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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
We’ve compiled 5 tips that will help you secure preceptors, overcome common obstacles, and create a successful distance dietetic internship.
Distance dietetic internships are a great way to obtain the supervised practice experience needed to sit for the Registration Exam to become a registered dietitian (RD). The overall curriculum and end goal of the distance dietetic internship is similar to a traditional dietetic internship. Interns complete rotations that focus on clinical, community, food service, and possibly a separate concentration such as management or nutrition education. The difference is that in most cases students are required to find their preceptors. A preceptor is an individual (in many cases a dietitian) that you will be interning for. It can be challenging to get individuals to commit to working with you so far in advance and for so many hours, but we have compiled tips that will help you create the internship experience of your dreams!
1. Reach out to someone in your area who has done a distance internship
Knowing someone who has already completed a distance dietetic internship is invaluable. Even if they live in a different area than where you are going to be completing your internship, talking through the process and asking them questions will be extremely helpful. If you are lucky enough to know someone who lives in the same area as you, ask if they are willing to share contact information for their preceptors with you. These preceptors may agree to work with you too, or they may provide you with contact information for other individuals to work with.
2. Start early
It took me nearly 10 months to have all of my preceptors lined up, and scheduled in specific time slots, and to obtain all of the proper documentation. The internship application is only open for 2 months, so if you wait until the DICAS application is open to start contacting preceptors you are too late. I recommend reaching out about a year from your Match Day. This is very early and many people will not have calendars dated to the time that you are asking to work with them. That being said, you will have plenty of time to face occasional rejection, go through your list of plan B preceptors, and not stress because of time throughout the process.
3. Set follow-up deadlines for yourself
I learned this trick from my previous life as a sales manager. Follow-up is key when asking individuals for something, even if it is their time. Set a reminder in your planner or phone for 1 week from your first point of contact to follow up if you have not heard anything yet. Setting these follow-up dates immediately after the initial e-mail, voicemail, or phone call is made will prevent anyone from slipping through the cracks who may not have responded to your message initially. It will also make you appear organized and self-motivated, which are two selling points as to why these individuals should WANT to work with you.
4. Make everything as easy as possible for your preceptor
This goes along with number three. Keep in mind that these individuals are extremely busy, and asking them to have you intern for them for 50, 100, or 400 hours can be a bit stressful. Make sure to keep e-mails succinct by utilizing bullet points and bolding important information, and provide all necessary information for them.
5. Get creative with who you ask to be a preceptor
Ideally, all of your preceptors will be RDs, but in some cases that is just not realistic. Think about other ways that you can fulfill the requirements in areas that do not require you to work with an RD. Another way to get creative is to think about more “fun” or “non-traditional” dietetics jobs and reach out to those RDs. I got creative by reaching out to the dietitian at a local university, the executive director of a non-profit organization, and an RD who has my dream job!
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!
Below are my top 4 tips of what you need to know about choosing references:
Email Potential References
Make a list of 3-5 potential references and send them professional, tailored emails. Ask them specifically if they can write you a positive reference. If not, that is okay! You do not want someone to write you a reference if it isn’t going to be amazing.
After they agree to write a positive reference for you, complete the section under Additional Information (“References”).
Create your Reference Plan
For each program, assign the three references that you will use. You can mix and match for each program if you’d like. For example, you might use a food service supervisor for a food service DI and a clinical supervisor for a clinical DI. Be sure to check the program’s requirements to make sure you are giving them what they are asking for. If not, then email the director and see if your reference plan is acceptable to them.
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!
Comments Off on Advice from Dietitians to Future Dietitians
by Alison Pace
Becoming a Registered Dietitian certainly isn’t easy. We’ve compiled advice from dietitians for nutrition students, dietetic interns, and all future RD’s.
We all have a clear recollection of why we wanted to get into the nutrition field and become registered dietitians. Some of those reasons are near and dear to our hearts, and some of those reasons are very simple- we love nutrition! When on the journey to become a registered dietitian, there are plenty of bumps along the road. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget why we are doing what we are doing.
“Why did I decide to volunteer again this week when I have a test tomorrow?” Why am I taking six classes this semester?” How is summer almost over when all I did was a volunteer and work?” These are common questions I’ve both asked and heard during my years as a student.
Since becoming an RD (yay!) in July 2016, I often thought about what I wish I knew along the way to make things a little easier for me. Honestly, the best advice that I could give would only begin and end with two words: networking and volunteering. So important. Not only do these things look amazing on your resume, but they will also help you navigate your way through dietetics with a bit of ease.
Networking can lead to you shadowing multiple RDs in different fields, learning about nutrition from another point of view, and making your name known in the dietetics field early.
Volunteering will make your resume and your DICAS application look amazing. I asked one dietetic intern and one dietitian about what they would have liked to know before starting a nutrition career. This is what they had to say.
“Network as much as possible, take on as many volunteer opportunities as you can, big or small.”
“If you’re struggling in academics, then definitely seek out a tutor, your professor, or other resources that your University provides for extra help. When trying to get into an internship and meet with the director, whether it’s one-on-one or in a group setting, come prepared with questions. Don’t forget to update your resume and LinkedIn as you go continually”. – Jess Mirkin, Dietetic Intern at the University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT.
“Becoming a dietitian is a long road, but it will all be worth it in the end; keep going!”
The dietetics community is tiny and close-knit. Never burn bridges; you never know who knows your potential internship director or future boss. Volunteer as much as you can; it’s the best and sometimes the only way to get experience in nutrition as a student. Be persistent; dietitians are super busy and may not respond to questions right away but typically respond well to those who show they are ready to work, learn, and show that they have something to offer. Being a dietitian can sometimes feel like a thankless job; remember why you started in the first place and how important what you’re doing is”. – Hailey Beiner, RDN, C-DN.
The consensus seems to be the same- networking, persistence, volunteering, never feeling like you can’t ask for help, and always remembering why you started this journey. Never give up, and remember that it’s worth it!
The GRE company recommends that each test taker spends at least three months preparing for the exam, so here are study resources to help you do your best!
The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test all potential grad school students must take as a part of their application process. We’ve compiled our favorite resources to help you score your best!
The test maker made this software, giving you the best overview and helping you get a good feel for how questions are asked in a simple format. It goes over each section of the test and comes with two practice tests. Even better? It’s free! Bonus: PowerPrep Plus is available for $39.95 and includes extra resources.
Kaplan offers four different options of test prep: in-person, live online, private tutoring, or self-paced. They provide a free consultation to see which option is best for you and personalize your study plan. It is an investment, but it’s worth it if this is what you are looking for.
Manhattan is a great source that provides a free practice test and even has in-depth explanations for each question’s answer. The practice tests mirror the actual GRE and track your progress, so you know what you need to focus on.
Other Tips
Need help with a particular topic? Head over to Khan Academy, where you’ll find instructional and in-depth videos on almost any subject.
No time to make hundreds of vocabulary flashcards? Scour Quizlet to find some GRE vocabulary flashcards already made. Just press print, and voila.
Don’t be shy to ask for extra help if you’ve forgotten about a specific topic (looking at you, geometry). Finding a tutor could make all the difference.
Are you still enrolled in school? Some universities offer free or reduced-fee GRE resources. Head over to your student services building to find out more.
P.S. Are you a dietetic intern preparing for the R.D. Exam? Pass the Exam Tutoring can teach you how to study smarter, not harder, to increase your chances of passing the exam!
Before becoming a Registered Dietitian, you have to complete many prerequisite courses. Check out our list of standard classes to decide where to start!
If you have decided to go back to school to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, the odds are that you have a few prerequisites to take. As a career-changer, I understand the overwhelming feeling of having so many classes to take but not being quite sure where to start.
Likewise, you will find that most dietetic programs require similar prerequisite courses. When you decide on a specific program you want to attend, make your list of precisely what school requires.
Courses I had to take before starting my dietetics program:
Chemistry 1 (with lab)
Biology 1 (with lab)
Anatomy and Physiology
Intro to Nutrition
Medical Terminology
Intro to Statistics
Intro to Psychology
Courses I took during my Didactic Program in Dietetics:
Organic Chemistry
General Microbiology
Intro to Biochemistry
Research Writing
From my experience, I completed all of these courses in other online programs through universities that my school approved. This allowed me to have a very flexible schedule to work part-time, and I could take the classes from anywhere.
Completing these courses was very convenient, but I will say that taking classes online still had many challenges. In many cases, I felt as though I was teaching myself all of the material. There was always an instructor, and some of the courses had PowerPoints and lectures, but it wasn’t the same as sitting in an actual classroom or having a conversation with classmates or the instructor about the topic. All of the courses require a lot of reading, many hours, and excellent organization. It’s not impossible to complete all of these courses online, but if I could redo my experience, I would probably choose to take these courses in the classroom setting. For those looking to catch up on their prerequisite courses, many local community colleges offer science-based courses over the winter and summer, typically less expensive.
Some of the online programs I took courses through:
Wondering which courses to start with? I recommend starting with Chemistry 1 and Biology 1. These are very general classes that are necessary for completing several of the other prerequisites.
Hopefully, this gives you a starting point if you are going back to school to be a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist!
P.S. Just starting your career in nutrition and dietetics? Schedule your free call with Jenny to discuss your background, address any concerns, and decide on the next steps for your dietitian journey!
Applying to a dietetic internship program requires time and direction. We’ve broken down this step so you can land the internship of your dreams!
The semester is in full swing, and that means it’s crunch time for dietetic internship applications! If you are hoping to apply for an internship this spring, the deadline for applications is February 15.
Make a spreadsheet of which programs sound interesting to you. This will allow you to compare program requirements side-by-side in one location. Items to include in this spreadsheet are:
School
Location
# of Applicants
# of Applicants Accepted
Min GPA Required
Avg. GPA of Current Students
Length of Program
Full-time or Part-time
Concentration/Specialty
Rotations
Cost
GRE?
Advanced Degree?
Other Program Requirements?
Interview Required?
Visit the DI programs’ open houses online or in-person and view their webinars to make sure you know everything about the program.
Set up an appointment with your academic advisor or DPD director to discuss the application process and programs you are interested in.
Write the application due/important dates on your calendar.
Have all additional application requirements prepared before the opening date of the application.
Preceptors (if completing a distance dietetic internship)
Letters of Recommendation
List of Transcripts Needed
Credit Hours Completed
Personal Statement
Resume
Volunteer Experience / Extracurricular Activities
Awards and Achievements
Register with D&D Digital Computer Matching Program
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!
As a nutrition major, you will work on many group projects. They may sound grueling, but you will be scoring “A’s” in no time with our tips and tricks.
If two words can put dread into the heart of any student, they are: “group project.” We all know that there are probably good reasons why professors make us do them, but does that make them any less painful?
Fortunately, I’ve got some tips for you on how you can get through those grueling group projects!
1. Take the lead.
Leadership is an excellent quality that can be developed inside and outside of the classroom. Group projects are a perfect opportunity for you to work on this skill even more.
2. Set deadlines (WAY before the actual deadline!).
A practice deadline can help your team figure out what’s missing beforehand so that you’re not panicking on the project’s due date. Preparedness is a skill that will come in handy outside of your DPD program, too.
3. Figure out the best way to contact each other.
Maybe everyone prefers to text in a group message. Or, perhaps someone who only has a computer and a social media platform is more accessible to check in on. GroupMe is the latest app that makes it easy to communicate with all members of your team. If all else fails, use your school email address to create an email chain!
4. Clarify goals and roles.
Delegating tasks is essential, so all team members participate and learn from the project. After all, the point of a group project is for everyone to play a role. Delegating goals and functions will help everyone on your team find their niche and stay active in the project.
5. Create a positive atmosphere.
Positivity is essential, and a successful team is always a positive team. Don’t dread a group project, but reset your mind to see it as an opportunity to connect with your classmates and learn something new.
What are your favorite tips on surviving a group project? Sound off in the comments!
P.S. If you are applying for the dietetic internship check out our DI Toolkit!
We’ve compiled nine motivating, inspiring, and fun videos from future dietitians across the country so you can learn, laugh, and stay on track to become an R.D.!
This past fall, we held the most epic America’s Next Top Dietitian contest! Here are the top 10 finalists and their inspiration-filled videos. Trust me; these are WELL worth the watch. And ICYMI, Rebecca Yellin, was our winner, and we featured her story here!
After a year of long work, every future dietitian deserves a new gift. We’ve compiled our favorites below so you can treat the RD2be in your life!
Happy Holidays from the All Access Dietetics team! We put together the ultimate gift guide sure to please any future dietitian. Share this list with your friends, family, and co-workers, or treat yourself!
Any college student will tell you that coffee is the key to a successful semester. For rd2be’s, it’s that and so much more! Driftway is a subscription service that will keep your mornings and late nights fueled all year round.
Go green with this cute, reusable foodie tote! Take it with you to the grocery store and farmers market, use it as a bookbag, even take it with you as a carry-on while traveling! Brought to you by rachaelsgoodeats.com
ClassPass is a subscription service that connects you to hundreds of fitness studios in your area. What better way to treat your nutrition best friend than giving the gift of morning yoga sessions, gym memberships, and so much more!
McKel Hill, MS, RDN has captured the hearts of millions, including future dietitians. From her incredibly creative recipes to Instagram-worthy photos – we can’t get enough! Luckily for us, her cookbook is out, and it is everything.
Yup, you read that correctly. Nonstick shoes are a must in kitchens to prevent falls and are a practical gift that any dietetic student or intern would appreciate. Because who wants to buy themselves ugly shoes?
A planner is a MUST when you are a nutrition major. Passion Planner sets itself apart as being more than just a planner, but a to-do, goal-setting guide, sketchbook, and more, too.
Whether you are in the early stages of your dietetics degree or while preparing internship applications, All Access Dietetics has you covered. What better gift to receive than the gift of endless resources, confidence, and the support you need to get matched to a dietetic internship!
Krause’s textbook is THE nutrition bible, and every rd2be, intern, and RD uses it as a resource. Although the editions go out of style, the need for this textbook does not. Two thumbs up to gifting the newest edition.
O.M.G., how cute is this badge reel? The seller on etsy.com has several different food-related reels to choose from. Perfect for a school or hospital badge.
Take the time to investigate your options and think about what you want to get out of your dietetic internship. Follow these tips to help you decide.
What do you want out of an internship? This is a big question that can help you find your best path to becoming a Registered Dietitian. In this post, I will go through some ways to help you make that decision.
What do YOU want out of your dietetic internship? We all know by now that there is a great possibility we might not get matched with our first choice, but do you want to sit back and wonder what if? I have heard of students who decided not to apply somewhere because they thought it was too tough to get in, even though it may have been their dream internship.
Keep in mind that this is a time in your life where you can afford to be a little selfish. I realize that many people are not in a situation where they can move around the country, but if you are, embrace it! Be sure that you are choosing internships that are right for you based on your needs and wants, not based on convenience or the desires of others. If your top choice happens to be across the street or happens to be the same one that your best friend is ranking first, then that’s great! If not, listen to your gut– it’s usually right.
Many factors differentiate each internship program from the other. Consider what you can realistically afford to do and choose from programs that match your interests and experiences. I was willing to look across the country for internships.
I knew I wanted a general emphasis, was attracted to teaching hospitals, did not want a graduate degree yet, and wanted the option to do an elective rotation in Chicago (my hometown). Massachusetts General Hospital offered all of that to me, and that is where I got matched. When you apply to programs that match what you are interested in, your genuine enthusiasm for the program will shine through to the selection committee and reflect well on your application. The match works two ways—both you and the program should fit well with each other. Proving you are the perfect fit is what the application is for! Let’s dive deeper into defining what you want in an internship.
Deciding Factors
Location
Cost
Emphasis
Grad School
Electives
Affiliation
Rotation Sites
Final Thoughts
Have an open mind, and don’t be limited by the internship location, unless you desire to live in a particular area. Also, keep that open mind as you go through your internship; you could start with a passion for pediatrics and end with a passion for geriatrics!
Visit the internship program if it is logistically and financially possible. Meet the internship director; let the director put a face with your name! Also, observe the surrounding location of the internship and what that city has to offer. If you don’t like the site, it will make the internship that much harder. Contact previous interns and get their feedback about their experience beyond the workday. Past dietetic interns are more likely to tell you about how they de-stressed from the internship than directors. And again, have an open mind when applying and as you go through your internship program.
Make it Happen
Develop your list of deciding factors and define what you want out of an internship.
Keep these deciding factors in mind as your narrow down your list of worthy programs.
Start going through options early on! The earlier you start, the better off you will be.
Create a top-10 list, and narrow it down to your final 4-5 choices at least two months before the deadline.
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.
