Webinars

  • Dietitian Career Advice, Webinars

    How To Become a Sports Dietitian

    All Access Dietetics Founder and Chicago Bulls sports dietitian Jenny Westerkamp is constantly asked, “How do I become a sports dietitian?” Here are a few of her top tips for future dietitians!

    Jenny Westerkamp, RD, CSSD, is the founder of All Access Dietetics and Chicago Bulls, Nutritionist. Jenny started All Access Internships in 2008 with Katie Proctor, MBA, RD. They developed the idea to provide as much info as possible in a way that was easy for other people interested in dietetics to use. They completed the Dietetic Internship full time and worked for All Access Internships in their spare time. After about two years, Katie then moved on to be a coach, and Jenny managed All Access Internships. In 2019, Jenny changed the name to All Access Dietetics to incorporate all stages of the dietetics journey, including excelling in your dietetics program, getting a dietetic internship, passing the RD exam, getting hired, and starting your own business.

    Jenny got exposure to sports nutrition the summer of her senior year of college by interning with Chicago Blackhawks dietitian Julie Burns, MS, RD, CCN. She emailed her with the subject “I want your life,” and she sold her skills to Julie. Jenny has also worked for the Chicago Cubs and now works with the Chicago Bulls.

    https://youtu.be/h7xKJg_D03k

    Get Experience Early

    Having sports nutrition experience as a student will help to boost your resume. This recent experience will help lead to new opportunities quickly so that you can be closer to your dream job! Reach out to your college dietitian or local universities’ sports dietitians and ask about involvement opportunities. See if you can gain experience from local sports nutrition programs and get that hands-on experience right away!

    If your college does not have a sports dietitian, look up local CSSDs in the area and reach out to them to see if they have any opportunities for you to become involved. Here is a list of CDs in each state that you can reach out to.

    CPSA is also a great organization to join as a student. You’ll learn so much from the listserve, and they have student immersion programs you can apply for to get your foot in the door. Join here.

    Network and Reach Out to Local Sports Dietitians

    Send an email to dietitians who you would love to work with and show them everything that you have to offer for them. Make it a win-win situation! Give dietitians insight on each of your skills – sports-related, nutrition-related, or otherwise. Mention if you are a great writer or great with creating social media content, creating handouts, or doing research. Show them that you can help make their lives easier and give them a hand while learning more about sports nutrition and the field.

    Be BOLD!

    Go after your dream job! Try to make connections with a sports dietitian who you want to be. Create relationships and keep up with them throughout the year. Send them your resume and a brief explanation of whom you are and what you do. Show them your skills, your passions, and how you can help them and see if they have any opportunities for you to get involved.

    PS. Landing your dream job is possible with our career resources; make sure to check them out!

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  • Dietetics Programs, Webinars

    Taking Your Resume from Average to AWESOME

    Are you struggling trying to develop a resume? Does your resume need a makeover to make you a stronger applicant for a DI? Check out our webinar below!

    The approach:

    Your resume should not look like one you find online or in a career center. You are applying to a Dietetic Internship, this resume is completely different than the standard one.

    Dietetics Experience

    • Paid AND un-paid experience should be in one section. When a director looks at your resume they will see a large portion of the section relating to dietetics. Whereas the typical approach of separating paid and volunteer experience makes it harder for the director to read

    One page rule

    • You want to add as much relevant experience as possible. As long it is relevant, it is okay for it to be two pages. If you do need two pages, make sure the second page is at least half way full! But, do not add fluff to do so!

    This is your highlight reel

    • You are trying to present your case as to why you are prepared for the dietetic internship. This is where you sell yourself in the best way possible.

    Do have bullet points, don’t have simple bullet points

    • Example: “Delivered food trays” This does not represent what you did or how you did it. Most people applying for dietetic internships have similar experiences. You want to make yourself standout not blend in!
    • Say it in a way no one else can. Utilize buzz words and action words! Take it back to grade school, who? what? where? when? why? how? Check out this link for examples of key action words you can use! Click here!

    Remember this is the part of the application where you are illustrating why you will be a great candidate for a dietetic internship. Be sure to show what you did that others did not. How did you make yourself standout? You want to impress the directors and make them think, WOW this candidate is AWESOME!

    Work with one of our coaches to help take your resume from average to AWESOME. At All Access Dietetics we know how to make-over your resume specifically for a Dietetic Internship! Click here to learn more!

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  • Dietitian Career Advice, Webinars

    Careers in Sports Nutrition & Entrepreneurship

    Are you interested in starting a career in sports nutrition or entrepreneurship? Jenny describes how you can make your dreams a reality in the webinar below!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=237&v=7CKanlnc0sE&feature=emb_title

    View slides for presentation here

    Background in Sports Nutrition & Entrepreneurship

    Jenny Westerkamp, RD, CSSD is the founder of All Access Dietetics and Chicago Bulls Nutritionist. Jenny started All Access Internships in 2008 with Katie Proctor, MBA, RD. They developed the idea as way to provide as much info as possible in a way that was easy for other people interested in dietetics to use. They were both completing the Dietetic Internship full time and working for All Access Internships in their spare time. Katie then moved on to be a coach after about 2 years and Jenny managed All Access Internships. In 2019, Jenny changed the name to All Access Dietetics to incorporate all stages of the dietetics journey, including excelling in your dietetics program, getting a dietetic internship, passing the RD exam, getting hired, and starting your own business.

    Jenny got exposure to sports nutrition the summer of her senior year of college by interning with Chicago Blackhawks dietitian Julie Burns, MS, RD, CCN. She emailed her with the subject “I want your life” and she sold her skills to Julie. Jenny has also worked for the Chicago Cubs and now works with the Chicago Bulls.

    Key takeaways to make your dreams a reality:

    • Create and cultivate relationships. Figure out how you can get your foot in the door. Always think about who you can reach out to and how to create a positive relationship. How can you make opportunities for yourself? Keep looking for the right people to connect with.
    • Sell yourself. Be a go-giver instead of go-getter. Think about what you can give instead of what you can receive. She strongly believes that what you give you will get back in return. It is a constant flow.
    • Mindset is everything. Positively reframe your thoughts. As an entrepreneur you constantly need have a good attitude.
    • Ready. Fire. Aim. Explore, try new things, and adjust your interests accordingly.
    • Jump in and figure out how to fly on the way down. We tend to limit ourselves. We need to go for it and not withhold our gifts.
    • Find your joy! Make a list of what you want and what you do not want. Adjust accordingly.
    • Define your own version of success. Success is not a straight line up. It involves highs and lows. You have to know what you want to get what you want. Figure out why you are striving for this success.
    • Most importantly get out there and go make your dreams come true! The possibilities are endless!

    For daily positive thoughts check out notes from the universe.

    Check out Jenny’s complete career story here!

    PS. We created a have FREE sports nutrition handout! Make sure to check it out. 

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  • Dietetics Programs, Webinars

    Navigating DICAS, Virtual Tour!

    Are you applying to dietetics internship programs through DICAS? DICAS is a beast, if you need help navigating this process check out our video below!

    Lets break down the basics of navigating DICAS.

    Applicant Information

    • Contact information
    • Personal information
    • Background information

    Match Information

    • Provides you your D&D digital number where you rank your programs

    Educational Information

    • DPD course list form: You will receive this form from director and or advisor and enter the information exactly as it appears. ONLY DPD COURSES IN THIS SECTION
    • Colleges attended: You will enter EVERY college you attended, both DPD college and any other college (community college, if you transferred, etc.)
    • Session and coursework: Be sure to enter in this information carefully, it needs to match your transcript EXACTLY
    • Tests: GRE scores
    • Remember you have to send a transcript for every college you have attended. A pdf form will be populated, information of college, DICAS number. You will take this form and give it to your college registrar and they will mail it to DICAS. Requests your transcripts ASAP.

    DPD Program Information

    • DPD contact info: If you are still in enrolled in program your director will send in a declaration of intent to complete the DPD program. If you already completed a DPD program your director will send in a verification statement.

    Required Information

    • Awards, experiences & volunteer activities: Utilize complete sentences in this section, you are explaining your experiences.
    • Personal statement: You will be adding multiple personal statements. You will be adding one for each program you are applying to. Copy and paste your personal statement into the text box and name it according to the program. 1000 word limit. It should be tailored to each program.
    • Resume: The resume will be uploaded, it works best and keeps your formatting best if you upload it in a pdf.
    • References: Three references are need, you will enter in the contact information of your references and DICAS will send them forms to fill out.
    • Application
    • Certification: Review and sign

    Program designations

    • You will enter in all the programs you are applying to. A pop-up will appear and this will be where you attach your personal statement to each program you are applying to. You will do the same thing with references.
    • Depending on the program you may have to enter a supplemental form.

    Does this whole process still seem confusing and overwhelming? Schedule a free coaching call with us and we can create a game-plan together. Click here!

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  • Dietetics Programs, Webinars

    VIDEO: What to do if you Were Not Matched?

    Did you apply to a dietetic internship and not match? Don’t give up, there is still second round matching! We have a video explaining the details!

    Timeline if you were not matched:

    • Typically the first Sunday in April you are notified through D&D digital if you’ve been matched
    • The Monday after match day you are required to email the director of the program you’ve been matched to and accept your spot.
    • The Tuesday after match day internship directors with openings may contact unmatched applicants who were originally on their prioritized list of applicants. What this means is essentially it is a free for all. Internship directors can contact any unmatched applicants and offer them a spot.
    • On Thursday after match day, programs that did not fill their class size release their name to D&D digital. Applicants are able to apply to these programs.
    • The applications for second round matching are open until June or the spots are filled.

    The strategy for second round matching:

    • Reach out to directors immediately, let them you are applying and ask a GOOD question or two.
    • Apply as early as you can since programs fill spots as they review applicants. We know this is already a stressful time but you really need to be aggressive and show your interest!
    • If you’ll be applying through DICAS again, change your personal statement.
    • You can add new references as well.

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed with this process, schedule a free coaching call with us and we can create a game-plan! Click here!

    Other options:

    • ISPP – typically, you will set up your own rotations
    • Graduate school = will enhance your knowledge and expertise
    • DTR = gain real experience, makes you more competitive as an applicant
    • Retake classes = boost your GPA
    • Apply again! DICAS is open in both the fall and spring!

    For additional resources regarding the computer matching for dietetic internships click here!

    If you were not matched don’t let this deter you, this is just one small obstacle. Keep going, perseverance is worth its weight in gold!

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  • Dietetics Programs, Webinars

    How to Choose the Right Dietetic Internships

    When it comes to choosing the right programs to apply to, there’s a lot of strategy behind it. We’ve worked with many repeat applicants, and while we definitely make sure we improve their application materials, just as important is re-evaluating their program choices, since this can be half the reason they didn’t get matched!

    I explain my approach for starting your program search below.

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  • Dietetics Programs, Webinars

    Dietetic Internship Computer Matching Explanation

    Let’s chat about computer matching and ranking.

    There is a lot of misinformation out there. Many people think it matters way more than it truly does, and they think your chances are decreased the lower you ranked a program. NOT TRUE! GASP!

    It is very important that I share the actual way that it works…

    First, to summarize computer matching, you rank your programs and programs rank their applicants. Then this fancy program matches an applicant with a program in a way that is most “ideal”. “Ideal” means it’s matching the highest possible ranked program with the highest possible ranked applicant. The perfect “match” is when Sally ranks ABC DI #1 and ABC DI ranks Sally #1. True DI love!

    The bottom line is that the matching system on D&D Digital is based on a computer algorithm that takes into account the programs each applicant applied to and ranks, as well as ranking lists of applicants entered in by each internship.

    D&D Digital works its magic and attempts to make the best match.

    Click below to watch my explanation to COMPLETELY understand the process and how it affects how you should rank your programs. 


    Know that your ranking of programs is only responsible for deciding where you get matched if you are eligible to match to MULTIPLE programs. That’s it.

    And what makes you eligible to match? Ranking as high as possible on the director’s ranking list. In other words, getting good grades, having experience, and creating an outstanding application!

    This is literally all that you need to know about computer matching. Rank your programs in the order you actually want them. There is no strategy beyond this!

    How many programs should you apply to?
    Technically you could apply to 100 programs and get matched to your 98th ranked choice. This is possible, but not advised, as it sounds like my worst nightmare and $10,000 in application fees alone. I think it is realistic to apply to 3-6 programs especially if you are already busy and are not willing to invest in the application fees. I also like to think in terms of spots. 50-100 spots is something to shoot for, although it is different depending on each person. If you want personalized program recommendations, apply for the Get Matched Coaching program to get the support of an expert coach.

    If you feel like you have the time and financial resources to apply to more, and you are SURE that the quality of your applications will not suffer as a result, then yes, you could apply to 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 programs and your chances of getting into any of them would be the same regardless of your ranking. I, personally, would not put myself under that type of burden and rather optimize my energy towards 3-4, putting in as much time as possible to reach out to programs, do research, and make the applications as perfect as possible.

    The take-home message here is that the goal is to get ranked as high as possible on the program’s list. This means creating super-competitive application materials like the personal statement, resume, and entire DICAS application (HINT: That’s what we help you do!). You don’t have to stress about the ranking or number you apply to. Just rank programs you are qualified for, and rank them in the order you would want should you get matched to all of them.

    For the record, I would rank all of you #1. 🙂

    Jenny

    P.S. We’ve worked with enough applicants to know what it takes to stand out and be truly match-worthy! Apply today for Get Matched Coaching.

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  • Dietetics Programs, Webinars

    Common DICAS Application Mistakes to Avoid

    Applying to dietetic internships through DICAS can be challenging. We have a webinar explaining common DICAS mistakes so you can land the DI of your dreams!

    Ever wonder if you’re doing this DICAS thing all wrong?

    Well after reviewing thousands of applications myself, I can tell you that YES, you are probably doing something wrong! There have been so many common DICAS mistakes that I’ve seen applicants make over the years, and I want you to know at least SOME of them before you dive into this process. 

    Are there more than what I talk about in this video?

    There sure are! And that’s not to scare you. It is to make you understand that this process is intense and requires a lot of hard work and knowledge and support from experts that have done it. You certainly don’t have to go through this process alone!

    Have you ever applied successfully to a dietetic internship before?

    Of course not. That’s why you’re reading this 🙂 And that’s also why it is important to be coached on this process. Creating your best application can lead to a happy and successful Match Day.

    And if you are making these mistakes already, it is likely you are making others and would greatly benefit from our Get Matched Course or Coaching, too. (We’ve never had a client that we couldn’t drastically help!)

    In conclusion the 10 most common DICAS mistakes include:

    • Applying to the wrong programs
    • The personal statement lacks a central theme
    • The resume has too much…or not enough
    • Your personal statement repeats what is on the resume
    • You forget to sell yourself and your strengths
    • The weakness paragraph is too long
    • Your goals are boring
    • You don’t explain why the DI is a good fit
    • Proper DICAS instructions aren’t being followed
    • You don’t practice interview questions outloud

    Now you know the common mistakes to avoid so log back into DICAS and PERFECT your application!

    P.S. You don’t have to go through this alone. Visit the GET MATCHED page to learn about our course and coaching. 

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  • Dietetics Programs, Webinars

    Dietetic Internships 101 Webinar

    Dietetic internships are supervised practice programs that bring you one step closer to becoming a Registered Dietitian. Learn more from Jenny below!

    Dietetic internship programs consist of supervised practice, which is required (in addition to didactic coursework) to become a Registered Dietitian. Sadly, dietetic internships are extremely competitive! It is important to understand the basics. Watch this video below to learn more.

    Dietetic Internships 101 Webinar

    The key components

    • To be eligible for a DI you must have your DPD courses completed and a bachelors degree
    • You typically apply during your final semester of school
    • Matching takes place in the Fall and Spring
    • The dietetic internship consists of 1200 hours of supervised practice in clinical, foodservice, and community sites
    • It is usually completed within 8-24 months
    • You are eligible to take the CDR Exam to become an RD once you have completed the DI

    The different types of programs

    • University affiliated programs
    • Hospital affiliated programs
    • Corporation
    • Military
    • WIC
    • VA
    • Distance programs
    • Combined programs: MS + DI, MPH + DI
    • Individualized Supervised Practice Programs (ISPP)

    How do you decide which program is best for you? There are so many different routes to take. While all programs meet the same basic requirements each program has unique qualities that can make it a better fit for you. Is your dream to be a clinical dietitian? Do you want to work in the community setting? Would you rather work for a large corporation? Do you want to get a Masters’ degree? This is where you have to really do some soul-searching and figure out what YOU want out of a program.

    It may seem like there is A LOT of programs to choose from so matching to a dietetic internship shouldn’t be a problem, right? WRONG. Only 65% of applicants match to a dietetic internship.

    BE PREPARED. We’ve worked with enough applicants to know what it takes to be truly match-worthy! Take the free assessment below to find out where you stand and what you need to do to have a happy Match Day. 

    Start your assessment here!

     

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