, shares his wisdom on the option of taking the DTR exam if a dietetic internship/RD program doesn’t pan out.

    Guest Post by Ryan Hartz, Founder of Visual Veggies

    You completed four years of undergraduate work in Nutrition and Dietetics and graduated with a well-respected GPA, but you were not matched to a dietetic internship program.  Now what? Don’t fret. It’s not the end of the world.  Getting matched to an accredited internship program has become highly competitive.  When I was in your shoes some 15 years ago, we had the choice of which internship program we wanted to join without having to worry much that we wouldn’t get into any of our top picks.  Times have changed as it appears the nutrition profession has exploded over the past several years.  More and more young nutrition pups are entering the field, and simply not enough dietetic internship programs to accommodate.

    With not getting matched to an internship, you may want to consider taking the DTR Exam.  A Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) is an eligible candidate who can work in many areas of nutrition similar to Registered Dietitians (RDs), such as:

    • – Clinical settings include hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, hospice care organizations, and home health care programs.  DTRs can conduct nutrition screenings, gather nutrition data, and perform other tasks to assist R.D.s in providing medical nutrition therapy.
    • – Community settings include WIC offices, public health agencies, Meals on Wheels, and other community health programs.  DTRs can develop and teach nutrition classes for the public.
    • – Food service settings, such as schools, daycare centers, correctional facilities, and restaurants.  DTRs can manage employees, assist with purchasing and preparing foods, and prepare budgets within the foodservice operations.
    • – Wellness settings, such as health clubs, weight management clinics, and community wellness centers.  DTRs can educate clients about the connection between food, fitness, and health
    • – Food company settings, such as contract food management, vending, and distribution centers.  DTRs can develop menus, oversee sanitation and food safety, and prepare food labeling information and nutrient analysis.

    Stepping Stone for the RD EXAM

    I always like to think “glass half-full.”  If you’re a student who did not match for an internship in this round, consider these potential advantages of taking the DTR Exam:

    • – With obtaining your bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, you are already eligible to sit for the national DTR Exam
    • – Both the RD Exam and DTR Exam are computerized tests, following the same format. Taking the DTR Exam will give you experience taking the test and hopefully prepare you for what’s to come in the R.D. Exam.
    • – Our friends over at All Access Dietetics tell us that dietetic internship/RD program directors value the DTR credentials highly because it shows an applicant can successfully pass a national board exam.
    • – While having the DTR credentials will not guarantee a successful match to an internship on the next round, you will be able to use the credentials on your application as demonstrating knowledge and a commitment to the profession in the event you lack paid or volunteer dietetics-related experiences.
    • – Passing the DTR Exam will make you marketable and allow you to start practicing in various fields to gain experience and earn some money, which may be used to help pay off school loans or save for your upcoming dietetic internship.

    Ready to begin studying for the DTR Exam? Check out the Visual Veggies Software specifically designed to help you become a DTR and start your career in dietetics!

    P.S. If the RD exam is in your future, Pass the Exam Coaching is your solution! Click here to learn more.

    CONTINUE READING

  • Featured

    Interview with Coaching Client Kristen Matthews

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    • by

    Learn more about All Access Dietetics (AAD) in this interview with Kristen Matthews, who talks about some of her experiences with our coaching services!

    “AAD was worth the investment to me, because I had worked so hard as an undergrad and wanted to make sure that on match day I knew I did everything I could to get matched and that meant investing in a service that would help me achieve my goals.”

    Kristen Matthews

    Kristen Matthews, Get Matched Coaching client, shares her experience working with All Access Dietetics (AAD) and landing the dietetic internship of her dreams.

    Why did you decide to do Get Matched Coaching?

    I chose to use AAD because I knew that I was feeling a little lost when it came to program choices. I had a top internship but didn’t know how to figure out where else would be a good fit for me or what was realistic. In addition, I knew that I wanted assistance with my personal statement since I am not good at bragging about myself and was uncertain of how to format this type of essay. I had spent so much time in undergrad doing, “all of the things,” and needed help figuring out how to connect them all and show my accomplishments that without listing everything. I wanted to ensure that I was communicating effectively and had a cohesive vision in my personal statement.  In addition, I knew I would want interview prep assistance if it came to that. The DICAS application is unlike anything I have ever had to complete and very few people I know have ever been through it so I wanted the guidance and the sounding board of a coach to answer questions and reassure me when I didn’t know if I was doing the right thing.

    Why was AAD worth the investment to you?

    AAD was worth the investment to me because I had worked so hard as an undergrad and wanted to make sure that on match day I knew I did everything I could to get matched and that meant investing in a service that would help me achieve my goals. In my mind, I equated it to having a tutor. I had tutors all throughout high school and even college at times to help me succeed and learn, and to me, this application was no different. DICAS is such a dense and dynamic application, I wanted to make sure I was putting my best foot forward. And AAD was worth the investment to me so I had the peace of mind that I did everything in my power to get matched.   

    What did you enjoy most about your experience with AAD?

    I am the type of person that needs to talk through things, and so having coaching calls was a huge help. Talking through the thought process and ideas for my personal statement and just overall being able to just email at any time when I was filling out the other portions was so helpful in reducing application stress. I also think the coaches have a really great idea of what other programs fit with each applicant. I was struggling to pick my 2nd-4th choices and after speaking with my coach, sharing my interests, and what I was looking for in a program, she was able to recommend schools that fit my needs and also fit with my academics and were realistic. I know I felt overwhelmed and when looking over the excel spreadsheet of all the possibilities, I didn’t know where to start in narrowing it down, so that was a huge help.

    Were there any other unexpected benefits of your experience with AAD?

    The modules were a huge help and point of reference. When I signed up, I was looking more for the one-on-one coaching but having the modules in the course to keep referring back to at any time was super helpful and also helped me make the most of my coaching calls because I wasn’t asking unnecessary questions that were able to be answered from the modules.      

    Congratulations, Kristen on your match to your top choice dietetic internship – Vanderbilt University!

    P.S. Start your journey to a happy Match Day by getting a coach! Apply today for Get Matched Coaching.

    CONTINUE READING

  • Dietetics Programs, Featured

    Find Your Perfect Dietetic Internship

    Your dietetic internship is the gateway to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Make sure you decide what is right for you.

    Do your research! Deciding where to apply for your dietetic internship is a crucial, yet stressful, process. You will have to search through your options of dietetic internship programs and decide your best fit. Having gone through this stressful process only a few years ago, I compiled a list of deciding factors to help simplify your search through more than 250 options.

    Location

    You may want to stay near your family, are already employed in the area, or have obligations that will not allow you to move to a new city. For you, deciding on the location of your program is easy! For those of you without a geographical barrier, you’re able to choose from many outstanding programs all over the country. You may find an internship on the other side of the country that fits your interests perfectly. Yes, moving to a new city can be expensive, scary, and risky, but it can be worth it! Do not be afraid to sacrifice one or two years in an unfamiliar location if it means completing an internship that will bring you one step closer to reaching your goals. Also, think about where you want to seek employment after the internship. If you stay in this area, you may develop relationships with the other dietitians and facility personnel, which could lead to a job after you graduate!

    Program Emphasis

    Our field is expanding so much, so fast. The most common emphases are General, Medical Nutrition Therapy, Business/Entrepreneurship, Community, Food Service Management, Urban Nutrition, Research, and Nutrition Communications. It is essential that you research all the different areas that a dietitian can practice in. Beware of saying, “I don’t know what I am interested in!” if you have not researched what is available to you. Talk to your advisor, other dietitians, your professors, and dietetics-related work supervisors. Choosing a general emphasis is great if you do not know what you are interested in yet. Remember that all internships are required to have a minimum amount of hours in each area of dietetics, so you won’t be missing out if you choose a specific emphasis. Think about where you want to work right out of the internship.

    Cost

    Some programs require tuition and some do not. Some have a stipend and some have a combination. Don’t judge a book by its cover on this deciding factor though. Some programs may have stipends, but they may also have tuition that is more than the stipend. Also, living costs associated with location of the program may end up canceling out the stipend in the end. With any financial decision, analyze all the numbers and research available financial aid by contacting the program director or financial aid director. Your educational will always have a great return on investment. Undergraduate loans may be deferred, but you still might need financial aid. If there is no tuition, you might have a harder time finding financial aid (since you might not be considered a student). Research all costs including living expenses and unexpected costs.

    Part or Full Time

    If you need to work during the internship, a part-time dietetic internship makes employment more realistic and manageable. If you have any other obligation or time commitment, part- time dietetic internships usually offer schedule flexibility. Part-time may take longer than the full-time internships, so it depends on the length of time you are able to commit. You will still gain the same amount of experience in both options.

    Combined MS or DI Only

    Beginning in 2024, all graduates will be required to obtain a Master’s degree. However, unless you know your niche or area of interest in dietetics, you may want to wait to pursue this degree. You don’t want to enter a combined Master’s in Clinical Nutrition program, only to discover that you have no interest in practicing clinical nutrition. Of course, it is not the end of the world and a Master’s credential in any area will still provide you with good career opportunities, but it’s to your advantage to think carefully about your decision and get the most out of your advanced study.

    Rotation Details

    Internship programs have affiliations in an array of settings from hospitals and universities to Women, Infant, and Children’s program and wellness centers. The locations of rotations are an important deciding factor and a detail you should not overlook. Remember each internship program is unique. Where do the actual experiences take place? What is the size of the hospital? What is the population demographics? It is important to know where your actual experiences take place.

    Electives

    Decide if you want an internship that provides you with some options. You may be so set on one area of dietetics that the option to spend additional time in it is appealing. On the other hand, you may not have a set niche in mind, so more options may be a better fit. You can use an elective experience to your advantage and gain valuable exposure to any area of your choice. Figure out how personalized the internship is how well you think it can tailor to your interests. If this factor is really important to you, make sure you talk to the director and ask how they choose rotation schedules and experiences. Some programs require you stay in the vicinity and others have you choose from a list of pre-selected rotations. Talk to the past interns to find out if they were actually able to do what they wanted to do.

    Patient Population

    All programs have to expose their interns to different populations, but take note of whether or not one population is more available than another.

    What is Your Perfect Fit?

    The key is to gain the right experience for you. To do this, define what your strengths and weakness are. Find opportunities to fine-tune strengths and to upgrade your weaknesses. When it comes time to apply, put a magnifying glass over all your paid employment, volunteer work, and extra-curricular activities. Examine and re-examine where you did well and where you felt most passionate about what you were doing. Choose these experiences to write about in your application letter and show the selection committee how you are prepared to excel in their internship.

    Schedule your free call with Jenny today to discuss your background, address any of your concerns, and decide on the next steps of your dietitian journey!

    CONTINUE READING

  • Dietetics Programs, Featured

    Here’s What You Need to Know About GPA and Dietetic Internships

    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.

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

    First, there are a few different types of GPA.

    • 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!

    CONTINUE READING

  • Featured, Student Life

    Staying Professional This Summer

    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.

    P.S. ARE YOU IN YET? Schedule your free call with Jenny today to discuss your background, address any of your concerns, and decide on the next step for your dietitian journey!

    CONTINUE READING

  • Dietetics Programs, Featured

    How to Survive Life as a Parent and Future RD

    Beginning the journey as an RD2be is no easy feat, but it is even more difficult with a family of your own. One mother shares her experience below.

    Being an #rdtobe can be tricky sometimes. Making time for homework, studying, volunteering, and working can be a balancing act, but add parenting on top of that? Moms and dads take it to a whole new level when it comes to juggling parenting and schoolwork. Mom Lisa Gonzalez, BS-NDTR, was invited to share her sources of inspiration throughout her journey as a DPD student, diet tech, and future R.D.!

    #rd2be Parents: Let’s Remember Why We Went Back to School

    I am not yet an R.D. and just beyond graduation, in limbo awaiting Match Day for an internship opportunity. Fingers crossed! I am also a mom who frequently asks herself, “Why did I go back to school?”, “Why did I choose one of the most competitive programs out there?”, “WHY DID I THINK I COULD DO THIS?”.  Let us remember why we chose this grueling path to become an R.D. as it is easy to get lost in the weeds of school, work, volunteering, raising a family, extra-curricular activities, pick-ups and drop-offs, household chores, and the to-do list goes on and on and on.

    We do it for our family!

    There are many reasons why #rd2be parents make the life-altering decision to go back to school, and they all stem from a single root, we all do this to better our families. I used to work in retail, and my hours were long and included nights, weekends, and holidays. I also traveled, which kept me away from my family for days at a time. My goal in my career change is to be home at night to eat dinner with my family and, on weekends, be there for their soccer games. This is my motivation. Right now, we are putting in the long hours in school, studying, and taking any opportunity to gain nutrition-related experience, but it will all be worth it!

    Who better to advise about healthy choices and working them into your busy schedule than a MOM!

    Rd2be parents are the most time-efficient people I know.  I juggle many roles in a day, oscillating between mother, wife, friend, daughter, student, volunteer, employee, etc.  We have a real-life perspective on maintaining a healthy lifestyle on limited time and resources.

    While we try to practice what we preach, there are certainly those days when we forget to take care of ourselves in the whirlwind.  Parents, your families need you to stay healthy so they can stay healthy.  We ship our well-rested kids off to school with healthy snacks and lunches while we rush out the door on an empty stomach and bags under our eyes. Reserve 20 minutes each day to do something for yourself, whether it’s a nap, exercise, or even a pedicure.  The 20 minutes of you-time will do more for your grades than taking that extra time to cram for your biochem test.

    Happy parent= happy family!

    Because we want our children to know how important college is.

    The best way to teach kids how important education and lifelong learning is by modeling the behavior.  Even at a young age, they are watching and observing how hard you are working toward your goals.

    We love food!

    Nutrition is our passion, so we can use that to fuel our desire to advance in a field we love!

    “Love what you do, and you will never work a day in your life.”

    About the Author: Lisa Gonzalez graduated in May 2016 from Arizona State University with her degree in dietetics and recently earned her DTR certification. She has a previous degree in Fashion Merchandising and worked in the retail field before jumping into the world of nutrition. She has taught various nutrition classes at her daughter’s preschool and helped coordinate a nutrition program for the school. She desires to become a registered dietitian specializing in oncology and is interested in working with the veteran population.  Her research interests include probiotics and their potential relationship with cancer.  She is a mom of two little girls, ages 5 and 6. When she has free time, she enjoys camping, rock climbing, and hiking. 

    P.S. Are you applying to the dietetic internship program of your dreams? Our Get Matched Course can help you on a fast track to a successful and happy Match Day!

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  • Featured, Student Life

    What Kept Me Healthy When Becoming an RD

    Staying physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy when becoming a Registered Dietitian is difficult. Lisa Carrigg, MS, RD shares her advice to succeed!

    Break Body Movement Time into Bite Size Pieces

    Between moving to a new city, starting graduate school and trying to keep a part time job, I struggled to adjust from my previous rigorous work out routine into something that still fulfilled my need to move and work while not resulting in stretching myself too thin. As someone who also strongly dislikes sitting, I got creative and readjusted my view of what working out and fitness looked like.

    When you know you are going to have a day of what I call extreme sitting, set yourself up so you can stand or stretch in the back of the classroom. I loved the “Daily” apps you can get for you smart phone because I could do 5, 8 or 10 minutes of shuffled moves for my arms or legs etc. right when I woke up or when I needed a break from studying. I also loved doing online barre3 classes and fitness blender videos with friends. Walk and talk meetings are a favorite of mine too. Redefine what getting moving looks like so it’s satisfying to you and fits your routine. Not everyone likes the gym and not everyone enjoys yoga. It’s all good.

    Learn to Say No Thank You

    With so many different and often equally wonderful opportunities in front of you to grow professionally and personally, it’s easy to slip into having a calendar with every minute, hour, day and weekend scheduled. Fairly quickly, this exciting packed schedule becomes stressful. Growing yourself professionally and seeking new opportunities and contacts is a part of your journey, but so is learning how to say no thank you. You do not have to do absolutely everything that comes your way and you do not have to feel bad for saying no to something. Even if you are saying no to something extra because you just need a moment of time just for you during which you have nothing you are suppose to be doing. Be thoughtful about your intentions behind choosing what to say yes to and that will help guide you in when to say no. How will this opportunity or experience help you grow? Why do I want to do this?

    Take Time to Feed Yourself Well and in Good Company

    I’m studying nutrition you say, I love food you say, I’m going to be an RDN you say. Of course I say, but you still need to nourish yourself so you can do all those awesome things. You are still human and probably a very busy one. All I am saying is to take time every now and then to share a meal with good company over good conversation. Conversation that is about the stuff that makes up life. It doesn’t need to be fancy food or in a fancy place, it should just be done with love. Nourishing others while they nourish you helps build everyone up (plus there might be leftovers!). Some of the best times I have had during the busiest seasons of my life are over lovingly made food accompanied by warm hugs, laughter and smiles. Feed your face and your soul.

    It’s Okay to Cry Sometimes

    When we are struggling, sometimes it’s easier to put on a good face, especially around friends or family who are on very different journeys (seemingly more successful or easy). Your journey is special and it’s not fair to compare it to anyone else’s, because it will never look or be like anyone else’s and that is something to cherish. It’s hard for those who love you to love on you more when you need it, however, if you don’t let them in. It’s okay to cry. In fact, it can be very therapeutic. We grow when we work through challenges. Finding a nurturing community to be a part of such as a church, a sports group, dance studio or perhaps even your school can help provide you additional emotional support. Who can you lean on when you need to? Do you tell yourself it’s okay to feel how you are feeling?

    Practice Kindness and Thankfulness

    Show kindness towards others as often as you can but especially towards yourself. Sometimes we expect so much of ourselves we get in the rut of only seeing what we think we did wrong. Stop yourself. Take time to re-set the thoughts you are feeding yourself and others about who you truly are. When you are feeling down take a few minutes to make a list of all the things you are thankful for or a list of all of the positive and unique things about who you are. Thank others often with hand written thank you notes or kind words. If you think something nice you should share it out loud. What can you be thankful for right now? What is one thing about you that you absolutely love (physical, emotional, skill wise, etc) ?

    About the Author: Lisa Carrigg is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with her Masters in Nutrition. She provides 1-on-1 virtual nutrition & wellness coaching at HealthyGroceryGirl.com & has an integrative, whole foods, plant based approach. She believes in meeting individuals where they are at and providing knowledge and guidance to empower them to meet their personal goals. Lisa is also a contributing expert to the Healthy Grocery Girl Membership & Community. To learn more & connect with Lisa visit HealthyGroceryGirl.com 

    Healthy Grocery Girl® is a wellness and video production company helping busy people and families enjoy real food and natural living. Healthy Grocery Girl keeps it simple and fun with weekly online videos & is the #1 Family Friendly Dietitian Channel on YouTube. Healthy Grocery Girl also provides an online wellness membership with meal plans, nutrition programs, video courses & shopping guides as well as video production services for brands looking to tell their story through digital content. 

    P.S. ARE YOU IN YET? Schedule your free call with Jenny to discuss your background, address any concerns, and decide on the next steps for your dietitian journey!

    CONTINUE READING

  • Dietetics Programs, Featured

    How Scheduling a Date Could be Your Best First Step on Your DICAS Journey

    Spending time with yourself is a key to success in your DICAS journey. These tips can help you land the dietetic internship of your dreams!

    When you schedule a date with someone you are interested in, you typically don’t cancel. You pick a meeting location that is comfortable, you put away your phone and minimize other distractions because, hey- you’re on a date. You want to spend some quality time with someone, right? Well, when was the last time you truly spent time like that with yourself?

    Click here to join our future dietitian newsletter for monthly webinar invites, free resources, exclusive experience opportunities, and so much more!

    Spending some serious solo time as you begin to embark on all the craziness and moving parts that is the DICAS process could be your key to a smoother, more successful journey, and the sooner you start, the better. A lot of what is being asked of you in this process is accomplished from you knowing yourself well. Now I’m not saying you don’t know yourself per say, but you really need to know what you want and don’t want career-wise and in your personal life and be able to express that in a sincere and concise way (personal statement, resume, interviews…oh yeah, all of them). Grades of course count, extracurricular activities, job experience – all of those good things. What can set you up for greater success comes from spending time getting to know yourself truthfully as you are right now and making plans for what you need. I could not be more thankful for fellow students and staff in my program at Bastyr whom invested in helping me on my journey and I hope to pass on some of what I consider the most helpful tips I picked up along the way to you.

    So turn off your phones, pick a time and a place where you are comfortable and won’t be interrupted, get yourself a beverage of choice and settle in for some quality date time. I would recommend the following four self-date activities.

    1. Create a Self Care Plan

    DICAS is like a new acquaintance you are desperate to impress and with whom you hope above all else every interaction goes smoothly with. Something, whether big or small, is likely to go not quite as planned during this process though and already having a solid self-care plan in place will help you navigate these bumpy patches. While you’re busy pouring so much of yourself out into other things, it is key to be sure you are also pouring back into the amazing and gifted YOU.

    To create your self-care plan to keep you sane and healthy, spend time thinking about the things that nourish you. What really lifts your spirits, makes you feel refreshed, relaxed, good about yourself, etc. How can you work these into your schedule? Is it a bubble bath? Hitting the dance floor? Cooking dinner with a good friend? Self-care time can look like anything as long as it nourishes and lifts you up. Make a list of at least ten things. Practicing self-care is taking time to value yourself and make sure you are getting what you need.

    2. Practice STAR Statements

    One of the things I worked on during the DICAS prep classes my advisor Dr. Harris led, which although I definitely tried to avoid doing, are what’s called a STAR. You should do these before you embark on revamping your resume or crafting your personal statement or essays. They will also help you feel more prepared later on for potential interviews. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Results. There are various resources online when you Google STAR statements that describe in detail how to craft them. It’s a specific exercise that helps you work on describing your unique skills and abilities succinctly and with specific examples or mini stories, so to say. It can be a little bit of a painful process, but trust me, it is well worth it.

    3. Identify and Make Time for a Mentor

    We all need people in our corner. The kind of people you can be completely honest and vulnerable with and whom you know will be honest but loving back to you. Who are these people going to be for you? Maybe it’s a counselor, a friend, a professor or a family member. Just know that those who haven’t been through and aren’t going through DICAS don’t completely understand what your experience is like. That’s okay, because sometimes you need to come up for a breath of fresh air and have a conversation that doesn’t include DICAS. Seriously, make it a point to have extended conversation that doesn’t somehow circle back to DICAS. Spend time thinking of at least two people you feel you can be vulnerable with and who you feel help remind you to be true to yourself and follow your heart as you work to do your best in all parts of your life. When can you plan a date with them?

    4. Practice Shutting Down your Desire to Compare

    You may be going through DICAS with a group of other people. If I haven’t hinted at this enough let me say it directly, this is YOUR unique journey. While commiserating is a common thing to gravitate towards in a group experience or during a challenging process, do your best to limit it. Practice shutting down self-comparison commentary both internally and externally which is easy to fall prey to in a group setting, even a supportive one.

    You are different, your past and your future, from anyone else and this process is about YOU. Feed yourself true and honest, but positive things, about yourself as well as others. You have your own gifts and talents, focus on what you have and what makes you unique, and practice finding joy in celebrating those things in others. (Read more advice on this topic here.)

    About the Author: Lisa Carrigg is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with her Masters in Nutrition. She provides 1-on-1 virtual nutrition & wellness coaching at HealthyGroceryGirl.com & has an integrative, whole foods, plant based approach. She believes in meeting individuals where they are at and providing knowledge and guidance to empower them to meet their personal goals. Lisa is also a contributing expert to the Healthy Grocery Girl Membership & Community. To learn more & connect with Lisa visit HealthyGroceryGirl.com

    Healthy Grocery Girl® is a wellness and video production company helping busy people and families enjoy real food and natural living. Healthy Grocery Girl keeps it simple and fun with weekly online videos & is the #1 Family Friendly Dietitian Channel on YouTube. Healthy Grocery Girl also provides an online wellness membership with meal plans, nutrition programs, video courses & shopping guides as well as video production services for brands looking to tell their story through digital content.

    CONTINUE READING

  • Featured, Student Life

    Stand Out Male Dietitians

    Male dietitians are few and hard to come by. But, they are making an incredible impact in nutrition and dietetics. Learn about these rockstar R.D.s!

    Where are all our male # RD2be’s at?! Dietetics is a great career path for both males and females alike. Although the field is currently female dominant, male dietitians are having great success in dietetics, doing exciting things, and making their mark on the area. While we couldn’t possibly give credit to ALL of the fantastic dietitians out there, we do want to give a special shout-out to a select few stand-out male dietitians.

    1. David Grotto

    David has been in the nutrition field for over 25 years. He has a wide range of experiences, including hosting a live radio show on health and nutrition, serving as a national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and serving as the president and founder of a nutrition consulting firm in Chicago.

    2. Christopher Gunning

    In 2012, Christopher was recognized by the New Jersey Dietetic Association and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as the 2012 Outstanding Dietetic Student for New Jersey. Since his recognition, Chris has continued to make a positive impact. He is currently the clinical nutritionist for the New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health and Rutgers Health Services.

    3. Brett Singer

    Brett is a sports dietitian for Memorial Hermann Ironman Sports Medicine Institute, Houston Baptist University Athletics, and the Sugar Land Skeeters. He is a pioneer in bringing sports nutrition to high school athletics programs in the Houston area. Brett also spends time in the classroom educating graduate students on sports nutrition as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston.

    4. Chris Vogliano

    Chris is an environmentally-focused R.D. and works as a clinical research associate for a Seattle-based biotech startup focused on nutrigenomics and scientific wellness. He was selected to be the first Agriculture, Nutrition, and Health Research Fellow with The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2014. Chris was also awarded “Young Dietitian of the Year” by Washington State.

    5. Angel Planells

    Angel is the lead dietitian in the Home Based Primary Care program at the Veterans Administration in Puget Sound, a Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and owner of private practice and consulting firm ACP Nutrition. In 2016, he was recognized by the Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as Outstanding Dietitian of the Year.

    6. Jim White

    In addition to being an RD, Jim is an ACSM Health Fitness Instructor. He is also an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics National Spokesman and owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios. He has received multiple prestigious awards, including the 2014 Young Entrepreneur Award and 2009 Virginia’s Young Dietitian of the Year.

    7. Jonathan Valdez

    Jonathan is very actively involved in the field of dietetics, serving many roles. He is a Registered Dietitian at Genki Nutrition, Diversity Leader for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Diversity Leaders Program, treasurer and secretary for the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Public Policy Coordinator Co-Chair for the Greater New York Dietetic Association.

    Bonus

    Bonus, check out this ‘Men in Dietetics’ video from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

    P.S. ARE YOU IN YET? Join the future dietitian newsletter to receive monthly webinar invitations, free resources, exclusive experience opportunities, and so much more!

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  • Dietetics Programs, Featured

    How Applying to an ISPP Helped Natalie Get One Step Closer to Her Dream Career

    Special thanks to Natalie Kocks, who shared her personal ISPP journey with us in 2017.

    My name is Natalie Kocks, and I am a recent graduate of Benedictine University, Lisle, IL. I am currently enrolled as a dietetic intern at Purdue University’s ISPP. The journey towards attaining a dietetic internship is most certainly not an easy one. At Benedictine, I ran Cross Country and Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field. I was also involved in the SAND (Student Association of Nutrition and Dietetics) club. I volunteered every summer at Parkview Regional Medical Center in the Nutrition and Dietetics department. I also gained experience as an intern, working with an R.D. who owns her fitness and nutrition company. I also interned with Foodie on Campus (an online magazine) and helped market the magazine via social media.

    In my senior year of college, I began the DICAS process and unfortunately did not receive a match. So I moved home and began working as a dietary aide at a nursing home and as a recipe developer, chef, and barista at a local natural market. In November, I reapplied to DICAS, and again, the words read “No Match.” I allowed myself to be upset for one day, and then I decided that this was what I wanted, and I refused to give up. I applied for a nutritionist position at a local WIC office and was offered the job. I have been working at WIC for the last six months and love it here! I learned about the Purdue ISPP from a Purdue ISPP intern doing her community rotation here at my WIC location! I decided to apply, and before I knew it, I was being interviewed and accepted my intern spot!

    “ISPP is an amazing opportunity for good DICAS applicants who slipped through the cracks to gain the internship they deserve.”

    ISPP is a fantastic opportunity for suitable DICAS applicants who slipped through the cracks to gain the internship they deserve. ISPP allows for flexibility; you can focus on areas of dietetics that you’re most interested in, and you can complete your entire training at home! 

    My advice to future applicants is never to give up. Not receiving a match to internships was one of the most devastating experiences I have had. Had it not been for my supportive family and friends and my deep-rooted passion for the field, I do not think I would have kept applying and putting myself out there. The best thing you can do is start gaining nutrition experience early on in your college career and continue to stay involved while working just as hard in the classroom. Please get to know your professors because you’ll need them down the road for positive letters of recommendation when you apply to internships.

    Thanks for sharing, Natalie!

    P.S. Our Get Matched Coaches can help you land the DI of your dreams. Let us help you have a happy match day!

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  • Dietetics Programs, Featured

    How Strong Relationships with My Professors Got Me an Internship… After Match Day

    Check out Dianna Sinni’s advice on the importance of maintaining good relationships with professors and how they can affect the trajectory of your career!

    By Dianna Sinni, RD, LD

    I’ll be honest- I’m a Registered Dietitian who didn’t get matched. I logged into DICAS like every dietetic intern out there, anxiously awaiting to see my match. I felt confident, I had progressed in two phone interviews for two programs, and my personal statement was really well written. I remember my boyfriend was seated next to me on our couch, but he kept getting bored with the waiting game – DICAS was temporarily down due to the high volume of log-ins, no doubt attributed to Match Day.

    A few hours later, it happened – I logged in successfully…but only to see the horrible regrets memo.

    There were tears. A lot of them. But as much as I wanted to crawl into my bed and sob, what good would it really do me? Wallowing in self-pity and sorrow wouldn’t get me into an internship – only I could. And it was too important to me to waste any time.

    You might be wondering: how exactly did she get an internship and become a RD if there was no match?

    Within an hour or two after realizing I hadn’t matched, I IMMEDIATELY (immediacy, of high importance here!) emailed my undergraduate professors (the two who had written my DI recommendations as well) from Keene State College. I was already a few years out from undergrad, but had always kept in contact with my advisor and another professor during those two years post-graduation. This would prove to be the biggest asset to my dietetic internship journey.

    They were both shocked that I hadn’t matched (definitely a confidence booster after the initial sting of not matching) and immediately sent email after email of open intern spots for various programs across the country. There was hope!

    As a prospective dietetic intern, I had no idea that DI program directors connect with each other surrounding match day – something that turned out to be in my favor. I received at least 5 emails from my undergraduate professors of DI and ISSP programs that didn’t match to full capacity and were looking for well recommended interns.

    You might be wondering: so, why didn’t you wait until 2nd rounds?

    Sure, I could have waited a month or so until DICAS reopened and new matches were made with remaining applicants…but why would I want to wait? I took matters into my own hands – I cold-emailed at least 5 DI Program Directors with intern spots available. They sent over their program information and I had two phone interviews for two programs I was strongly considering; all within the 24-48 hours after Match Day.

    In less than 72 hours after not being matched, I was a fully enrolled Dietetic Intern at Sage College’s distance dietetic program. There were some formalities to complete, but I was in! While it wasn’t Plan A, it was the BEST Plan B I could have ever had. My experience was amazing and I am forever grateful for the support of my undergraduate professors. They believed in me because I believed in myself. They knew I was motivated and driven, and in turn were willing to put themselves out there to help me achieve my dream.

    So what does this mean for you?

    It’s never too late to start fostering relationships with your undergraduate professor and advisors. They aren’t just your teacher for a few semesters or the ones who write a DI recommendation letter – they’re the RD’s who can actively help make your dreams of becoming a RD reality and will continue to think of you throughout your career. Here’s a few tips to get started:

    1. Take advantage of office time (but don’t be annoying).

    Stop in to say hello and show serious interest in their classes. They have an immense wealth of knowledge and experience that you can tap into and learn from.

    2. Over summer break or after graduation, stay in touch via email or phone quarterly.

    Let them know what you’ve been up to in the dietetic world or new things you’ve been hearing about in the field.

    While I can’t guarantee you’ll get a DI just by cultivating a great relationship with your professors, I can – with confidence and through experience – say it is such an invaluable asset to your career path.

    Connect with Dianna Sinni here:

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

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  • Dietetics Programs, Featured

    The Perfect Thank You for Your Dietetic Mentor

    Searching for the perfect way to say thank you to the Dietitian in your life? We’ve created the ultimate list of thank you gifts for your Dietetic Mentor!

    As the school year comes to an end and the reality of your Dietetic Internship match sets in, you may be wondering, how can I express my gratitude to the Dietitian who helped me succeed? It can be intimidating trying to think of the BEST way to thank the Dietitian who inspired you and helped shape you into an #RD2BE. Do I need to buy a gift? How much should I spend on it? Is it too much or too little? Will they like it? These questions may be racing through your head. But, the key to having the perfect thank you is to be thoughtful.

    You should genuinely express how grateful you are. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Have fun with it!

    Starting with the note, you can make a homemade card or purchase a food-related card. Write from the heart, be honest and authentic! Try to describe the impactful experiences you shared with them! Get personal, your mentor knows YOU, and you know THEM. Remember, this Dietitian helped your dreams come true!

    Click here to learn how to write the PERFECT thank you note!

    Try to match the card to the Dietitian’s personality or likes! 

    • Do they love Bananas? 

    Thanks a bunch!

    • Are they a sushi fanatic?

    Thank you SOY much!

    • Is brunch their favorite meal?

    Thanks a brunch

    For additional fun foodie cards check out these sites!

    The next component of the perfect thank you for your Dietetic Mentor includes the actual gift!

    First and foremost, you are NOT obligated to give a gift to your mentor. We know the expenses ADD up quite a bit for #RD2BE’s. A thoughtful thank-you note is MORE than enough; your mentor will be more than happy with a card. However, if you do wish to go the extra mile and purchase a gift, we’ve got you covered!

    • Mugs are a great choice; we all know RD’s and #RD2BE’s run on caffeine.

    Special dietitian

    • A thank you for your thyme plant is a clever and thoughtful gift.

    Thank you for your thyme

    • For the plant lover with a killer sense of humor purchase a succulent and write thank you for not succulenting the life out of me or life would suc without you.

    succulent

    • Are they in need of a custom name sign with their favorite veggie?

    Desk sign

    • Do they need new wall decor that expresses how great they are?

    Truly a great dietitian

    • A sign to hang above their door, so everyone else in the office knows this is the Dietitians, not Dieticians office.
    •  

    Dietitian not Dietician

    • You cannot go wrong with the food; we all love snacks and sweets! If you want to test out those food science skills, make something homemade. If the Betty Crocker life isn’t for you, don’t be afraid to grab some cookies off the shelf. We’ve all passed off Tollhouse cookies as our “own” before!
    •  

    sweet treats

    For additional ideas, check out our amazon store!

    Overall, the possibilities are endless for gift giving! Remember to be thoughtful and express your gratitude! No matter what you give your mentor, they will be happy to have been a part of your success. You’ve got this!

    PS. If you are studying for the RD exam check out the Exam Toolkit here!

    CONTINUE READING