RDN

  • Advice from Dietitians to Future Dietitians

    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!

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  • 25 Ways to Celebrate Being #DoneWithDICAS

    Submitting your DICAS application is an incredible feat! Here are some fun ways to celebrate before landing the dietetic internship of your dreams.

    Congratulations on finally hitting the submit button on your DICAS application!

    The All Access Dietetics team has put together a list of ways we think you should celebrate! Share your #DoneWithDICAS photo with us on social media (D.M. us if your account is private), and we will add it to our album!

    1. Have a large glass (or two) of an adult beverage, but drink responsibly, people!
    2. Sign up for an excellent fitness class and sweat out that stress.
    3. Schedule a facial, massage, or another spa service.
    4. Do a happy dance!
    5. Eat a meal or snack that is NOT nutritious at all.
    6. Sleeeeeeeep, then sleep some more… then take a nap.
    7. Reset with a road trip somewhere nearby, but far, far away from your computer.
    8. Hide all internship notes and don’t look at them (until you need to for the interviews).
    9. Host a party with your dietetics friends!
    10. Have a Netflix binge.
    11. Take a trip to the grocery store and go crazy (doesn’t everyone like to spend time looking at new foods there or just us? LOL).
    12. Try a new recipe for anything you are craving.
    13. Bake some goodies and bring them to your dietetics class!
    14. Spend a weekend at home with the family, significant other, or friends you have been completely ignoring the past few weeks.
    15. Treat yourself to a much-deserved lazy day off from everything to completely disconnect.
    16. Tell EVERYONE you’re done… tweet it, Instagram it, Facebook it, Snapchat it, blog it, even yell it.
    17. Take yourself on a trip to the movies!
    18. Have a night out on the town and dance your heart out.
    19. Start reading a new book and cuddle up with a cup of tea.
    20. Check DICAS off of your to-do list (even if you write it on your list and then immediately cross it off, it will feel amazing).
    21. Share your trips with future applicants by making a video, posting to social media, blog, etc.
    22. Start a blog with the free time you now have!
    23. Go bowling with a group of friends, family, or fellow DICAS survivors.
    24. Buy yourself a new outfit (but don’t go crazy… you will have an internship to pay for!).
    25. Watch an inspiring TedTalk like this one on power posing to get you ready for your interviews!

    View Our #DONEWITHDICAS Facebook Album!

    P.S. ARE YOU IN YET? Join the future dietitian newsletter to receive monthly webinar invites, free resources, exclusive experience opportunities, and so much more!

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