food volunteer

  • Productivity, Student Life

    TIPS TO STAY ON YOUR A-GAME THIS SUMMER

    Staying focused during the summer can be challenging as a dietetic student. Use these tips to help you enter the upcoming semester feeling prepared and refreshed.

    OK, the dog days of summer are almost over (trust us, we’re sad too!). For me, summer is a time to explore, have fun with friends, and…prepare for the upcoming school year. Wait. What? Using your summer can help you go from average to a stand-out student. Here are my tips for staying on your A-GAME during those summer months.

    Set up informational interviews with RDs who inspire you.

    Maybe it’s just me, but I love meeting new people (especially in a professional atmosphere) so that I can hear their stories. Everyone has a little gem or piece of wisdom they are willing to share; you just have to ask!

    Do I set these interviews up expecting to earn a job upon completion of my Dietetic Internship? No way! These informal interviews allow you to learn about the wide variety of careers in the nutrition world and help you expand your network of people in the nutrition world.

    So pick up the phone and set a coffee date with an RD that is inspiring to you.

    Volunteer in your community.

    Volunteering is another excellent way to meet other people in the nutrition world, gain experience, and possibly tap into a passion you didn’t even know existed.

    Some volunteer ideas that are fit for foodies are Cooking Matters, local races, and local food banks.

    Rest and relax.

    Yep, I said it…relaxing will help you stay on your A-GAME. During the school year, our brains are preoccupied with studying, working part-time jobs, getting involved in the school’s dietetic association, building our resumes, and the list goes on. According to current research, it’s SO important to give our brains mental downtime, and the summer is the perfect time to do it. Rest is when our brain can absorb and make sense of all of the information it has gathered over time.

    So this is your permission to take a nap, meditate, take a yoga class, or go for a casual walk. It’s good for you!

    Have fun!

    After all, it is summer. Use this as your chance to get creative and do something that you LOVE to do. Train for a race, bake a cake, host a dinner party, hang out with friends, go on vacation, whatever it is that brings you pure joy…do it!

    Let’s hear from you:

    • What is one way you are having fun this summer?
    • How do YOU stay on your A-GAME during the summer?

    PS Are you in yet? Sign up for our newsletter here to receive monthly webinar invitations, free resources, exclusive experience opportunities, and so much more!

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  • Dietetics Programs, Student Life

    A Surefire Recipe to Gain Volunteer Experience

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

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

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

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

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

    Ingredients

    • Leadership skills
    • Confidence
    • Creativity
    • Persistence
    • Enthusiasm

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

    Directions

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

    Sample Email: 

    To Whom It May Concern,

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

    Thanks,

    ____________

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

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

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

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

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