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.
When studying nutrition and dietetics, there will be some textbooks you will want to learn from for life! These are the top textbooks you should never sell.
Have you ever watched the show Hoarders? I think it’s crazy interesting. Namely because I am the exact opposite of a hoarder and find it extremely fascinating that people actually like keeping stuff.
I would consider myself more clutter phobic…willing and ready to recycle, sell, trash, or give away practically anything. This can be a blessing or a curse depending upon the situation.
In the case of selling off textbooks that in hindsight I actually needed…it’s more of curse. So that’s why I’m here, to give you some useful textbooks that you should never get rid of!
Why: It’s the bible. Well, not exactly. But it is one of the main books used by most nutrition programs. It comprehensively covers most conditions/diseases dietitians would encounter, the nutrition care process, life cycle nutrition, as well as all of the nutrition basics. Essentially, if you could memorize everything in this book, you would make a bomb dietitian.
2. Mosby’s Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference
Why: This book literally has every lab test known to man and explains what the test is for, normal results, abnormal results, and test explanation and physiology… all in alphabetical order. Definitely handy if you are going to be in a clinical setting.
3. A Food Service Management Textbook (recommendation, Foodservice Management: Principals and Practices)
Why: This one isn’t specific, you just need to make sure you have a textbook that involves the principals of food service such as quantity food productions, accounting/financial management, food safety, menu planning, etc. Given that food service systems comprises 17% of the RD exam, it’s an area to know well. It’s also great to have a textbook on hand that reminds you how to perform all of those pesky calculations. 🙂
4. Life Cycle Nutrition: An Evidenced-Based Approach
Why: This is a personal fav. I found this book randomly in the library and fell in love. Because it has an emphasis on “evidenced-based”, it gives you the actual studies from which the nutrition recommendations are based on. Plus the book is new (2015) so all of the research is newer findings compared to stuff from the 80s. It is broken down into diseases the way Krause’s is, but also includes quick reference charts, case studies, medical terminology, and more. I love it for the research aspect, but it’s a great textbook all-around!
Why: Quite simply, because no other book goes into nutrition support in enough detail. Face it, during the internship or if working in a clinical setting, you’re going to be working with enteral and parenteral nutrition. There’s a lot of information to know, so it’s crucial to have a reference text to go back to and refresh your memory. Plus it has practical clinical scenarios that are useful to run through.
Notable Mentions:
Any quick reference text- Great for during the internship process so keep those if you have them. Plus, they are small and store easily.
Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism- DETAILED, yet super relevant, and can be a great biochem review.
Any Community Nutrition book- Personally, I have an old, old book but keep it on hand in case I need a refresher on the theories of educational readiness or stages of change.
Nutrition and Diet Therapy Reference Dictionary- Another great reference text. It’s a dictionary made just for nutrition and medical terms that is full of suggested nutrition therapy and dietary guidelines, perfect for when you come across a word you are unfamiliar with!
In addition to these books, click here to view some of my go-to websites for evidenced-based nutrition information. If you have recommendations on great books to keep, please comment below! Sharing is caring 🙂
We all have one classmate who seems to have years of nutrition experience, even though they’re still in school. Take our advice and gain experience, too.
Nutrition experience can help you succeed in matching to a dietetic internship program and getting one step closer to becoming a Registered Dietitian. But where do you begin? Instead of comparing yourself to another classmate, follow this list and you’ll be racking up shadowing dates and volunteer experiences in no time.
1. Befriend your Professors
Your professors are key to making connections in the nutrition field. Many of them have work experience outside your university, so they can help guide you in the right direction. Plus, they can give great advice that will help you succeed.
2. Go to Local Conferences
Your future mentor might just be sitting next to you! Conferences draw RD’s from all over your state, so you never know who you will meet. Plus, the presentations will teach you something new and may even inspire your niche.
3. Join a Club
Clubs at school can help you find opportunities in and out of your university. They can also help connect you with faculty or outside professionals to score a volunteering or shadowing opportunity.
4. Use Technology
Scout LinkedIn for professionals in your area who are working in the field you are interested in. Find someone? Don’t be shy and send them a message.
5. Put your Foot in the Door, Sometimes Literally
Want to work in a hospital one day? Start by volunteering and work your way up. Is food service your calling? Snag a job in a restaurant. Being able to get a feel for your desired environment is key to finding more opportunities.
An ISPP is another route you can take to accomplish your supervised practice and become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Let’s break it down.
Have you heard of ISPPs?
Have you heard of ISPPs? ISPP stands for Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway. They are an option for those that don’t get matched, and many people don’t fully understand how they work. Completion of an ISPP can still provide you with experience so you can sit for the national exam and become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics shares more about ISPPs here. We’re sharing a few tips on how to prepare for ISPP applications:
1) Research.
Just like traditional DIs, ISPP programs will have their own application requirements. Some ISPPs require a Ph.D!
2) Contact Directors.
Introduce yourself and have questions prepared that are not already answered on the program’s website.
3) Secure preceptors.
ISPP tracks are a similar model to distance dietetic internships. While preceptor searching is a lot of upfront work, the benefit is being able to CHOOSE your own preceptors and create your own schedule. Click HERE to learn five strategies for finding preceptors.
4) Keep an open mind.
Click HERE to read a 2017 success story and how the Purdue ISPP helped Natalie finally become an RD! An ISPP is a great option for you to stay on track and achieve your goal of becoming an RD.
P.S. ARE YOU IN YET? The Get Matched Course is a 17-module e-course to walk you through EVERY step of the application process and increase your chances of landing a dietetic internship.
Writing the perfect “thank you” note after your dietetic internship interview can help you stand out from the crowd. Use our formula below!
You’ve landed the dietetic internship interview, but did you thank the Director and selection committee for their time? Check out our top five tips on how to craft the PERFECT thank you note after a DI program interview:
1) Send a handwritten card.
In a world of emails, a handwritten note is greatly appreciated by all and will help you stick out from other applicants.
2) Address the note to the Director AND the selection committee.
All members are key in the decision making process. By including the the selection committee in your note, you are extending your appreciation to all members of the team for their time.
3) Keep it concise.
Time is valuable. Thank the Director and the selection committee for taking the time to interview you and express your appreciation for their consideration of your application. Keep this short and sweet!
4) Include two new things you learned.
Mention two NEW things you learned about the program during the interview. This demonstrates that you were fully present during the interview and gives you even MORE reasons why that program is your perfect match.
5) Bring it all together.
In two concise sentences, summarize why that program is your TOP choice and remind them why you’re a perfect fit for their program culture and curriculum.
Now you’re ready to put a stamp on it! Have it out in the mail by the next morning after your interview. Address the envelope to the mailing address on the dietetic internship’s website.
A strong “thank you” note is a KEY element of your application. If this post resonated with you and helped you increase your confidence after the interview, please share it with your #RD2BE friends.
P.S. Now that you’re ready to land your dream dietetic internship, we encourage you to think more long term! The RD exam is right around the corner. Schedule your free 15-minute coaching call with Jenny to discuss how Pass the Exam Prep and Career Coaching will help you to land your dream job after the dietetic internship.
With a match rate of less than 50%, It is difficult to get a dietetic internship these days. What can you do to stand out among the competition?
You hear about getting a lot of experience and keeping your GPA as high as possible, but what else can you do to land the dietetic internship of your dreams? After coaching hundreds of students individually, I have seen some strategies, both major and minor, that have helped students gain the edge they needed to get into a dietetic internship. Here are my top 5 unconventional tips for getting matched:
1. Make sure your personal statement is not generic.
You don’t want your personal statement to look like ANYONE could write it. Answer each question in a way that only you can. Too often, I see letters that are generic and the answers are not well thought out. It will take a lot of brainstorming to decide how to creatively answer each question, but directors will be able to tell that you put in this extra effort!
2. Every sentence of the personal statement sells you in a convincing way.
Many students have a hard time really “selling” themselves. They feel like they are bragging, and it is uncomfortable. But, guess what? If you don’t tell them how great you are, they will never know! There needs to be concrete examples and evidence to back up your skills and preparation. If you don’t do this, the selection committee will not be totally convinced you would do well in their internship.
3. You have clear goals, and include leadership goals.
Many times I read the goals paragraph of personal statements and they are very general or wishy-washy. Students will say that they are interested in a wide variety of areas and they will use the internship to decide what is best. While this seems like a safe approach, it is better to commit to clear, specific goals then to leave it open-ended or unoriginal. For example, having your short-term goal be to get an internship and a long term goal to become a dietitian will NOT set you apart from the rest. Maybe you don’t know exactly what you want to do, but you want to show the selection committee that you have some idea of the direction your career could go. This really shows how passionate you are for reaching some of these goals in the future and how passionate you are about becoming a dietitian. Bonus points if you share some ways you hope to be a leader in the field–what internship doesn’t want to train future leaders!?
4. Your DICAS is free of any grammar or formatting errors.
Simple mistakes, incomplete sections, and grammatical errors can all leave a bad impression on the person reviewing your materials. With competition so fierce, you don’t want something that is easily avoidable to ruin your hard work of getting good grades and finding awesome experience. Our coaches find an average of 20 mistakes with every DICAS Review coaching service they do. Make sure you get your application materials reviewed by someone. Print out all your materials and review slowly to catch any errors. It helps to not wait until the last minute, too!
5. You explain why you want to go to that specific program.
Don’t use reasons like, “the variety of rotations,” or, “a fantastic teaching hospital,” to describe why you want to go to the program. Rather, choose specific rotations that line up with your own experiences and goals. If you can’t think of 3 good reasons, then consider whether or not that really is the right program for you, or get help from a coach! Of course, if you are limited to certain internships by location or cost, then this may not be as possible to do, but at least explain what unique factors about their program you are most interested in. And yes, you can have slightly different versions of your personal statement for each program you apply to!
Comments Off on 7 Ways to Be an Awesome Dietetics Student
by jennifer.westerkamp
Standing out from the crowd can help you secure a coveted dietetic internship spot and get one step closer to becoming a Registered Dietitian.
Students are always asking, “Jenny, how can I stand out?” And I’m all like, “there are soooooo many ways!” Shocking, I know. But there are!
Standing out from the crowd can help you one day land the dietetic internship program of your dreams. It may sound overwhelming or scary to begin, but there are key ways you can be the awesome nutrition student you were meant to be. Lucky for you, I’ve compiled my favorite tips and tricks to ensure success.
Read my e-book below to see if you are doing all 7…
If you want to get a head start on your DICAS application, make sure to schedule an intro call to discuss your background, ensure that you’re a good fit for coaching or the course, address your concerns, and decide on the next steps for working together.
Applying to your dietetic internship program can be stressful and overwhelming, but listening to great music can make it easier. Here are our top jams!
It’s that time of year… dietetic internship application time! Cue the major freak out. While it is an exciting and new time as a nutrition student, it can also be easy to get lost in the process. The application process for this highly competitive step in becoming an RD requires positivity and focus. Along with using the Get Matched Course to gain confidence and clarity during the application process, I turn to music.
Music helps me feel good and stay on track, so I’ve created The Ultimate Playlist to help me get through my DICAS application.
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.
Your personal statement may get you one step closer to landing the dietetic internship of your dreams. Jenny explains her strategy for a strong conclusion.
Feeling stuck on your personal statement draft? Don’t fret! In Jenny’s new personal statement webinar, she is sharing the strategies our Get Matched Coaching clients use to write a powerful conclusion paragraph for your dietetic internship personal statement. Using these strategies you can be sure you will “wow” the selection committee.
How to Write a Powerful Conclusion Paragraph
In conclusion, there are three specific strategies to perfect your conclusion paragraph.
Strategy 1: Do your research on the program. Read the internships website, attend open-houses, contact the directors or past interns!
Strategy 2: Ask the right questions to get quality content for the conclusion. Ask questions tailored around YOU and your goals!
Strategy 3: Have 2-3 reasons that only YOU can say. Don’t be generic, describe what your goals and aspirations are!
To summarize it, be sure to create a list of questions that relate to your goals and background. Email directors and interns and collect quality details about the program. Develop 2-3 reasons why this program is the perfect fit for YOU.
Less than 65% of dietetic internship applicants match! If you don’t want to do this alone, work with a coach who can help you match to a dietetic internship program. We will hold your hand this entire process.We have you covered! 100% of our get-matched coaching clients get matched! If you want to increase your odds of matching click here!
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.
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!
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.
A dietetic internship program will help you transform from student to a Registered Dietitian through 1200 hours of supervised practice.
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. Read on, future dietitians!
Use all the resources available to you to fully understand the application process.
Dietetic Internships 101
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “To apply to a DI, individuals must complete at least a bachelor’s degree and ACEND-accredited coursework requirements (Didactic Program in Dietetics). Currently all DIs must provide at least 1200 hours of supervised practice. This is usually completed in 8-24 months depending on the availability of a part-time schedule or requirement of graduate credit. Individuals completing the program who are verified by the program director are eligible to write the CDR registration examination for dietitians.”
“Appointments to DIs are awarded on a competitive basis and most use a national computer matching process. Programs not participating in computer matching accept applications only from individuals employed by the sponsoring organization. Prospective applicants must contact program directors for current information, including application deadline dates. More information about the application, tuition and financial aid can be obtained from the program.”
The Scary Truth About DIs
Let’s be realistic about the challenges involved in getting a DI. Some of us may believe that the process is easy and the internship is guaranteed. With the 50% match rate, and the expectation that it will go down this year, it is pretty scary. Looking on the bright side, this dismal match rate should be an eye-opener for students and should motivate them to become competitive and take their future as seriously as they can.
It is clear that there are simply not enough DI spots available to the thousands of applicants that wish to obtain one. While this book does not solve the problem of the shortage of internships, it does provide the information you need to reach your potential.
The DI is the transition between student and professional. Looking at the bright side of an additional year (or more) of training, you are lucky to have this time to evolve without diving head first into the real world. With that being said, the responsibilities of both a student and a professional are given to you. You will have projects and homework assignments on top of clocking in from 9- 5 (for most full-time programs, anyways). Balance will be a running theme throughout the internship—balancing work, assignments, projects, and fun too! Overall, it is an experience that will help you grow both personally and professionally and prepare you for your first career move.
Scared? Nervous? My best advice for surviving life as a dietetics student is summed up in this quote by John Wooden:
“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.”
No matter what happens on the road to the RD—searching tirelessly for experience, struggling through tough science courses, or stressing out over the application process—having a positive mental attitude every step of the way will be one of the most important keys to your success as a student, intern, AND Registered Dietitian! Are you ready?
Start Early
It’s never too early to start improving your chances of getting matched to a dietetic internship. Not only will the following strategies make you more competitive, they will help you prepare for your future career in dietetics!
Obtain a Solid GPA
Grades are extremely important in your quest to secure a dietetic internship. Many students don’t realize this until it is too late. Programs will list their GPA requirements for overall, DPD, and science on their websites. Visit a few to get an idea of what GPA numbers you should be hitting. Schedule in retaking classes in order to meet these minimums. In general, programs are looking for a 3.0 minimum overall, DPD, and science GPA, but remember that each program can set their own requirements. Also, when it comes to GPA, the higher the better!
4 Tips to Improve your Dietetics Grades
It’s Tuesday and you’ve already taken your fourth exam for the week, have a lab project due in organic chemistry tomorrow, and two presentations on Thursday. I feel you! Nutrition and Dietetics is an intriguing major, but a definitely challenging one. As a recent graduate and future dietitian, here are a few tips that helped me survive the busy undergraduate workload.
1. Organize, Organize, Organize!
Every dietetics major understands the importance of staying organized during the semester. Between meeting lab report deadlines, biochemistry exams, and submitting diagrams of micronutrient metabolism pathways, it is easy to fall behind and feel lost. Keeping a planner and updating it daily is one way to stay on top of deadlines. A simple planner won’t cut it in this major; it will need to be loaded with details, deadlines, and study times.
In my undergraduate experience, I found it helpful to organize my planner around study times. To prevent over-studying (yes, that’s a thing!) and under-studying, I planned to study in 1-hour increments, sectioning off 45-minute studying blocks using the other 15 minutes to give my brain a break. By scheduling study times and staying organized, I felt that I was ahead of assignments and deadlines, which paid off in the long run.
2. Utilize your Tools
We buy the textbook, lab books, and nutrition manuals because they are required of us, but what if we actually utilized them? One of my turning points in undergraduate was when I REALLY started using my materials. Simply reading the chapters prior to class and reviewing questions at the end of chapters almost always led to me acing the exam. I noticed professors pull a lot of review questions from the book or use them to form questions. Reviewing the PowerPoints won’t cut it.
3. Study Well and Study Often
How do you learn the material effectively? Did you know that everyone learns differently? Strategies that work for some, don’t work for others. That’s why it is important to figure out how YOU retain information. This will be important for the registration exam as well. Be sure to check out Pass the Exam Prep, powered by the Study Smarter Method, to help you ace the board exam when your time comes. Science is not a subject that can be memorized, so it’s important to fully comprehend the information. Personally, speaking out loud (sometimes to my dog) always helped me learn the material. If you can walk through the steps of a process, like the Krebs cycle, then you have a strong understanding of the concept. If that wasn’t effective, I would break out the whiteboard. Yes, I was one of those students! Writing can be an effective way to retain information and rock a nutrition exam.
As mentioned earlier, over-studying can happen. I found myself constantly over-studying in courses without even realizing it. The frustrating part is that after 45 minutes, the brain retains less information, which may mean you’re wasting time. If you find yourself stuck on a subject, reach out for help. Getting a second perspective can be useful and make a difference in your grade. I utilized my professors and graduate assistance whenever I felt stuck, and I’m thankful I did. Another useful program is Good Grades Tutoring from All Access Dietetics. Their tutors specialize in nutrition, dietetics, and science classes. These professionals have been in your shoes and know what it takes to help you earn that A, take advantage of it.
4. Review, Review, Review!
Sometimes I got picked on because I would always request to review my exams, even when I made the highest grade. I think we don’t give review sessions the recognition they deserve. The main reason being it’s so important to see what areas you are strong in and those you are weak in and may need extra practice. One perk of being a dietetics major is having nearly all comprehensive finals cue the excitement. Reviewing exams is important because you WILL see the information again on semester finals and possibly the registration exam, so make sure you evaluate your areas of understanding. I know that stinging feeling when you study all month for your macro exam, only to see you did less than average. It can be discouraging! Don’t brush it off. Review the exam, see where you need to improve, invest in a tutor, and better yourself. Your future dietitian self will thank you!
Network within Dietetics
True or False: “Dietetic Associations and Dietetic Practice Groups are for registered dietitians only.” False. Joining your local dietetic association or a dietetic practice group is another very effective avenue for networking with RDs and even other students. It also shows involvement in the profession—what selection committee doesn’t like that?
Volunteer, network, attend meetings or take on small projects. If your state doesn’t have much opportunity for students, ask how you can change that! Dietetic association board members are leaders that you should get to know. Reach out to them immediately. Involvement with this group early on will allow you to create a foundation of experience that you can use to prove you are devoted to the profession. You will inspire other students to follow your lead and before you know it, you have cultivated a passionate and enthused group of students to promote and advance the profession in the right direction! Do you see why this is so important? Hey, it looks AWESOME in your application too. 🙂
How to Build Relationships in your Field of Interest as a Dietetics Student
As a dietetics student, you are probably aware that there are numerous routes you can take when searching for your dietetics niche. Perhaps you want to be a registered dietitian (RD) in clinical, a sports RD, a community RD, or something else. With what seems like an endless number of paths to take, discovering which area of the field you are interested in can be exciting yet daunting.
Now, your next thought may be: where do I begin? To relieve some stress around this process, below are a few tips to help motivate you to build relationships in your field of interest as a dietetics student and bring you one step closer to becoming the RD you imagine yourself to be!
Connect with your Professors
As a student, you have potential connections all around you. When you are in class, there are several opportunities waiting for you to make the first move. Making an effort to build relationships with your professors is one of the simplest ways to get your foot in the door.
It is crucial to building relationships with professors who teach classes specific to your area of interest. Chances are, they work in that particular field or may have previous experience in the field to assist you in your journey.
However, do not limit yourself to building relationships exclusively with those professors. Your medical nutrition therapy professor likely knows another RD who works in your field of interest or can provide you with a reference and good advice to get you started. At the very least, your professor may know what you are interested in and will have your name in the back of their mind should an opportunity come up that could be a fit.
Example:
Personally, I spent my entire freshman and sophomore years as a dietetics student hiding in the back of every classroom and seeing no reason to talk to my professors. That was until I met one of my now best friends in my junior year who was telling me about her current internship and a past nutrition expo she had worked as a volunteer. As a dietetics student, I knew the importance of getting intern/volunteer hours and I wanted to build those types of relationships. After asking my friend how she found those opportunities, she told me they both came through her professors. At that moment, I knew I needed to do the same to get myself the opportunities I saw myself in.
I began speaking with my professors to begin to form a connection, even if it was just small talk. It did not take long before I was given two contacts to reach out to for intern experience. Three weeks later, I had my dream internship as a student. Who knows where I would be now if I decided to reach out to professors earlier. It is never too late to start!
Join an association connected to your field of interest
Once you discover your calling in dietetics, it is time to start becoming a part of organizations and/or associations related to your field. A simple Google search will help you discover precisely what those are. For example, if you are interested in becoming a sports RD, the CPSDA (Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association) is a great way to become a part of the sports dietetics community.
Through organizations such as the CPSDA, you can connect with RDs who already work in the field. Typically, there is a list of practicing RDs who you can reach out to. By becoming a member, you gain access to free educational materials, discover intern and job opportunities, and learn more about what working in your field of interest will look like once you become an RD. These tools may give you more to talk about and potentially more questions to ask when reaching out to these dietitians. Being an active member of their association or organization will show how genuinely interested you are in the field.
Example:
When I was a dietetics student, I had professors (the ones I built relationships with!) and peers tell me about the CPSDA. Once I discovered it, I was excited to research and connect with the full-time sports RDs in this network. I took the initiative to introduce myself, let them know that I found them on the CPSDA website and that I was an aspiring sports RD. To my surprise, I received responses from almost all of the RDs I reached out to. I was even asked for my resume by a few of them. I often check-in with many of these RDs and regularly interact on social media. These relationships formed when you are a student will prove to be some of the most important in building your future career.
Reach out to other professionals via social media or email
Now that you are a member of the association/organization (wink, wink!), you can take the list of RDs and begin searching through Google or social media to start the conversation. The Get Hired Course has a section dedicated to networking on social media.
Send the RD a tailored direct message on a particular platform or a professional email if their email address is public.
When sending an email to build a relationship with an RD, let them know that you are an aspiring RD interested in their specific field. Express genuine interest in their own professional journey to learn how they got to where they are today. Ask if you can have 15-minutes of their time through a scheduled phone call. Do not expect an internship or paid opportunity through relationship building, the possibility of that may come in the future.
After reaching out, keeping in touch with your connections is just as important. Continue to build these relationships by checking-in every few months through email or direct message, even sharing their content on social media. Being genuine and consistent goes a long way.
If you are unable to join an association or organization, you can still search for RDs through social media and Google and build relationships in the same way. Find commonality by reading their biography and checking out their LinkedIn profile.
Example:
Similar to my story about reaching out to sports RDs, I had a friend who was interested in holistic nutrition. She followed a private practice RD and introduced herself and told her that she loved what she did as an RD. This friend shared that the RD then asked her to send a resume, and she then started virtually interning with her and creating social media content. This virtual internship served as an excellent experience for her dietetic internship application. Again, a genuine connection and a huge opportunity was the result of a simple email.
Volunteer
As a dietetics student, we know that volunteering plays a big part in securing a dietetic internship and landing future jobs as an RD. It is also a great way to get your name out there and begin building relationships in your field of interest. If you’re applying to distance dietetic internships, relationship building is even more important as starting with who you know is the best first step to preceptor searching. Reach out to multiple RDs at a time, and provide them with the information they need to secure yourself a volunteer opportunity.
While volunteering can be a great experience, it can be a lot to balance if you’re a dietetics student with a full-time job or a family at home. However, it’s important to note that volunteering does not have to be a long or full-time commitment. Taking the initiative to volunteer for a one-day event can be just as powerful, and even better if you made a strong first impression and stay in contact with the RD you worked with. Also, if you already have a full-time schedule during school months, try volunteering over winter or summer break. You do not have to commit hundreds of hours to make a good impression and build a great relationship.
Example:
Much of my personal volunteer experience and what I have learned when speaking with peers is that we have built relationships with a specific RD we have interned for, but these experiences have opened doors to making many other relationships with others. When volunteering at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), I was fortunate to get to know and work with two of UCLA’s other sports RDs. I am still in contact with all three of these RDs and have been able to refer to them for mentorship and positive letters of reference. I am extremely appreciative of their support.
Be a Go-Giver
For our future careers as dietitians, it is so important to make connections with as many dietitians in the field as possible. Creating relationships and offering your time to work with other dietitians gets your name out into your field of interest, shows other dietitians your dedication, and may even be the key to landing your dream job. To be successful in this, you must be willing to put in extra work. Founder, Jenny Westerkamp, RD, CSSD, encourages you to be a go-giver and “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.
Prepare Financially
True or False: “DIs are paid positions because we are like employees, right?” Most of the time, this is false. A very popular thought to ponder is how you are going to pay for a DI. Possible expenses include: application fees, computer matching fees, printing costs, mailing costs, travel expenses, and then eventually the tuition, insurance, books, lab coats, room and board, and other program-related costs. This is astronomical for interns and college students who do not get paid! It’s unfortunate that there are financial limitations in many programs. And even with a stipend, some students still find it hard to cover even the most basic of costs.
I vividly remember hearing about a DPD director telling a class of dietetic seniors about the time she was on food stamps during her DI. My mouth dropped immediately. What? Is it that bad? Well for me, I survived on all student loans and knew many interns that did the same. I lived in a comfortable apartment and COULD afford groceries, thank goodness. I’ll be in some debt but I look at my loans as an “educational investment.” I am confident that my return on investment will be exponential! Even so, financial costs for DIs seem to be high on the list of deciding fac- tors for many applicants.
Here’s a rundown of financial sources:
Scholarships – First, complete the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation scholarship application. Next, check out your local and state dietetic associations. This includes the state you are leaving and the state you are entering if they are different. Scholarships are a GREAT way to get your school paid for without having to pay it back. Be creative with Google too – try “nutrition scholarship” or “dietitian scholarship” and see what might come up. Throw in names of your respective states or cities too. You just never know.
Some programs have scholarships specifically for their interns. Others have state scholarships that are not as competitive as national scholarships. They are definitely worth applying to. Let’s say you work on an application for 5 hours. Then, you get awarded a $500 scholarship. You basically just got paid $100 per hour! NICE!
Loans – They could be federal student loans, private student loans, or personal loans. Ask the program directors which loans are available to you during the internship. Do you know if the internship program has applied to the government for educational loan status? Also, is deferment possible for your undergraduate student loans?
Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program: • Low-interest rates • Loans deferred while the student is enrolled in an eligible program of study at least half time • Can be subsidized or unsubsidized
Subsidized Loans: • Awarded on basis of financial need • Federal government pays interest on the loan until you begin to pay it off (when you become less than a half time student)
Unsubsidized Loans: • Not awarded on basis of need • Interest begins to accrue at the time you receive the loan (the “disbursement date”) • Interest accrues from the disbursement date until you pay off the loan in full
Have a Wide Variety of Experiences
If you ask any dietetics student about what it takes to be more competitive with their internship applications you may hear,
“Start volunteering soon and often!” Then, he or she will emphasize that you should get as many experiences as you can before you are in the process of applying. Your experience says a lot about your interests as well as your personality traits. Be proactive about gaining experiences by taking the initiative. Show that you have the ability to juggle multiple things at once. A great example is holding a part-time job during the semester. You also want to convey your willingness to learn new skills and show your enthusiasm for learning. Take on a position that may be extra challenging. As directors review your experiences, they will notice qualities like professionalism, multitasking, leadership, and solid communication (just to name a few).
Create Experience Worth Writing About
Your experiences are what you will use to show that you have the skills to excel in the internship. If you can’t find good experiences offered through your school or within your community, start a new club or work with an RD that can be your mentor and provide invaluable one-on-one experience. It shows that you are a go-getter and are not afraid to take initiative!
Variety is Key
During the internship, each rotation may be very different from the others. Racking up exposure in a lot of different areas will make your internship year less intimidating. Getting experience in basic clinical, food service, and community areas is crucial since these are required rotations for every DI. Once you’ve done that, expand to more specialized areas like research, business, entrepreneurship, sports nutrition, pediatrics, or communications. Not only will you have your bases covered with “typical” student positions, but you can also bolster your application with impressive add- ons that allow you to rise above the crowd.
Making the Ask
How exactly are you supposed to go about finding these impressive add-ons? Let me be the first to tell you that Google can only take you so far! As dietetics students, we all crave opportunities to prove ourselves in the professional world. However, you must be willing to take some risks. I want to let you in on my own personal secret called “making the ask”. Here’s how it works. If you haven’t already spent some time on the Internet researching companies, hospitals, professional organizations, dietitians in private practice, etc., then it’s time you got started. First, do the obvious. Check and see if they offer established internships or volunteer experiences. If they don’t, make the ask! If you don’t ask, your answer is always NO.
Not quite “experience-hungry” yet? Keep in mind that a wide variety of experiences will allow you to:
Decide what you are interested in
Gain contacts in the field
Show your willingness to learn and commitment to the profession
Expand your skillset
Prove to directors that you take initiative to gain as much experience as possible
Take advantage of breaks
Use Your Breaks Wisely
If you are lucky enough to have them, utilize those month-long winter breaks to squeeze in more experience or even get started on applications! Here are some ideas to stay busy in between semesters:
Volunteer at a food bank or soup kitchen. It will be especially busy during the holidays. Not sure of a food bank or soup kitchen near you? Search here and find opportunities!
Help an RD set up his/her blog and contribute posts regularly (nutrition communications!).
Volunteer at a hospital for any holiday events, especially in the food service department.
Start a blog of your own nutrition-related experiences.
Reconnect with your summer job supervisor to see if they could use an extra hand.
Use this time to set up shadowing appointments with a variety of RDs to get to know more about the field.
Research and apply for summer job options. Many summer internships are filled by January.
Collect awards, past work, and projects and create an online résumé using Blogger, WordPress, or VisualCV. Put this link on your application résumé. It’s all the rage!
Where Should I apply?
What do you want out of an internship? Take the time to investigate your options and think about what you want to get out of your DI.
Define What you Want
What do YOU want out of your internship? We all know by now that
there is a great possibility we might not get matched with our first choice, but do you want to sit back and wonder what if? I
have heard of people who decided not to apply somewhere be- cause they thought it was too tough to get in even though it may have been their dream internship.
Please keep in mind that this is a time in your life where you can afford to be a little selfish. I realize that many people are not in a situation where they can move around the country, but if you are, embrace it! Be sure that you are choosing internships that are right for you based on your needs and wants, not based on convenience or the desires of others. If your top choice happens to be across the street or happens to be the same one that your best friend is ranking first, then that’s great! If not, listen to your gut–it’s usually right.
Many factors differentiate each internship program from the other. Consider what you can realistically afford to do and choose from programs that will match your interests and experiences.
Location
Possible Options
Near Home
Far from Home
Distance Learning
Questions to Ask
Where do I want to get a job after the internship?
Do I have the finances to move?
Am I able to leave any obligations in my current location?
Am I a self-directed learner?
This might be the most important deciding factor if you 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 could be so 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 unique goals. Also, think about where you want to seek employment after the internship. If you stay in this area, you may develop relationships with other dietitians and facility personnel, which could lead to a job after you graduate. I encourage everyone to look at all the unique programs across the country and don’t let location hold you back if it doesn’t have to.
If you do move, there is more preparation needed and it could be harder to adjust to new surroundings. If you stay near home, there are fewer living expenses and transportation costs. Look at all costs, since they might even out in the end. For example, if traveling means getting a stipend instead of paying tuition then it could be worth it. Also, if you need a car for an internship nearby, but can use public transportation for the internship across the country, these are the financial decisions you must consider. Distance programs will still require transportation. You must do well with online learning and be self-motivated. There is less networking with other interns, but you can still make good connections with potential employers at local sites.
Money
Possible Options
Tuition/Program Fee
No Tuition
Stipend
Questions to Ask
• Can I afford tuition?
• Can I defer existing student loans during the internship?
• What other costs do I have?
• Can I still get financial aid for living expenses?
• Does the program meet my needs, no matter the price?
Even if it seems like the internship is a financial burden, remember that you are likely to get a very good return on your educational investment. Of course, you may desire to avoid debt and if this is the case, stipend programs could be your best bet.
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. Note that Veterans’ Affairs internships are notorious for offering stipends. Living costs associated with the location on 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 office.
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).
Also, ask the program director for information on scholarship opportunities, especially for combined Masters and internship programs.
Concentration
Possible Options:
General
Clinical
Food Service Management
Community
Research
Sports Nutrition
Pediatrics
Questions to Ask:
What are my short-term career goals?
Am I unsure of my career goals?
Do I desire a strong foundation in every area of dietetics?
In preparation for the next step in your dietetics journey, 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 even researched what is available to you. Talk to your advisor, other dietitians, your professors, and dietetics-related work supervisors (or check out “Research the Field”).
Choosing a general emphasis is great if you do not know what you are interested in yet or are interested in multiple areas. On the other hand, 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. Finally, think about where you want to work right out of the internship and consider if a niche emphasis would benefit you when applying.
Grad School
Possible Options:
Combined Masters and Internship
Some Graduate Credits
Internship Only
Questions to Ask
Is a graduate degree one of my professional goals?
Do I know what area of dietetics I am most interested in?
Can I handle the time and financial commitment that comes along with the combined program?
Am I hope that the internship will help me find my niche?
Can I afford it?
There has been much debate over choosing a combined internship with graduate school or just the internship. A combined program will allow you to obtain your Master’s degree while simultaneously meeting the requirements to fulfill a DI program. These programs are usually longer than a DI program by itself, but you leave with a Master’s degree. A combined program is a nice option to consider for advancing your education while completing your internship.
It all comes down to what your career goals are. 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. There are also many types of Master’s programs applicable to the RD, such as public health, business administration, entrepreneurship, or nutrition communications.
Of course, it is not the end of the world and a Master’s credential will still provide you with a competitive advantage for career opportunities in any area of dietetics, but it’s to your advantage to think carefully about your decision and get the most out of your advanced study.
Researching DI Programs
Researching DI programs can be overwhelming. “Eat Right Pro” has a great tool to research programs all over the state. Click here to check it out.
Curious About the Application Process for Dietetic Internships?
Have an open mind and don’t be limited by the location of the internship, unless you have a desire to live in a particular area. Also, keep that open mind as you go through your internship, you could start with a passion for pediatrics and end with a passion for geriatrics!
Also, visit the internship program if it is logistically and financially possible. Meet the internship director; let the director put a face with your name! Also, observe the surrounding location of the internship and what that city has to offer. If you don’t like the location, it will make the internship that much harder. Contact previous interns and get their feedback about their experience beyond the workday. Past dietetic interns are more likely to tell you about how they de-stressed from the internship than directors. And again, have an open mind when applying and as you go through your internship program.
Make it Happen
• Develop your list of deciding factors and define what you want out of an internship • Keep these deciding factors in mind as your narrow down your list of worthy programs. • Start going through options early on! The earlier you start, the better off you will be. • Create a top-10 list and narrow it down to your final 4-5 choices at least 2 months before the deadline.
Are you applying to dietetic internships? Check out our FREE DICAS starter pack to start your journey to a happy match day!
Here’s What you’ll Get
7 Ways to be an Awesome Dietetics Student E-book
Dietetic Internships 101 Webinar
Downloadable Dietetic Internship Database
How to Choose the Right Dietetic Internship
How to Find Preceptors for Distance Dietetic Internships
P.S Applying to dietetic internships? Get an expert coach in your corner helping you through every step of this confusing application journey. You’ll get the exact roadmap, personalized advice, application reviews, accountability, and confidence that will bring you one step closer to becoming a dietitian. Click here to learn more about Get Matched Coaching.
Our free assessment can help you determine if you are match-worthy and on the right track to landing the dietetic internship program of your dreams!
Each year there are more applicants than dietetic internship spots available, this results in a dietetic internship match rate of around 65%. Many applicants have similar resumes, so how can you ensure you are truly match-worthy?
Strong GPA:
Some programs have a minimum gpa requirement, this is important to note before applying to the program. Having above a 3.75 overall and DPD gpa will ensure you will stand out. But, it does not guarantee you will match! You still have to be a well rounded candidate. Similarly, having a lower gpa does not automatically mean you won’t match to a program. If you do have a low gpa it is important to be realistic and apply to programs that match your gpa. You can find out the average gpa of interns in a program utilizing our DI Database, click here.
Is this your second career? Do you have a graduate degree already?
If you already have a second degree this is a good way to stand out. It makes you unique but it does not guarantee you are match-worthy.
Are you open to distance programs?
Distance programs are programs that can be geographically anywhere. With distance programs you are responsible for setting up your own rotations. Setting up rotations for yourself takes a lot of work and self-discipline, typically these programs have lower amounts of applicants than the traditional DI.
Did you pass the DTR exam?
If you pass the DTR exam and are working as a DTR this is a great way to enhance your application. While it does not guarantee you are match-worthy it does show that you are committed to the field and have solid experience.
What areas do you have experience?
Obtaining clinical experience is HARD, if you were able to obtain any kind of clinical experience major props to you! Do you have community or food-service experience? Any experience you obtained besides shadowing or course-required experiences shows you are go-getter! Internship directors look for this!
Alright, so now you have a little background about what makes an applicant match-worthy so now it is time to do get the assessment rubric and see where you stand!
A strong personal statement can help you stand out from the crowd in your dietetic internship application. Take our advice to put your best foot forward!
The personal statement makes everyone nervous
You aren’t alone. This is one of our most FAQs! “How do I sell myself? How do I brag without sounding like I am bragging? How do I stand out? What do I even write about? Where do I begin?”
Personal statement prompt
DICAS states that you must answer the following questions in your personal statement:
-Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
-Discuss experiences that have helped to prepare you for your career.
-What are your short-term and long-term goals?
-What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
-What other information do you consider important for the selection decision?
Reminder: A maximum of 1,000 words may be entered for the personal statement section on DICAS. Some DI or RD programs may have different character and word limits, so make sure to double-check before submitting.
Why it’s important
The personal statement is arguably the most important part of your application when applying for dietetic internships. DI programs want to get to know you, and why you would be an asset to their program. Personal statements are a place for you to showcase your talents, focus on your strengths, and set yourself apart from the crowd. It can help you get one step closer to landing the dietetic internship or RD program of your dreams! It’s not easy to begin, but making a strong personal statement is a key to success.
After helping thousands of people write personal statements, we have the recipe you need to help yours stand out.
Here’s a preview of how to break down the personal statement:
1. Why do you want to enter dietetics?
-Do not say you want to help people, this won’t help you to stick out
-Do not use a super personal story where you could be judged unfairly for it
-Introduce your niche that you will focus on
-What you are interested specifically? “Clinical” is not specific enough.
-How you became interested in this (experiences, personal, etc.)? Talk about that story
-How can the program meet that interest? Say this briefly to set the stage for why it is a fit
2. Discuss what has prepared you for a dietetic internship.
-Choose a leadership experience. It’s very important to show you were a leader and how
-Choose an experience in your interest area in dietetics, in the same realm of goals, if possible
-Choose an experience in any work experience where you had management skills or a lot of responsibility; Use numbers to emphasize the impact you made in that position
-Use the STAR method to describe your experiences
3. What are your short-term and long-term goals?
-Short term is 5 years and long term is 15-20 years
-Look at established RD’s biographies online – your goals should be almost as specific as how they describe their career and accomplishments
-Include leadership and professional development, including dietetic practice groups, local dietetics associations, etc
4. What are your strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths: If you are going to say what you are good at, you need an example to prove it
-Leadership- an organization’s accomplishments, project outcomes
-Communication – oral, verbal, written skills (publications, blog, presentations)
-Time management – part time job, good -GPA, other commitments
-Where do you have the most impressive experience/accomplishment? What strength did you use to achieve this?
-Read it to yourself and ask if you are impressed?
-Avoid listing off qualities without using examples
-Avoid saying the synonyms of the same types of words (rambling!)
Weaknesses: Have a weakness you are actively improving or improved. Think areas of GROWTH, not LACK.
-GPA- retake classes? Note: A coach can really help you decide how much or how little to talk about your GPA; Everyone’s story is different. It can honestly make or break your personal statement
-Spanish- are you proficient, but want to be fluent?
-Lack of experience- Will you improve this in or before the internship?
5. Why are you applying to this program?
-End your letter with a paragraph on why this program matches your experience and goals.
-Reason should not be geography
-Focus on the program’s uniqueness
-Test: can you say this reason for any other program? If yes, then be more specific.
-Talk about unique rotations related to your goals.
-Choose a couple of rotations to highlight
-What can you do during the elective rotation?
Feeling stuck on your last paragraph?
Don’t fret! In Jenny’s personal statement webinar, she is sharing the strategies our Get Matched Coaching clients use to write a powerful conclusion paragraph for your dietetic internship personal statement. Using these strategies you can be sure you will “wow” the selection committee.
Ready to dive into DICAS? Work with a coach to bring your application to the next level.
Get an expert coach in your corner helping you through every step of this confusing application journey. You’ll get the exact roadmap, personalized advice, application reviews, accountability, and confidence that will bring you one step closer to becoming a dietitian.Learn more about Get Matched Coaching here.
Check out these posts for more advice, tips, and tricks on navigating all things DICAS.
We’ve compiled 5 tips that will help you secure preceptors, overcome common obstacles, and create a successful distance dietetic internship.
Distance dietetic internships are a great way to obtain the supervised practice experience needed to sit for the Registration Exam to become a registered dietitian (RD). The overall curriculum and end goal of the distance dietetic internship is similar to a traditional dietetic internship. Interns complete rotations that focus on clinical, community, food service, and possibly a separate concentration such as management or nutrition education. The difference is that in most cases students are required to find their preceptors. A preceptor is an individual (in many cases a dietitian) that you will be interning for. It can be challenging to get individuals to commit to working with you so far in advance and for so many hours, but we have compiled tips that will help you create the internship experience of your dreams!
1. Reach out to someone in your area who has done a distance internship
Knowing someone who has already completed a distance dietetic internship is invaluable. Even if they live in a different area than where you are going to be completing your internship, talking through the process and asking them questions will be extremely helpful. If you are lucky enough to know someone who lives in the same area as you, ask if they are willing to share contact information for their preceptors with you. These preceptors may agree to work with you too, or they may provide you with contact information for other individuals to work with.
2. Start early
It took me nearly 10 months to have all of my preceptors lined up, and scheduled in specific time slots, and to obtain all of the proper documentation. The internship application is only open for 2 months, so if you wait until the DICAS application is open to start contacting preceptors you are too late. I recommend reaching out about a year from your Match Day. This is very early and many people will not have calendars dated to the time that you are asking to work with them. That being said, you will have plenty of time to face occasional rejection, go through your list of plan B preceptors, and not stress because of time throughout the process.
3. Set follow-up deadlines for yourself
I learned this trick from my previous life as a sales manager. Follow-up is key when asking individuals for something, even if it is their time. Set a reminder in your planner or phone for 1 week from your first point of contact to follow up if you have not heard anything yet. Setting these follow-up dates immediately after the initial e-mail, voicemail, or phone call is made will prevent anyone from slipping through the cracks who may not have responded to your message initially. It will also make you appear organized and self-motivated, which are two selling points as to why these individuals should WANT to work with you.
4. Make everything as easy as possible for your preceptor
This goes along with number three. Keep in mind that these individuals are extremely busy, and asking them to have you intern for them for 50, 100, or 400 hours can be a bit stressful. Make sure to keep e-mails succinct by utilizing bullet points and bolding important information, and provide all necessary information for them.
5. Get creative with who you ask to be a preceptor
Ideally, all of your preceptors will be RDs, but in some cases that is just not realistic. Think about other ways that you can fulfill the requirements in areas that do not require you to work with an RD. Another way to get creative is to think about more “fun” or “non-traditional” dietetics jobs and reach out to those RDs. I got creative by reaching out to the dietitian at a local university, the executive director of a non-profit organization, and an RD who has my dream job!
Comments Off on Jenny’s Best DICAS Reference Advice
by jennifer.westerkamp
My strategy is try to help your references help you. Here’s a list of things you can do to make that happen, so you can get the best references possible!
Deep breaths…DEEP. BREATHS. I just felt like you needed to hear that….
I want to tell you how to give your Reference HELP!
This might be my most aggressive DI application advice ever. I’ve seen too many well-qualified applicants not put enough effort into their references. Then they get below average references and it hurts their chances in a big way. Think about it. References are the one component that isn’t coming from you. It is like the YELP review of DICAS. Sure you might be able to say nice things about yourself, but what are you REALLY like?! That’s what the reference does. And directors seriously consider the quality of your references for this reason. Below are some things you can do to help your references help you:
Meeting or Call
Set up an in-person meeting or call to discuss all the details of being a reference, such as deadline, how important it is, etc. I think it is especially important to tell them how competitive the process is and how important it is to get high ratings of 5 and have specific examples in the question portion. Of course if you are working with someone that has done references for DIs before, you can skip the competitive part, but I’ve seen people use supervisors that never did a DI reference and did not put in nearly enough effort (I’m talking like 2 or 3 sentences for each text box and a mix of 3, 4, and 5 scores for the ratings. NOT GOOD!) The more you put into the relationship with your reference, the better it will be.
Resume and Personal Statement
Give them your resume and personal statement drafts (even if they aren’t final…just tell them they aren’t final).
Examples
Give them examples of your strengths and things you are working to improve. The reference may decide to use this material to make your reference stronger and not so cookie-cutter. Make this different for each reference so that they don’t write the same things. Also give STAR stories of the accomplishments you had when you were with them.
When you are thinking about “selling yourself” you may wonder HOW? Well you really have to think of what the skills are that you need to prove you have. Since I have been a reference, I see all the skills they ask references to rate applicants on. I can’t help but think that the team that put together this list of skills got input from dietetic internship directors. So here are the skills that I think you need to show you have….
Application of Knowledge
Nutrition Content
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Food Service Management
Analytical Skills/ Problem Solving
Conceptual Skills
Communication Skills
Oral
Written
Interpersonal Skills
Peers/Co-workers
Teachers/ Supervisors
Leadership Potential
Initiative/ Motivation
Punctuality
Adaptability
Reaction to Stress
Perseverance
Creativity
Organizational Skills
Works Independently
Responsibility/ Maturity
Overall Potential as a Dietitian
P.S. If you need help choosing references and giving them the materials they need to help you succeed, you can get a personalized game plan and more resources with Get Matched Coaching.
True or False: “I need to have clinical experience to be competitive for an internship.” This may be true if the emphasis of the program is clinical. However, broad and unique experiences may sometimes outweigh clinical experience, depending on the program director’s selection criteria for its applicants. And since “a wide variety” implies having more than one dietetics experience, you must seek out experiences before your application year. Let’s get moving!
If you ask any dietetics student about what it takes to be more competitive with their internship applications, you may hear, “Start volunteering soon and often!” Then, they will emphasize that you should get as many experiences as you can before you are in the process of applying. Your experience says a lot about your interests as well as your personality traits. Be proactive about gaining experiences by taking the initiative. Show that you can juggle multiple things at once.
A great example is holding a part-time job during the semester. You also want to convey your willingness to learn new skills and show your enthusiasm for learning. Take on a position that may be extra challenging. As directors review your experiences, they will notice qualities like professionalism, multitasking, leadership, and solid communication (to name a few).
Create Experiences Worth Writing About
Your experiences are what you will use to show that you have the skills to excel in the internship. If you can’t find good experiences offered through your school or within your community, start a new club or work with an RD that can be your mentor and provide invaluable one-on-one expertise. It shows that you are a go-getter and are not afraid to take the initiative!
Variety is Key
During the internship, each rotation may be very different from the others. Racking up the exposure in a lot of different areas will make your training year less intimidating. Getting experience in basic clinical, food service, and community areas are crucial since these are required rotations for every DI. Once you’ve done that, expand to more specialized areas like research, business, entrepreneurship, sports nutrition, pediatrics, or communications. Not only will you have your bases covered with “typical” student positions, but you can also bolster your application with impressive add- ons that allow you to rise above the crowd.
Making the Ask
How exactly are you supposed to go about finding these impressive add-ons? Let me be the first to tell you that Google can only take you so far! As dietetics students, we all crave opportunities to prove ourselves in the professional world. However, you must be willing to take some risks. I want to let you in on my secret called “making the ask.” Here’s how it works. If you haven’t already spent some time on the Internet researching companies, hospitals, professional organizations, dietitians in private practice, etc., then it’s time you got started. First, do the obvious. Check and see if they offer established internships or volunteer experiences. If they don’t, make the ask! If you don’t ask, your answer is always NO.
Not quite “experience-hungry” yet? Keep in mind that a wide variety of experiences will allow you to:
Decide what you are interested in
Gain contacts in the field
Show your willingness to learn and commitment to the profession
Expand your skillset
Prove to directors that you take the initiative to gain as much experience as possible
Take advantage of breaks
Use Your Breaks Wisely
If you are lucky enough to have them, utilize those month-long winter breaks to squeeze in more experience or even get started on applications! Here are some ideas to stay busy in between semesters:
Volunteer at a food bank or soup kitchen. It will be hectic during the holidays.
Help an RD set up their blog and contribute posts regularly (nutrition communications!).
Volunteer at a hospital for any holiday events, especially in the foodservice department.
Start a blog of your own nutrition-related experiences.
Reconnect with your summer job supervisor to see if they could use an extra hand.
Use this time to set up shadowing appointments with various RDs to get to know more about the field.
Research and apply for summer job options. Many summer internships are filled by January.
Collect awards, past work, and projects and create an online résumé using Blogger.com, WordPress.com, or VisualCV.com. Put this link on your application résumé. It’s all the rage!
You’ve read the instructions over and over, but there are a few things they don’t tell you about DICAS…read this list and find out what they are!
DICAS. One of the few things that stands between you and the internship of your dreams. It’s all new to you, and it can be overwhelming or confusing. First, take a look at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Next, check out our top tips below to give you a heads up on what to expect.
Your transcripts will probably take a looooong time to process.
You’ve heard the horror stories of having to FedEx your transcripts the day before they’re due because they got lost or how someone forgot a transcript all together. Avoid the panic and send your transcripts EARLY! Mine took around three weeks to process, so get them done as soon as your grades are posted.
You need to double and even triple check each section.
Even if you type a single letter into a section, DICAS will make it look like it is complete on the homepage, even if it isn’t. Be sure to look at every section before you submit.
The application will take you a lot of time, so plan accordingly.
Don’t become a hermit but this isn’t the time to take on extra shifts at work or go on a long vacation.
Every experience is important.
Although it may not be resume-worthy, definitely list it in the Activities section. Did you volunteer somewhere for just one shift? Add it there. Keep track of everything you’ve done so you don’t forget to add it in.
You should probably PDF your resume before you upload it.
Otherwise, your format will be messed up to whoever is reading it.
Ask for your recommendations early.
You can still submit your application without all of your references in, but nobody wants to write a recommendation letter with one week’s warning. Make sure you offer them your updated resume and a list of programs you are applying to so they can write to your strengths. And of course, send a thank-you note showing your appreciation.
You might have a few breakdowns/panic attacks/crying spells.
It’s part of the process 😉
Edit, edit, edit!
Before you submit, print out your final application so you can see it all in its glory and look it over. Snag your parents, friend, an AAD Coach, to check your grammar and help you improve the visual appeal, so that it all looks perfect.
P.S. Get a full review of your DICAS application, DICAS tutorial, sample DICAS formatting, final DICAS checklist and more as part of the Get Matched Coaching experience!
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