Future RD

  • How Do I Pay for a Dietetic Internship?

    A dietetic internship or RD program brings you one step closer to becoming a dietitian. Unfortunately, most are unpaid. Jenny discusses internship payment options below!

    True or False: “Dietetic internships (DIs) are paid positions because we are 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. Written by an All Access Dietetics dietetic intern.

    I vividly remember hearing a DPD director telling a class of dietetics seniors about the time she was on food stamps during her DI. My mouth dropped. “What? Is it that bad?” For me, I survived on all student loans and knew many interns that did the same. I’ll be in some debt, but I view 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 factors for many applicants.

    Click here for more tips to help you survive your dietetic internship.

    Here’s a Rundown of Financial Sources to Explore:

    Scholarships

    First, review the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 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 pop up. Even throw in names of your respective states or cities- you just never know. Some programs have scholarships specifically for their interns. Others have state scholarships that are not as competitive as national scholarships. Let’s say you work on an application for five 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 a student is enrolled in an eligible program of study at least half time

    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
    • – You can pay the interest or allow it to accumulate and capitalize

    Subsidized Loans:

    • – Awarded on basis of financial need
    • – The federal government pays interest on the loan until you begin to pay it off (when you become less than a half time student)

    You might suspect there is no easy solution for the financial burden that comes with DIs but definitely explore your options. For you, it may be possible to get a little financial help and also feel settled about the fact that your bank account contains only borrowed money. Maybe then you will want to soak up everything the internship has to offer and get your money’s worth!

    Working During the Internship

    This may not be an option if your internship discourages it. But, if you are in a part-time program or maybe a distance program, those both might have the best set up for having a job. That said, I’ve seen interns in traditional programs have jobs, but the jobs would have to be super flexible. Below are 15 unique ideas on how to make money during the internship.

    1. Grow your Instagram and social media

    Do you run an Instagram that you’re really 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 your 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.

    For some inspiration, check out these RDs with amazing Instagram feeds!

    2. Create a blog and learn how to sell on your website

    Looking for a way to make money that gives you flexibility and room to put your creativity into action? A blog is not only a great way to share your knowledge and passion with others, but also great for making new connections. The Unconventional RD teaches nutrition professionals ways they can 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 connecting with brands that fit your M.O. Use your blog to help establish yourself in the field, build your professional network, all while making money in your pajamas.

    Psst: Be sure to listen Jenny Westerkamp’s episode on the Unconventional RD Podcast. Jenny is the Founder of All Access Dietetics!

    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. TikTok

    Yes, you read that right. TikTok 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. TikTok is a great outlet for entrepreneurs to increase their engagement and following in a short period of time. But how do I use it? What kind of content should I post? Use this article Tik Tok for Entrepreneurs, as a guide on 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 awesome Registered Dietitian and expert in social media and marketing! 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 RD University.

    6. Wellness coaching

    If you love nutrition counseling and are searching for a platform to expand your services, check out Healthie. This virtual care platform is perfect for managing your practice, communicating with your clients, and building your relationships.

    7. Manage social media for a dietitian

    Maybe you follow a 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 create 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.

    7. Uber or Lyft

    Love listening to tunes and getting to know people? Driving for Uber or Lyft may be the right fit for you. Click here for more information on getting started with Lyft.

    8. 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.

    9. 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.

    10. VIPKID

    Have a passion for teaching and working with kids? Teach English online with VIPKID. Set your own schedule, teach one-on-one lessons, and get to experience the rewarding feeling of educating young minds, all while getting paid.

    11. 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 gigs in your area.

    12. 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 not only can help you familiarize yourself with working in a hospital setting but also gives you the opportunity to interact with patients and brighten their day. Most positions have weekend or evening events, or you can inquire about working per diem.

    13. Teach group fitness classes

    Always at the gym loving your yoga, boxing, or Les Mills classes? Ever thought about teaching one? Reach out to an instructor you admire and ask how they got to where they are! There are a lot of different organizations out there to help you reach your goal of becoming a certified fitness instructor. Check out these articles: A Quick Guide on How to Become a Group Fitness Instructor and How to become a group fitness instructor when you have a full-time job for more details.

    14. Ambassador work for food brands

    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!

    15. Use social media to make money

    Looking to grow your social media following, stand out as an expert online, and learn how to grow 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 own 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)

    Final Thoughts

    I have one last piece of advice on money: I hear a lot of interns say that one of the challenges of an unpaid internship program is that you feel like you are working for FREE. If they are having a bad day, it is easy to complain about the fact that they are free labor. It basically becomes the scapegoat for their frustration. But I have a thought for you that will nip this bad attitude in the bud: Remember that this internship is the one last step you need to take until you reach your goal of becoming a dietitian. You are still paying for an education. Did you expect to be paid full-time to study in college?

    As you move along through the program, focus on the end goal of the internship: to be a competent, entry-level dietitian. Also, think about all of those people who didn’t get matched. How lucky you are to even be in a DI/RD program? Many institutions lose money on providing a DI through liability or lost time teaching, among other reasons. In fact, that is part of the reason that there aren’t enough spots available to everyone that applies. Therefore, you know the people guiding and teaching you at the hospital are dedicated to the advancement of the field. Be thankful for this. Stay motivated, positive, and complaint-free. This should make for a more beneficial experience.

    Ready to get started on your application for a DI or RD program?

    Dietetics Admissions: Get an expert coach in your corner helping you through every step of this confusing application journey. Imagine having a roadmap, personalized advice, application reviews, accountability, and confidence that will bring you one step closer to becoming a dietitian. Learn more about Dietetics Admissions here.

    FREE application resources: You have questions. We have answers! The Application Toolkit is designed to teach you everything you need to know about dietetic internships in a streamlined and simple way. No more Google searching and reading random blog posts all over the Internet. Download the FREE Application Toolkit here.

    P.S. Did you know certain RD programs, like those with the Veterans Affairs hospitals, offer stipends? These types of programs are more competitive because of that. Luckily, Coach Katie Braun was on a VA selection committee for 5 years and knows exactly how to increase your chances of landing a spot. Apply for Dietetics Admissions today to work with Katie.

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  • How To Start A Foodie Blog

    Blogging can help you from average nutrition student to star! Here are some tips and tricks for publishing your best material for the internet to see.

    Blogging, it seems, is the new thing. Students, interns, and dietitians alike are taking to the internet to share their passion. Now you can, too! While starting a food blog may seem overwhelming, it can be as easy as making a dietitian-approved meal. Below are tips and tricks to help you succeed.

    Find your platform.

    Whether you want to purchase a domain name and create your website, you want to focus solely on social media such as Instagram, or you want to team up with a few friends and create a Facebook group, find your platform first. If you choose to make an internet blog, check out easy SquareSpace, Weebly, or WordPress templates.

    Determine your style.

    Find inspiration from other blogs and see what makes them tick. Is it their focus on quick and easy meals, their attention to detail, their adorable photos, their focus on a specific health concern or population, or their everyday upkeep? Once you understand the niche you want to focus on, it’ll help you know where to begin. Once you find an aesthetic you like, own it. Make your style yours.

    Create your content.

    Before getting your foodie blog live and running, make sure to create content ahead of time for the next few weeks or months. This helps your blog jumpstart early, and it allows you to be posting new and relevant information on a revolving basis. Plus, this gives you time to work and re-work your layout, ideas, and materials.

    Go live!

    Finally- publish your work! Please share it with friends and family, your professors and mentors, even your peers at college. By going live and sharing your information, you’ll be sure to gain a following.

    Connect with others.

    Make sure to interact with your readers and viewers by replying to comments, shares, and every interaction they make. This will help grow your following as well as connect with others interested in your work. You never know what opportunities or friendships could come out of a simple “thank you.”

    Keep working!

    After your nutrition blog is live, the work isn’t over. Maintaining a blog is a regular job that requires social media skills, communication, work ethic, and knowledge of nutrition and dietetics. Please include new recipes or facts in your blog and share them with your followers as you learn new recipes or facts. Work hard on making your blog better than ever before, constantly.

    While creating and maintaining a successful nutrition blog may sound easy, it requires dedication, determination, and inspiration. This project can be as small or large as you want it to be! If you work hard enough, it can even become your entire career. There will be trials along the way, but using your nutrition knowledge with other skills and passions, you can make it work — an RD2BE can do anything!

    P.S. Are you a new Registered Dietitian or recent graduate looking for your first job? Join Get Hired Coaching to prepare for your following interview and land your dream job!

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  • 5 Fun Things To Do With Your #RD2BE Friends

    Some days, free time is best spent alone with Netflix and homemade snacks, but other days, it’s best spent with RD2BE friends outside of the classroom.

    On weekdays, you can find most dietetics students in-class lectures, laboratory experiments, and studying. But, on rare occasions, they have free time, too. While free time doesn’t come often and doesn’t stay long, it is much enjoyed. On those rare occasions, getting together with your RD2BE friends is a must.

    While getting together with all of your RD2BE friends, you probably want to leave a few of your nutrition courses behind. But if you’re still looking for some hints of nutrition, here are some great things to do.

    1) Go fruit or vegetable picking

    This is a great fall or spring activity to do with friends. It helps you get outside and get your body moving, as well as appreciate the foods you know and love. This is an excellent natural world application of nutrition and dietetics, and your friends will be all over it. Plus, it’ll be a great Instagram opportunity, and who doesn’t love that?! Make sure to hashtag your experience with #RD2BE.

    2) Have fun in the kitchen

    In case you haven’t noticed yet, dietetics students can be a bit competitive. While the academic and career pressures can be intense, they can also fuel a good fire. Another fun activity to do with nutrition friends is host a cooking or baking competition! Imagine this as your food science lab to the extreme. Choose a theme or category — Chinese food, desserts, three-ingredient recipes, or unconventional ways to use chocolate. No matter how outrageous your rules become, your friends will love hanging out and trying something new. Plus, the winner will be stoked about unlimited bragging rights.

    3) Volunteer together

    While dietetics students are encouraged to volunteer in food industry settings, it can often be a little intimidating and challenging. But when you pair with RD2BE friends, the experience becomes more than just volunteering. It becomes fun, too! So get a group of friends together and pick a day to volunteer at your local food bank or soup kitchen. Not sure where to begin? Find a volunteering opportunity near you here. You can split up and conquer — with so many options to volunteer, there is undoubtedly a job for everyone. And you’ll be sure to feel great after your experience.

    4) Start a Vlog

    With the influx of social media, RD2BE friends love to show their expertise online. This can be an excellent opportunity to share your knowledge and passion, as well as have some laughs with pals. Another great activity to do with your RD2BE friends is to make a video blog! It’s a blast to get ready and dressed up and then film something incredible and unique. You’ll have lots of laughs and make a few mistakes during your Hollywood moment, but it will be something you and your friends will be able to look back at for years to come. Who knows – you may even become an internet sensation!

    5) Netflix and potluck

    There’s nothing like a good movie marathon, and a movie marathon with RD2BE’s is even better. Gather a list of your friends’ favorites and load your Netflix account. Then, make sure everyone brings a dish of their choice, and prepare to be “wowed.” Even better – don’t let anyone tell each other what they’re getting. Maybe your friends’ choices will surprise you. Snuggle up together and enjoy the very rare moment that you are free of work to do!

    There are a ton of activities that RD2BE friends can do together to further their passion and love for dietetics. While some activities are more intensive than others, they are all excellent options for gathering a group of peers and letting loose. Free time is a beautiful thing, so live it up, RD2BEs!

    PS Are you applying to the dietetic internship program of your dreams and want personalized guidance? Get Matched Coaching can help you gain confidence and clarity to get one step closer to being an RD! 

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  • Stay Organized This Semester with These Top Tips

    Staying organized as a nutrition and dietetics student isn’t easy. Below are my top tips to help you stay on track to become a Registered Dietitian.

    Could you write it down?

    It’s tempting to ditch your planner for an app on your phone, but studies have shown that writing it down helps you remember it more. Invest in a cute planner (see ideas here) and never forget an assignment again.

    Keep a schedule.

    As much as you want to sleep in until noon on the weekends when you’ve been waking up super early during the week, trying to compensate for your sleep can make you more tired! You’ll be more productive when your schedule isn’t all over the place.

    Get rid of distractions.

    Whether it is a PC or Mac, many computers have programs that you can download that let you limit the amount of time spent on distracting websites (we’re talking about you, Facebook, and Instagram). Nix the temptation and get that essay done first!

    Find balance.

    It’s easy to get overwhelmed with everything you have to do this semester – from homework to volunteering or even working – it can get a little daunting to balance it all. Set aside 30 minutes to an hour each day to focus on yourself and do something for you, whether a yoga class or a quick Netflix binge. Your mind and body will thank you!

    Triage.

    Triage, taking care of the most important thing first, will help big tasks seem more doable. Get that group project out of the way, so you don’t have to worry about it. Can’t figure out where to start? Try making a to-do list so you can check off your assignments as you go!

    What are your best tips to stay organized? Sound off in the comments.

    P.S. ARE YOU IN YET? Join the Get Matched Course to gain the confidence and clarity you need to get a dietetic internship!

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