The best way to prepare for life in any field of work is to start getting your feet wet early on. Luckily, this can be accomplished in various work roles for the world of dietetics – some don’t even have to be exclusively nutrition-related! There are countless opportunities under the umbrella of dietetics; for an idea of what’s available and how to pave your way to success, check out our resource on 7 Ways to Be an Awesome Dietetics Student.
While you’re still working on your degree or internship, though, here’s a few examples of positions to help you cultivate valuable skills in the field!
For those looking for jobs that are directly related to the dietetics field, look for positions as:
Dietetic Technicians
As a dietetic technician, you work as an interdisciplinary team to provide ultimate nutrition care for patients. This includes assuring that patient meal selections are appropriate for their diets, notifying the registered dietitian of any new and relevant nutrition concerns, and screening for any instances of malnutrition.
Food Service Workers
Whether the position calls for work as dietary hosts or kitchen workers, both provide significant experience in the world of foodservice. Both positions offer extensive experience in understanding the importance of temperature control, while dietary hosts earn the ability to learn more about various diets and their respective restrictions.
WIC Nutritionists
As a WIC nutritionist, you work directly with clients eligible for program benefits to help them gauge their supplemental food needs, as well as helping out with nutritional planning and other provisions provided by the program.
Wellness Coaches
If clinical settings aren’t for you, but you want to work directly with people, wellness coaching may be for you! This role allows you to use your knowledge of nutrition to provide insight, education, and motivation to various people.
In these positions, you are likely to work directly with individuals regarding their nutritional status, intake, or behaviors. Since these positions require you to work under the guidance of a registered dietitian or senior nutritionist, you are also allowed to ask them questions about their journey or even shadow them for a day!
You don’t have to work in a strictly dietetic field to gain relevant experience, though.
Some other jobs that can be great teaching lessons for dietetics students include:
Waitressing/Serving
Personal Training
Pharmacy Technicians
Volunteering at Food Banks or Soup Kitchens
These positions cover many facets of health that are directly tied to nutrition, food service, or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Don’t see your job listed above, or do you work in a different field entirely? That’s okay! Most jobs provide experiences that can be transferred over to the dietetics field. Whether it’s paid or unpaid experience, our coaches can help you figure out what skills your experience has provided helpful in dietetics.
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About the author:
My name is Tanisha Amaral, a dietetic intern with Wellness Workdays currently completing my community rotation with All Access Dietetics! This list wasn’t just randomly generated through a series of Google searches, but rather through my personal experience working in most of them on my journey to becoming an RD! As a dietetic intern, I am also working as a dietetic technician and restaurant server – the best of both the clinical and foodservice worlds! For more help, feel free to reach out for tips on navigating the RD path!
PS. Applying to dietetics programs in the future? Check out Dietetics Admissions!
Stand out with the best dietetic grades! These effective tips will help land you on the dean’s list and increase your chances of matching to your top dietetic internship.
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 challenging one. As a recent graduate and future dietitian, here are a few tips that helped me survive the busy undergraduate workload.
Organize, Organize, Organize!
Every dietetics major understands the importance of staying organized during the semester. It is easy to fall behind and feel lost between meeting lab report deadlines, biochemistry exams, and submitting diagrams of micronutrient metabolism pathways. Keeping a planner and updating it 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.
Utilize Your Tools
We buy textbooks, lab books, and nutrition manuals because they are required of us, but what if we utilize them? One of my turning points in undergraduate was when I started using my materials. Simply reading the chapters before class and reviewing questions at the end almost always led to me acing the exam. I noticed professors pull a lot of study questions from the book or use them to form questions. Reviewing the PowerPoints won’t cut it.
Study Well and Study Often
How do you learn the material effectively? Did you know that everyone realizes differently? Strategies that work for some don’t work for others. That’s why it is crucial 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 essential to comprehend the information thoroughly. 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 weren’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 helpful and make a difference in your grade. I utilized my professors and graduate assistance whenever I felt stuck, and I’m thankful I did.
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 is 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!
These tips sound do-able, right? I wouldn’t have been as successful in undergraduate without them. Studying effectively is such an important skill because it determines your GPA, dietetic internship acceptance, and passing the board exam.
I hope these tips will be useful and help you succeed as a future dietitian! Let us know if you used any of these tips or have any of your own effective studying strategies.
P.P.S. 100% of Get Matched Coaching clients were matched to a dietetic internship in 2021. This can be you, too! Click here to see all that’s included.
A Dietetic Internship Director tells all! We connected with the Program Director at Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship to answer your questions about distance dietetic internships, how to be a competitive applicant, and much more.
What are the top three things applicants can do (besides good grades and getting experience) to stand out?
In terms of DICAS, we review all aspects of the application to obtain the whole picture of each applicant. Strong applicants tend to have certain qualities:
– Passion. It is evident when applicants demonstrate their passion for the dietetics field by illustrating compelling stories in their statement.
– Communication skills. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential for success in our program, and we score these qualities in the DICAS application and the interview.
– Be organized. We can tell when applicants have been intentional with all aspects of their application and are thinking about being an intern. We require applicants to obtain their rotations, and the rotation schedule is a straightforward tool we use to assess the applicant’s ability to plan and organize their future internship experience.
In general, applicants may reach out via email (attach a resume!) and attend one of our Virtual Open House events. These avenues allow applicants to get to know our program in more detail and ask any questions they may have.
What are one or two common mistakes you see applicants make?
It is clear when an applicant has not had anyone else review their application. If we see typos or another program name listed in the personal statement, we assume the applicant is not serious about our program. More than you would think, we see sections of the DICAS application left empty such as volunteer or work experience and honors and activities. Still, the applicant will have included these experiences on their resume. If an applicant sends an email inquiry and asks an obvious question on our website, it shows they did not research our program ahead of sending the email. Attention to detail like completing all portions of DICAS, reviewing documents for errors, and intentionally planning an email is essential for success in our program.
What are the benefits of a distance dietetic internship?
There are many benefits to a distance dietetic internship program! The most tangible benefit is that each intern has the opportunity to create their own educational experience by customizing their rotation schedule to suit their strengths and passions. The distance aspect allows for flexibility in a geographic location of rotations that can be scheduled where the intern has family and support available. By working with dietitians local to their community, interns benefit from creating a network of dietetic professionals early in their careers, leading to multiple connections and future job opportunities.
What qualities make a successful distance dietetic intern?
Interns who are most successful in our program are very independent and organized. While our program offers a great support network, we expect our interns to manage their daily schedules with their preceptors and remain on top of our internal curriculum tasks. Interns need to have good communication skills across all mediums. We communicate with our interns often via email, phone calls, and Zoom, expecting interns to communicate effectively. Successful interns are ambitions. It is apparent when interns put forth the effort to produce good work with their preceptor and through our curriculum, and we typically see those interns pass the R.D. exam right away.
Where are the graduates of your program working today?
Everywhere! Based on intern feedback, our program provides graduates with the skills they need to succeed in all practice areas. We have graduates working in corporate wellness, clinical dietetics, school foodservice, community nutrition, private practice, and government programs!
Can you describe what makes your program different from others?
Our program has a concentration in Corporate Wellness and Health Promotion. This is enhanced by the wellness rotation and wellness-related didactic learning components of our curriculum. BWS DI offers support to our interns through Faculty Advisors, who mentor interns throughout their program. The 1:5 ratio allows for a high touchpoint between Faculty Advisors and interns, with frequent communication with interns and preceptors throughout rotations. The Lead Faculty foster a strong sense of community among the interns, encouraging communication and collaboration among each cohort. Interns are placed into small groups that meet monthly for online conference meetings and Journal Clubs, fostering connections within the small groups and Faculty Advisors. Our program provides R.D. exam study material and professional development resources to our interns to help them be successful entry-level dietitians. The Lead Faculty are supportive and dedicated to the success of each intern and strive to maintain academic caliber through innovative curriculum development. As a distance program, interns have flexibility and autonomy with their rotation schedule. The emphasis rotation allows interns to have exposure to a specialty area of dietetics that suits their passions. Overall, our program strives to be innovative, forward-thinking, and supportive to our interns as they embark upon their careers as dietitians!
Is there anything else you want to tell future applicants?
The field of nutrition and dietetics is changing. While distance programs may require work upfront to secure rotations, it is worth the effort because it creates a network of dietitians to help build a future career. Our distance program can provide the opportunity to become a dietitian with experience in the wellness, and that unique characteristic is appealing and sought after in communities nationwide.
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Meet the Director
Katie Bigart, MS, RDN, LD
Katie completed her undergraduate degree in Biology and Psychology at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, Ohio. She earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health Nutrition and completed her dietetic internship at CWRU.
Katie began her career as a K-12 school nutrition consultant for a private consulting firm, Pisanick Partners, L.L.C. in Cleveland, OH, and then went on to join the corporate wellness company, Be Well Solutions, as an Account Manager and Wellness Dietitian. Katie eventually transitioned her role at Be Well as the Program Director of the Dietetic Internship. Katie loves having the opportunity to work alongside interns, helping them discover their passions and goals within the field of dietetics, as well as creating an innovative curriculum to educate future dietitians! Katie is also a certified Health Coach through the American College of Exercise and embraces the balance of an active and healthy lifestyle, filled with hiking, weightlifting, cooking, and movies. She loves spending quality time with her husband, boy/girl twins, and two dogs.
Implement these five key strategies to build relationships with dietitians 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, several opportunities are 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 sound 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
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 new best friends in my junior year, who told 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 came through her professors. At that moment, I knew I needed to do the same to get myself the options I saw myself in.
I began speaking with my professors 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 become a part of organizations and associations related to your field. A simple Google search will help you discover precisely what those are. For example, suppose you are interested in becoming a sports RD. In that case, 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 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 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 cannot 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 interested in holistic nutrition. She followed a private practice RD, introduced herself, and told her 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 vast opportunity were the results of a simple email.
Volunteer
As dietetics students, 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 build relationships in your field of interest. If you’re applying to distance dietetic internships, relationship building is even more critical 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 solid first impression and stayed 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 incredibly appreciative of their support.
Be a Go-Giver
For our future careers as dietitians, it is essential to connect 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 area 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 firmly believes that what you give, you will get back in return. It is a constant flow.
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About the author:
Thanks for reading! My name is Brittni Whitesides, and I am a dietetic intern. I am so grateful that I practiced these tips in building relationships as a student at California State University, Los Angeles. Through doing all of these things, I have gained tons of experience in my field of interest (sports nutrition) through volunteer work and interning and have made numerous connections with sports RDs. I have spoken to several RDs who currently are in the position I dream about being in one day, and I am confident that they know who I am, my passion, commitment, and interest in the field. As a current dietetic intern, I plan to continue building relationships while maintaining my already made ones. So, what are you waiting for? Start sending out those direct messages and emails to begin building relationships today!
Curious about a coordinated program in dietetics? Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about coordinated programs for dietetic students!
Truthfully, finding a program that will allow you to take all of your didactic classes and hopefully help you successfully become placed with a dietetic internship is hard. Not to mention, finding a dietetic internship can be even more challenging, especially if you went to an undergraduate university where nutrition programs are slim to none.
Now imagine doing all of your didactic coursework AND your internship at the same time! Coordinated Programs offer a unique experience for future dietitians to study and experience a dietetic internship. Here are some frequent questions I get asked about coordinated programs in dietetics.
What is a Coordinated Program in Dietetics?
Coordinated programs are popping up all over the country. A coordinated program in dietetics enrolls and places students in their didactic coursework and dietetic internship.
Each program tends to be shorter than the traditional DPD than the DI route. They typically last about two and a half years. Coordinated programs challenge students to complete their coursework and supervised practice simultaneously. Though they are shorter, coordinated programs leave students with the same experience and education as every other program without the stress of applying to a dietetic internship!
Are Coordinated Programs Becoming More Popular?
Coordinated Programs are becoming more popular. Their shorter timeframe allows students to start their careers as dietitians sooner than traditional programs. They take away the stress of applying to DICAS and enable students to practice while learning about nutrition and the field of dietetics.
Coordinated programs can be found both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Since a master’s degree will soon be required for upcoming dietitians in 2024, coordinated programs are an excellent option for students who are currently getting an undergraduate education but will miss the timeframe to sit for the RD exam without a master’s degree.
Are There any Prerequisites Required for a Coordinated Program at the Master’s Level?
Many master’s programs will require students to have taken some coursework before enrolling in their coordinated program. Many of the classes required are biology or chemistry-related that typically are completed in undergraduate didactic studies. Some programs allow students to complete these courses throughout their master’s studies. Be sure to reach out to the director of each program you are looking at to understand better what is required.
Can I Work While Enrolled in a Coordinated Program in Dietetics?
YES! Though these programs tend to be more time-consuming, it is possible to work while getting your degree.
Time management skills are critical while enrolled in a coordinated program. If you plan your internship hours, classes, and study times appropriately, it is possible to work, enjoy life, and be enrolled in a coordinated program!
Coordinated programs allow you to gain experience and become closer to doing the work that you are passionate about when you start the journey to becoming a Registered Dietitian. You can find a list of all schools offering a Coordinated Program here.
PS. If you aren’t sure which path to take on your dietetics journey, please do not worry! You will find what works best for you.
We’ve found that most students have one TOP choice dietetic internship or RD program, one that they REALLY want to be matched to. Here is a round-up of 3 of blog posts to help you get matched to your #1 choice.
1. “How To Get Dietetics Experience Before Applying To Dietetic Internships”
P.S. 100% of Get Matched Coaching clients landed a spot in a dietetic internship or RD program in 2021! Receive individualized advice every step of the way and feel more confident submitting your application with the support of an expert coach. Click here to learn more.
Nutrition students are busy! Here are some tips to find flexible, remote nutrition experience that will fit your schedule and boost your DICAS Application.
A great GPA, a well written personal statement, and stellar references are all key factors in building the ideal DICAS application. But nutrition experience is also one of the top deciding factors for many dietetic internships. However, it can be difficult to try to fit quality nutrition experience into your already busy schedule. Without a flexible job, you might feel stuck on your path toward becoming the best DICAS applicant ever. Fortunately, we are in a time where things like social media, telehealth, and virtual communications are on the rise. Now is the perfect time to jump on the virtual bandwagon by finding remote nutrition experience and showcasing how creative you can be!
What kind of remote dietetics experience is available?
Remote nutrition services, or telenutrition, have been growing for more than a decade. New research shows these services will continue to grow and become more popular. Therefore, seeking out opportunities for work with telenutrition or remote dietitians can help prepare you for continued growth in the field and provide distinctive experience for your application.
Social media platforms are always growing and becoming a go-to place for news and information. We don’t want to keep reading the same content every day, so there is a nearly endless need for creative and out-of-the-box social media and website content.
Dietitians are primarily healthcare professionals, but they are also largely educators. There are excellent opportunities to remotely build experience in creating/editing educational materials. RDs are looking for materials including flyers, nutrition labels, or educational videos. Helping with this type of content will look good in DICAS and be helpful in your future!
How do I find this virtual work?
A quick google search for remote nutrition experience will bring you dozens of jobs sites, such as Chegg’s internship page, with some great opportunities. Many of these opportunities are specifically looking for nutrition and dietetics students.
Every dietitian remembers the hard work it took to get them where they are today. So most RDs are eager to help nutrition students. Reach out to your favorite RD on Instagram or LinkedIn to see if they have remote work you can do. Find someone that inspires you or has your dream job as an RD, and send them a message. This can be a little intimidating. Not every RD will have the capability to take on extra help, but the worst they can say is no. So give it a shot!
Consider the sample letter below to get you started –
Dear [NAME],
I’m currently a dietetics student with [SCHOOL]. Like you, I have a passion for [talk about why you chose this RD. Do you share an interest in hormone balance, plant based diets, or holistic nutrition? Do you hope to work with a similar demographic? Be specific, let them know you’ve done your research].
I would love the opportunity to work with you remotely. [Talk about what you can offer. Do you have stellar writing, research, or photography skills? Are you social media or tech savvy? Are you great with creating content that their audience can relate to?]
Please feel free to contact me here or at [provide an email, phone number, and/or other form of contact – make it as easy as possible to find you!] to discuss what help you might need.
Thank you for your consideration! [YOUR NAME]
Be a leader
If you’re struggling to find a dietitian who needs extra help or a job posting that is appropriate for you, be a leader and create your own remote experience! Nutrition leadership experience is always something that shines bright on a DICAS application. Find a way to be innovative and challenge yourself to find a new way to share nutrition. For example, consider a weekly vlog that addresses important nutrition tips for a niche population or a virtual nutrition club that helps other students stay focused. Make the most out of the time you have!
We hope these tips have helped sparked some ideas for ways you can get significant nutrition experience that fits into your schedule. For more ideas on gaining experience, check out this post!
Look no further and check out these 16 ways to Make Money as a dietetics student! These jobs can fit into your lifestyle and give you dietetics experience.
1. Grow your Instagram and social media
Do you run an Instagram that you’re passionate about expanding but not quite sure how? Or maybe you’ve been thinking about starting a new foodie blog but have no clue where to begin. Learn how to attract your target audience, beat the algorithm, and increase engagement using these tips. Once your Instagram is up and running, your next step is to check out everything you need to know to create a successful online business. Instagram is a great way to Make Money as a dietetics student!
2. Create a blog and learn how to sell on your website
You are looking for a way to make Money that gives you flexibility and room to put your creativity into action? A blog is a great way to share your knowledge and passion with others and great for making new connections. The Unconventional R.D. teaches nutrition professionals ways to earn passive and alternative income that they may not have even known existed. This blog offers tons of tips and resources, from google analytics to connect with brands that fit your M.O. Use your blog to help establish yourself in the field and build your professional network while making Money in your pajamas.
3. Get sponsored posts
Expand your blog, Instagram, or Youtube channel with sponsored posts! Click here for tips on defining your brand, reaching your audience, improving your engagement, and more!
4. Tik Tok
Yes, you read that right. Tik Tok is currently one of the fastest-growing platforms out there, and no, you don’t have to be the next Charlie Dimelio to grow your following. Tik Tok is an excellent outlet for entrepreneurs to increase their engagement and follow quickly. But how do I use Tik Tok? What kind of content should I post? Use this article Tik Tok for Entrepreneurs to guide making videos, increasing your following, and creating content that stands out.
5. Start a Business
If you’re interested in the entrepreneurial side of dietetics, I strongly urge you to get an online business coach like Tony Stephan. Tony Stephan is a successful Registered Dietitian who built his own online nutrition coaching business from the ground up. Check out his blog and read Tony’s article, Starting a Nutrition Business as a Dietetics Student, to learn more! Libby Rothschild is another excellent Registered Dietitian and expert in social media and marketing! Please read about how she went from working in a hospital to running her own company here. But wait, there’s more. The founder of All Access Dietetics, Jenny Westerkamp’s story of how she started her own business in dietetics all while still being a dietetic student is a worthwhile read here. Lastly, if you want to learn about marketing and creating a business or expanding your current one, consider enrolling in The R.D. University.
6. Wellness coaching
If you love nutrition counseling and search for a platform to expand your services, check out the website healthie. This virtual care platform is excellent for managing your practice, communicating with your clients, and building relationships!
7. Do social media for a dietitian
Maybe you follow an R.D.’s blog or Instagram that has always been your inspiration, and you’ve been dying to get involved. Reach out to them and see if they need help with their social media content! Use the tool Canva to help you create new and innovative content! It offers hundreds of free templates to help develop graphics, posters, logos, presentations, and more. You can also check out the article The 6 Best Free Design Tools to Create Social Media Graphics to learn how to make your content stand out and capture your audience’s attention.
8. Uber or Lyft
Love listening to tunes and getting to know people? Driving for Uber or Lyft may be the right fit for you. For all, you need to know about driving with Uber and making Money when and where you want, click here. Want to do the same with Lyft? Click here for more information on getting started.
9. Waiter or waitress
Work part-time as a waiter or waitress to earn some extra money! If your classes or internship aren’t the typical 9-5 hours, waitressing is a convenient way to fill in those gaps or weekends. If you want to stay active, improve your customer service skills, and learn how to work under pressure, consider getting a job at a restaurant.
10. Front desk at a gym
Another job that’s not your usual 9-5 is working at the front desk of a gym or yoga studio. This kind of environment offers flexible hours and early or late shifts outside of normal business hours. Some places may even offer you a discounted or free gym membership. Pop into your local gym or visit their website to apply.
11. VIPKID (teach kids virtual English)
Have a passion for teaching and working with kids? Teach English online with VIPKID. Set your schedule, teach one-on-one lessons, and get to experience the rewarding feeling of educating young minds, all while getting paid.
12. Babysitting
Babysitting is an easy way to earn extra money as a dietetics student. Use indeed, care.com, or your local community Facebook pages to find babysitting jobs in your area!
13. Catering department at a hospital or long-term care facility
Apply to work in a hospital as a patient dining associate in the Food and Nutrition Department. In this setting, you will be on your feet, interacting with patients, helping with their menu selections, and much more. This environment can help you familiarize yourself with working in a hospital setting and allow you to interact with patients and brighten their day! Most positions have weekend or evening events, or you can inquire about working per diem!
If you’re outgoing and are seeking a flexible schedule, look into becoming a brand ambassador! Start with the products you already love and enjoy, and check out their company website for ambassador opportunities. Stop into your local grocery store or reach out to a company to inquire!
16. Use Social Media to Make Money
Looking to grow your social media following, stand out as an expert online, and learn how to develop a profitable online business? Join Rise to the Top, a self-paced virtual business course for dietitians and dietitians-to-be who want to learn how to carve your path in the world of food, nutrition, and recipes to grow a brand and business! Led by Maggie Michalczyk, RDN, and Mary Ellen Phipps, MS, RDN, Rise to the Top takes you through everything from growing your Instagram following, pitching yourself to brands, doing your taxes as an entrepreneur, and so much more! Learn more about the course here! (affiliate link)
PS. Our resources can help you better manage your time and work during your dietetics journey!
You’ve done the hard work- completed a DPD program, a Bachelor’s degree, a 1200 hour dietetic internship, and passed the national registration exam. You are now a registered dietitian! You’re ready to land your first job as an RD, but… where do you even begin? Below are my top tips to help you land the position of your dreams.
Get clear on your goals.
After completing rotations in various areas, you may know what position you would like to work in. Was clinical not your thing? What about food service? Narrow down your niche, and then use LinkedIn, practice groups, Instagram, and even Google to help you create your goals and find inspiration from other RDs.
Network.
Dietetics is a relatively small field, so use your current network to help you succeed. Is your past preceptor connected to a dietitian you admire on LinkedIn? Reach out and ask for an introduction. There’s no harm in trying, and it’s ok to do some creepy searching for the sake of your dream job!
Use social media.
Before you begin job searching, make sure your social media presence is professional and represents you well. Next, join virtual groups dedicated to RD job searching, research potential organizations through their social media pages, and learn more about open positions by studying them online. This will help you learn about the organization and role you are applying for and can help you have a great interview.
Use the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
The Academy has various resources that can help you learn your worth, such as the compensation packet. This packet shares up-to-date knowledge of salaries for different niches in the field. Use the salary calculator to determine the average income for your education, experience, and even location!
Prepare.
Once you land an interview, do your best to be ready. Our Get Hired Coaching will teach you how to restate the question, provide 2-3 points or a STAR theory, and answer with a clear conclusion that ties into the company or role. Extra preparation for an interview can set you apart and help you land your dream job sooner.
While the job application process may be new and overwhelming, using these tips and tricks will lead you down the right path. Do you think you would benefit from extra help in this process? Check out the Get Hired Course to help you showcase your talents, sell yourself to employers, and stand out from the competition.
PS. We have so many great career resources to help you land your dream job!
There’s a lot of pros and cons to any program, but when deciding if a distance based DPD program is right for you, here are 6 things you should know.
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®) has approved three online Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD) and even more distance based internships. These online programs are allowing students that need flexibility or are geography-bound to fulfill the requirements to become a Registered Dietitian. But as you may have guessed, online programs are highly different than traditional classroom based programs.
Below are some key points to think about when deciding if a distance-based program is the right decision for you.
You may feel alone.
It’s a lot easier to connect with your professors and your fellow students when you’re in a classroom with them a few times a week. But when you’re taking online courses, you lose that forced connection. Instead, you will need to find opportunities to connect virtually, like creating a Facebook group for your cohort, scheduling Skype study sessions, or meeting at conferences. Your professors are also an email or phone call away and some offer online office hours. You may feel alone but it just takes a little more work to connect with your fellow students and professors.
Self-teaching happens.
Some professors record their lectures and post in discussion boards. Others provide you with a PowerPoint and handouts. And since you don’t have to attend a lecture, sometimes you feel like you’re teaching yourself the content. Some professors are not great at responding to questions via email so they might not fully answer your question and respond with, “Look in your book.” Some classes end up consisting of a lot of reading, searching for videos that give a deeper explanation of the topic, and chatting with other students who are just as confused as you are. Being in a distance-based program means you have to be comfortable with self-teaching and researching for answers.
Due dates exist.
In the DPD programs, the online courses follow the same calendar as the in-classroom classes. Due dates for assignments are assigned. Along the same lines, group projects exist. Nearly every online DPD course I have taken has had a group assignment. So this goes back to you are not alone and finding virtual ways to connect with your fellow classmates is essential to your success.
You have to be organized and disciplined.
We have all heard this one before and it applies to traditional style DPD courses but it applies even more to students who complete their DPD courses online. You have to set up a manageable study schedule for yourself and be disciplined to stick to it. Students who succeed are those who log in and make progress every day. I use an app called Egenda and at the beginning of the semester I put my assignments in with their due dates. The app pushes reminders to my phone and I can see what’s due.
Tests are proctored and assignments are photographed.
My school uses an online proctoring service, which includes a proctor controlling your computer and connecting with you via video chat. Other schools require you to find a local testing center to complete exams. Depending on your school, the fees for proctoring may be an expense that you are responsible for. For many assignments, you have to take photos and some require signatures from participants that you recruited. Since you don’t have a captive participants in a classroom, some assignments require you have to recruit your own participants.
Find unique ways to connect with your professors.
Since most internship applications require at least one of the letters of recommendations come from a professor, it’s pretty important to create a strong relationship with your professors. Being a distance student makes it a little more difficult to form those relationships but not impossible. You can offer to help your professor with any research they may be doing, or schedule monthly check-ins with them, or ask if they would be willing to be your mentor.
You may also have to explain your program to everyone you talk to since you may not live in the same state as your program. But being in a distance-based program can have a lot of advantages and can help prepare you for career experiences. This kind of learning requires you to learn on your own and demonstrates that you can be successful.
P.S. Do you have more tips about being a distance student? DM us with your best advice on Instagram (@allaccessdietetics) and we’ll share!
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.
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.
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!
Comments Off on What is DICAS and How Does it Work
by jennifer.westerkamp
DICAS is an online portal used by nutrition students to apply to dietetic internships or RD programs. Learn how to apply and how to get ahead of the game.
Before taking a deep dive into your dietetic internship (DI) application, there are a few things you should be aware of.
One of the questions we get asked most often is how to best prepare for the DI application match. We always recommend that students begin their application process as soon as possible, so that they have enough time to confidently submit their application to the best of their ability and avoid stressing over last minute work.
The Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System, also known as “DICAS,” is the online portal used by dietetics students who are applying to DI. Most, but not all, DI programs use the DICAS match.
DICAS allows students to complete a single online application. Program directors can access the applications, but can’t see the order in which the applicant ranked his or her programs. Instead, the applicant’s rankings are submitted on D&D Digital. Read more about D&D Digital here. Upon review of the application, the program director and staff submit ranking for applicants in addition to the maximum class size.
How to Apply to Dietetic Internships:
DICAS opens a little over two months before the applications are due and the application portal closes. The information applicants fill out on DICAS include:
Applicant Information: Contact information, personal information, and background information
Match Information: Applicant’s D&D Digital ID
Education Information: DPD course list form, colleges attended (majors, certificates/minors, transcript form, and cumulative GPA), session and coursework (all DPD grades including completed, in progress, and transfer DPD grades), and tests (GRE and TOEFL)
DPD Program Information: DPD director contact information and confirmed declaration of intent
Required Information: Awards, experience, & volunteer activities; personal statements (we recommend making a unique personal statement for each DI program. For personalized help, apply for our Get Matched Coaching program); updated resume; references (at least three references are required); and application certification
Program Destinations: The DI programs the applicant is applying to
How to Get Ahead of the Game
Even though the application only opens a couple months before the deadline, that doesn’t mean that you must wait to work on your application when it opens.
If you want to get a head start on your DICAS application, get a coach to help you strategize each step of the application process. After applying, you’ll speak with our enrollment coach to learn more about your career goals and confirm that you’re a good fit for coaching. Click here to apply for Get Matched Coaching.
With the right strategy and support, you CAN land a spot in a dietetic internship/RD program and become a dietitian. I believe in you. 🙂
The best way to make an RD2Be laugh? The answer is always food driven hilarity. We asked “What is the worst thing you ever made in food lab?” and the response was superbly sidesplitting. How is it that we can make the perfect healthier style pumpkin bread but a food lab assignment is the hardest thing in the world? We’ll never know…
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There you have it. We can discuss in detail about the structure of amino acids, understand the functions of each vitamin and mineral, but there’s just something about food lab that trips us up… Tag us in your beautiful messes #FoodLabFails!
Halloween is just around the corner, and with all of the happenings going on this weekend, we couldn’t help but post some of the best DIY food costumes circulating the internet. If you need a last-minute costume idea, we’ve got you covered!
Both soft skills and hard skills can be incorporated into your dietetic internship application to help you land the program of your dreams!
Developing your skillset before applying to dietetic internship programs is key to success for a happy Match Day. Seeking out volunteer, work, and leadership opportunities can help you gain skills that will make you a stand-out applicant and strong dietetic intern. Plus, these skills will lead you to achieve in your career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist! But what skills should you aim to highlight on your DI application?
If you need help selling yourself to dietetic internship selection committees, our coaches have the tools and strategies you need to take your application to the next level.
Here are 27 skills that you should be SHOWING in your application.
Communication Skills
Verbal
Written
Honesty and Integrity
Interpersonal Skills
Relates well to others
Motivation and Initiative
Strong Work Ethic
Teamwork Skills
Works well with others
Analytical Skills
Flexibility and Adaptability
Computer Skills
Detail Oriented
Professionalism
Positive Attitude
Time Management
Dedication
Discipline
Goal Setting
Commitment
Multi-cultural Experience
Leadership Skills
Organizational Skills
Self-confidence
Friendly and Outgoing Personality
Tactfulness
Well Mannered and Polite
Creativity
GPA (3.0 or better)
Entrepreneurial Skills
What are your unique skills and qualities that let you stand out from the crowd? Sound off in the comments!
P.S. Are you applying to the dietetic internship program of your dreams? Schedule your free call with Jenny to discuss your background, address any of your concerns, and decide on the next step for your dietitian journey!
Every Registered Dietitian is bound to run into a Google Degree, meal plan request, or a tale of an extreme diet. Here are seven stories you can relate to.
We’ve all been there—multiple times. You’re out with family or friends, and someone asks you what you are studying in school. You’re so excited to tell them “Dietetics!” and once you do, you get bombarded with those questions that every dietetic student has now begun to memorize and even dread. Nutrition is a major that everyone and I mean everyone, seems to want to talk about! Below, I’ve listed the top 7 questions that I always seem to get, but please let us know some of the awkward requests or questions you may have gotten in the comments section!
Can you make me a meal plan?
So you’re going to tell people not to eat the “good stuff”?
Maybe… but maybe not! Some of us may even tell you about one trend many dietitians love: Intuitive Eating.
Are you going to judge what I eat now?
Not if you don’t judge what we eat!
How do you feel about cleanses?
Wait, you’re a dietitian, and you’re going to eat that?
We may be dietitians, but we’re also human!
Oh, I can’t wait for you to help me lose weight!
Here, this is what I’ve eaten in the past 24 hours; what should I change?
Chances are, as a nutrition student or Registered Dietitian, these stories have happened to you. Some questions are more accessible to answer than others, but they all make for Fun (or funny!) memories.
For more RD2Be Fun, be sure to follow our INSTAGRAM.
P.S. Are you a dietetic intern preparing to take the R.D. exam? Check out Pass the Exam Prep to learn the Study Smarter Method and become a Registered Dietitian!
One of the most challenging aspects of becoming an R.D. is getting matched to a dietetic internship. Here are some ideas to add to your resume this summer!
With the match rate hovering around 50-60% each year, the competition is fierce. Internship directors consider more than just your grades when they are looking at your application. And although each internship has its requirements, students with relevant work and volunteer experience in food service or a nutrition-related field have a higher chance of matching to an apprenticeship.
So what can you do this summer to improve your resume? Here are some ways you can gain experience.
Volunteer
According to a Deloitte study, 82% of hiring managers said they prefer applicants with volunteer experience, and 92% say volunteer activities build leadership skills. The same applies to DI directors. Volunteering your time in an area that you are passionate about shows DI directors that you are self-motivated, dedicated, and responsible.
There are four broad categories to a dietetic internship: clinical, community, food service, and elective. If the internships you are interested in are clinically focused, volunteer in clinical settings. If they are a community, find community opportunities. But remember that experience can be applicable in many different ways to focus on opportunities that interest you.
Spending the summer months at an internship is a great way to get experience. A summer internship can also help you get a better understanding of what you are interested in. Use online websites like internships.com or indeed.com to find available internships. Another great way to find an internship is to network with R.D’s that might need a little help over the summer.
Earn a Specialty Certification
Adding a specialty certification to your resume may not only help you get matched but may also help you land a job faster. Certifications confirm your knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice. There are specialty certifications that you can earn over the summer. If you’re passionate about physical fitness, weight management, yoga, or a specialty area in nutrition, research the different certifications that are available. When looking for a certification, you should look for a validated and reliable certification examination and credible organizations.
Here’s a list of just a few of the specialty certifications out there that would enhance your resume:
Perhaps you already have a lot of experience or are working this summer; make sure your experiences are communicated well by spending your extra free time editing and revising your resume. If you have a mentor, ask them to look over your resume and provide you with feedback. Would they hire you based on your resume? Would they call you for an interview? Ask them for their honest feedback. You can also use the Get Matched Course or Get Matched Coaching, which offers a resume template, resume strategies, resumes rubrics, resume checklist, and resume samples.
Getting matched to an internship may seem overwhelming and impossible, but there are many ways of obtaining quality dietetics experiences. Taking the time to build a strong resume as a student will allow you to enter the internship application process with more confidence.
P.S. Starting early with Get Matched Coaching gives you the advantage of getting advice from your coach on what experience to add before applying! Many of our clients start the summer before the February deadline to get a head start and be as strategic as possible. Check out more information on coaching here!
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!
Since 2008, we've made it easier to become a dietitian by coaching thousands of future dietitians to get accepted to dietetics programs, pass the RD exam, and become confident dietitians.
