DIETETIC INTERNSHIPS

  • Student Life

    What I Learned At My First Nutrition Conference

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

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

    R.D’s love food- a lot

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

    You will hear excellent presentations…

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

    … And some not-so-great presentations, too

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

    Dietitians love to mingle.

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

    You may feel overwhelmed.

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

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

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

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

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  • Dietetics Programs, How to Become a Dietitian

    How to Choose What Dietetic Internships to Apply To

    Take the time to investigate your options and think about what you want to get out of your dietetic internship. Follow these tips to help you decide.

    What do you want out of an internship? This is a big question that can help you find your best path to becoming a Registered Dietitian. In this post, I will go through some ways to help you make that decision.

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

    Define What you Want

    What do YOU want out of your dietetic 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 students who decided not to apply somewhere because they thought it was too tough to get in, even though it may have been their dream internship.

    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 match your interests and experiences. I was willing to look across the country for internships.

    I knew I wanted a general emphasis, was attracted to teaching hospitals, did not want a graduate degree yet, and wanted the option to do an elective rotation in Chicago (my hometown). Massachusetts General Hospital offered all of that to me, and that is where I got matched. When you apply to programs that match what you are interested in, your genuine enthusiasm for the program will shine through to the selection committee and reflect well on your application. The match works two ways—both you and the program should fit well with each other. Proving you are the perfect fit is what the application is for! Let’s dive deeper into defining what you want in an internship.

    Deciding Factors

    • Location
    • Cost
    • Emphasis
    • Grad School
    • Electives
    • Affiliation
    • Rotation Sites

    Final Thoughts

    Have an open mind, and don’t be limited by the internship location, unless you 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!

    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 site, 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 two months before the deadline.

    P.S. Want someone to tell you exactly where you should apply to increase your chances of getting matched? Get Matched Coaching is for you.

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  • RD2Be Fun, Student Life

    5 Myths About Being a Dietetics Major

    Studying nutrition means sometimes you’re learning the Krebs cycle, and others you’re baking cookies. Here are our top myths about being a dietetics major.

    Are you looking to land the dietetic internship of your dreams? Schedule your free call with Jenny today to discuss your background, address any concerns, and decide on the next steps for your dietitian journey!

    All we do is study food.

    Almost all DPD coursework includes anatomy and physiology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology…shall I go on? We know the ins and outs of metabolic pathways and can balance a chemical equation like nobody’s business, but we also know how to make a killer acai bowl and prevent foodborne illness. After all, we are food and nutrition experts- in every area of the field!

    Everyone follows the gluten-free-dairy-free-paleo-low-FODMAP diet.

    We know the importance of a well-balanced diet more than anyone, and that one diet doesn’t fit all. Cheat days are often plenty, but we strive to practice what we preach and eat for health. You can find many of us experimenting with new recipes, too.

    The only students who get internships have straight A’s

    There are so many other components to your application than your grades. Yes, they are essential, but so are your volunteer experiences, work experiences, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

    Ochem is impossible without blood, sweat, or tears

    It’s no lie that organic chemistry requires lots of hard work. Utilizing study groups, office hours, and lots of study time can make doing well…no blood needed.

    We balance studying, homework, volunteering, and working like pros

    Nope, that’s not a myth 😉

    What are some of your favorite myths about being a dietetics major? Sound off in the comments!

    P.S. ARE YOU IN YET? Sign up for our newsletter, and you’ll receive monthly webinar invitations, free resources, exclusive experience opportunities, and more!

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  • Dietetics Programs, Featured

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Thanks for sharing, Natalie!

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

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  • Student Life

    How To Become a Sports Dietitian

    We interviewed Kate Moran, an MLB Sports Dietitian for the Minnesota Twins. Kate shares how she got where she is and tips for aspiring RD2BE’s!

    sports dietitian mlb

    Kate got started with the Minnesota Twins through Sodexo, the foodservice management company. The Minnesota Twins are one of Sodexo’s “clients.” As the dietitian, Kate has complete control of the kitchen and the team’s sports dietitian aspect of things! In addition to being an MLB sports dietitian, she also precepts students! HINT HINT, Make the ASK!

    Learn how to make the ASK here!

    Kate shares some GREAT advice, whether it’s the sports nutrition field you want to go into or a different field! Check out the interview below and for more information about Kate, visit her site Educated Plate.

    Watch her interview below or on youtube!

    We also want to shout Sarah Grace Meck for conducting this interview when she was in her Dietetic Internship! Sarah is now an RD, and she has created two successful company’s FreshFitNHealthy and TheRDUniversity! We love to see RD’s making their dreams come true!

    PS. Check out our Real World Sports Nutrition Toolkit!

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  • Student Life

    How to Study for Multiple Exams in One Week

    There are a few things in life that are more stressful than having multiple exams in one week. The good news is there are tried and proper ways of tackling this!

    Having multiple exams in one week causes my anxiety to take over, and I go from 0 to 100 real quick. Now, if one exam is on a Monday and another is on a Friday, it’s all gravy, baby! But if we’re talking back-to-back exam days…the struggle couldn’t be more accurate. But, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered! The following study tips are guaranteed to calm that anxiety storm and leave you smooth sailing to your next exam week.

    1. Prioritize your exams.

    Which exam will be the hardest, and which will be easier for you? Start with the hardest. Begin studying for the most challenging exams about a week before the exam date, but don’t do it all at once! Review a bit at a time in intervals. Distributing learning over time typically benefits long-term retention better than a short period.

    2. Schedule your time.

    Create a schedule for yourself that includes how many hours you will spend on each subject and when you will take breaks. Let’s face it, studying one subject for endless hours will make anyone go crazy. Spend 2-3 hours on each topic and take a non-academic break in between. Cardio has been shown to improve memory, so schedule yourself a quick run in between subjects for a brain boost!

    Click here to stay organized with these top 5 tips!

    3. Take naps during study breaks.

    From personal experience, this has worked wonders for me. I’ve learned I can remember the material much better if I study for a few hours, take a nap, then get back to studying. And there’s a science to back it up! A 2010 Harvard study suggested that dreaming may reactivate and reorganize recently learned material leading to improved memory.

    Learn more about how sleep helps your memory!

    4. Say no to cramming and all-nighters!

    Not only will your brain be foggy from the lack of sleep, but cramming information causes anxiety which can lower your ability to retain information. Do yourself a favor and aim for 8-9 hours of sleep the night before exams.

    Learn more about exam study strategies for RD2Be’s!

    Now study and crush those exams!

    multiple exams

    PS. Are you worried about matching to a Dietetic Internship? Check out our get-matched course!

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  • Dietetics Programs, Student Life

    A Surefire Recipe to Gain Volunteer Experience

    To stay competitive as a nutrition student you have to get good grades, be involved in extracurriculars, and volunteer like your life depends on it.

    The semester is coming to an end and summer is right around the corner.  As dietetic majors, you know that summer means that there is more time for… volunteering! 

    At times this is a very stressful and time provoking task but this is why you have us to help you through and find and create your best possible experiences that DI directors will gasp at (good gasps!) and put you right at the top of their lists.

    To make this task a little more tolerable, what better way to read about volunteer experiences is there than a recipe.  With just a few ingredients, a dash of determination, and some simple directions, you will be on your way to cookin’ up great volunteer experiences!

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

    Ingredients

    • Leadership skills
    • Confidence
    • Creativity
    • Persistence
    • Enthusiasm

    Not sure where to begin? First, check out local volunteering opportunities near you here. Next, follow the directions below.

    Directions

    1. Ask – Put yourself out there. There are very few people that will turn down someone that wants to work for FREE.  What excites you?  What do you want to learn more about?  Whether it is for 2 weeks, 2 months, or 2 years, experience is experience, and anything helps, all you have to do is ASK!  If you are uncomfortable at first approaching someone to see if you could volunteer with them, there is nothing wrong with an email.

    Sample Email: 

    To Whom It May Concern,

    My name is __________.  I’m a nutrition major at _____________ and I’m extremely interested in your __________________.  I would love to learn more about ________, and was wondering if I could volunteer for you.  I appreciate your time and patience with this request and I look forward to hearing back from you in the near future.

    Thanks,

    ____________

    2. Ask again – This is where persistence comes in. If you don’t hear from anyone in a week, try a follow-up email.  Still no response?  Stop in in-person!  People are just as busy as you are and may not check their emails often.  They may think that your persistence is an asset to their company and want to know more about you.

    3. Ask for more – Yay, you are volunteering for something that you are passionate about! Now that you’ve learned the ropes of their company/business, ask for more projects.  If you have something in mind that you think will be beneficial, ask your boss for permission.  Lots of people are open to fresh, innovative, and creative ideas, that will help them make more of a positive influence in society.  Go for it!

    Now, enjoy the fruits of your labor.  At times, this may be hard work, but it’s worth it in the end.  Stay positive, always keep a smile on your face, and remember your end goal.

    P.S. Are you applying to your dietetic internship? Join Get Matched Coaching for personalized advice that will help you gain confidence that will bring you one step closer to becoming a dietitian!

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  • RD2Be Fun

    8 Tweets Accurately Describing a Dietetics Major life

    Not everyone understands what it is like to be a dietetics student, but these fellow students tweets accurately describe the life of a dietetics major.

    We’re not sure what we enjoy more studying dietetics or reading tweets about the life of studying dietetics! We have complied a list of some of the best Tweet descriptions of what it is like to be an #RD2BE!

    1. The only way to write a scientific journal article is with cookies!

    2. I think we can all agree, we love eating food and talking about food!

    3. Oh, the memories! Shout out to all the #RD2BE’s in their DI’s!

    4. We do it for the tacos.

    5. If we had a dollar for every tear we shed we could afford the dietetic internship!

    crying as a dietetics major

    6. Precisely and spell, “DieTITian”.

    dietitian dietetics major

    7. But seriously, does Betty Crocker even know this much about muffins?

    muffins dietetics major

    8. Mind yo business Aunt Betty, mind yo business!!

    dietetics major

    In all seriousness, our major is HARD! It’s comforting knowing other students share the same trials and tribulations as you. Know that we are proud are you! Keep the hysterical and accurate tweets coming! We love em’!

    Check out some life tips for surviving as a dietetics student!

    PS. Have these tweets inspired you to become a Dietitian? Check out the Academy’s resources for becoming a Dietitian!

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  • Dietetics Programs, Featured

    The Perfect Thank You for Your Dietetic Mentor

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

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

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

    Special dietitian

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

    Thank you for your thyme

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

    succulent

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

    Desk sign

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

    Truly a great dietitian

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

    Dietitian not Dietician

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

    sweet treats

    For additional ideas, check out our amazon store!

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

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