Being a dietetics student or intern can be lonely if you are having a difficult time finding your tribe. Read this blog for 4 helpful tips!
Being a dietetics student or dietetic intern is an exciting time. There is so much to learn and discover on your personal journey. It can also be a lonely time if you are having difficult time finding your tribe. This means looking for likeminded people that can identify with your wins, challenges, and dreams. You are looking for a tribe you can laugh and cry with. You want to find those that believe in your dreams. This task doesn’t have to be as difficult as you think. Plus, these connections can help you further down the line with resume construction, preceptor recommendations, and networking that can lead you to the role of your dreams. Want to learn how to find your tribe? Keep reading.
Here are 4 tips that will help you locate your dietetics “village”:
#1- Join your school’s student dietetic association.
If your school has a nutrition or dietetics program, it will likely have a student dietetics group, club, or association. Here, you will find likeminded students that will understand your journey and have similar dreams as you. You can also join an association connected to your specific field of interest. Check out this list of dietetic practice groups (that also have student members!) to learn more. Relationships that start in college can span your collegiate career and beyond. You can even be connected to alumni of your student dietetic association that may have a similar interest and are farther along in their career than you. With your current classmates, these same people you spend hours with studying the Krebs Cycle may be some of the same people that may be at your life celebrations, grand openings of your business and having coffee dates in the future. They say your network determines your net worth. So, build that network!
#2- Get a mentor.
As a Dietetic Intern, I have benefitted from having several mentors. Mentors can offer tips on elective courses to take that can enrich your college experience and they can offer advice and give input on the challenges you encounter and how to navigate them. They can share what has worked for them and missteps that they made so that you can avoid them. Mentors are a golden ticket to knowledge as you decide what road you want to take in your career. I have been matched with an amazing mentor through Diversify Dietetics, as well as individuals I’ve met at conferences and even networking events. Attending your first nutrition and dietetics conference is an important and exciting step in becoming a Registered Dietitian. Mentors are for every part of your career. All Access Dietetics has an Alumni group for their clients, where you can apply to join a Mastermind group, which is essentially a group of mentors! Learn more about the alumni group here.
#3- Look at online communities.
Even if you happen to be physically alone, technology ensures you are never alone! This is the digital age; connections can be made as you sit at your laptop and in your most comfy pajamas. There are many communities just waiting for you to introduce yourself and be a part of Facebook groups like Registered Dietitians and Future RD’s Community, RD & RD2BE Community, The Unconventional RD Community” and many more. Advice is shared in these groups from resume building to places to consider getting volunteer experience that will assist with your DICAS application.
#4- Create your own mastermind group.
If you aren’t in the All Access Dietetics Alumni group, you can create your very own mastermind group. Take the reins and assemble a cohort of classmates, fellow dietetic interns and agree to meet up in-person or virtually once month to discuss plans and ideas. You can encourage each other while taking steps to meet your own goals with a supportive group of your own creation. This is an excellent place to brain dump and strategize. Who knows? Your mastermind group could create its own product or business. The sky is the limit.
P.P.S. Special thank you to Danielle Smiley, distance dietetic intern at Komplete Business Dietetic Internship for contributing to this blog! You can reach her on her website or on IG!
The road to becoming a registered dietitian is long but rewarding.
The dietetic internship match rate is 70%, meaning only about ⅔ of eligible students who apply are offered a spot in a program. The dietetic internship provides you with the supervised practice experience you need to sit for the RD credentialing exam.
Unlike traditional didactic programs where students must apply to get matched for a dietetic internship, students in Coordinated Master’s Programs and Future Education Graduate Programs are not faced with this challenge: Their coursework and internship components are combined.
However, students in Coordinated Master’s Programs often apply during their sophomore, junior, or senior year of their undergraduate degree. Hence, their future depends on their ability to bolster their resume early in their college career.
While it may seem premature to start preparing your application materials during your early years as a college student, it will allow you to begin to identify your interests in the field, and ultimately, set you up to be a more competitive candidate.
Although having a high GPA is undoubtedly important for your future application, there are other factors you can pursue right now in order to set yourself up for success.
Here are 4 ways to kickstart your journey to becoming a Registered Dietitian and increase your chances of landing a spot in a dietetics program!
1. Volunteer for Local Nutrition Programs
Gaining unpaid dietetics experience early on as a student shows directors that you’re committed to getting experience in the field and will be a great fit for their program/internship. There are endless opportunities close to you which do not require extensive knowledge and are accommodating for your busy student schedule. To get involved, research local food banks, WIC offices, hospital kitchens, farmers markets, meal services like Meals on Wheels, etc. to name a few that you most likely have in your area! In the event that you don’t see volunteer positions listed, reach out or drop off your resume and create your own volunteer experience! Although you may not have the knowledge yet to pursue a paid position, volunteering shows that you are committed and in turn will lead to further opportunities, and a more competitive application overall.
2. Engage in Extracurricular Activities
Look to join your school’s nutrition club, sports teams, and other activities where you may hold a leadership position. Even if it may not be directly related to your degree, it will portray you as a well-rounded student who is capable of keeping up with various responsibilities. In addition, dietetic students should look to become a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Many registered dietitians are members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, thus, by joining early you are showing that you’re involved in the organization and up-to-date on their statements. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and be involved in Dietetic Practice Groups of your interests, allowing you to network with other specialists in the field.
3. Pursue your Interests
This may be often overlooked as many students tend to separate their studies from their interests and hobbies. However, by combining interests, you are demonstrating that you truly enjoy your coursework and will excel in your future specialty. For instance, those who enjoy writing may consider starting a nutrition blog, while others interested in exercise may look into fitness training on campus. Although this may look different for each student according to their interests and the dietetics specialty they hope to pursue, it will ultimately help you find your niche, which you may have the opportunity to showcase in your personal portfolio throughout the application process.
Most schools and universities have a food service dietitian tasked with managing the campus dining menu, assisting students with special allergies, and working closely with the kitchen staff to ensure an excellent dining experience. Likewise, most schools also have a clinical dietitian in their medical center, working directly with students on campus. By simply reaching out and asking to interview or shadow them, you may not only gain valuable experience and knowledge, but you’re also demonstrating your interest and making connections in the dietetics field on campus which may certainly benefit you as you progress through your undergraduate degree.
These 4 experiences can help to bring your resume to the next level so you stand out in the pile of other applicants. However, simply knowing the types of experiences to seek out as an aspiring dietitian is only the beginning. Get Matched Coaching is our signature one-on-one program to walk you through the entire process and give you the support you need. 100% of our recent cohort landed a spot in their dietetics program of choice. Click here to learn more.
How Early Experience can Impact the Rest of Your Career
Beginning to build your resume as early as your freshman year will allow you to enter your application process as a more confident and competitive applicant. In gaining a variety of experiences in different settings, you will appear as a more prepared candidate for the program or internship in which you wish to be matched, as you have proven that you can handle experiences while simultaneously excelling in the classroom. During the process, you will undoubtedly expand your dietetics skill set and gain valuable contacts in the field.
Aside from these benefits, gaining early experience on your journey to becoming a registered dietitian will ultimately allow you to have a broader perspective and be more confident in which areas you wish to pursue. For instance, while you initially may have been inclined to study dietetics because of the clinical associations between disease and nutrition, you may have a community, or entrepreneurial experience in which you discover your passion. Remember, it’s never too early to start.
To help you stay motivated, remember that there are countless career possibilities for registered dietitians. Here’s an excerpt from our “7 Ways to Be an Awesome Dietetics Student” Ebook, which can be found in the free Dietetic Internships Toolkit.
Keep up the momentum, you can do this!
P.S. Applying to internships or combined graduate programs? Work one-on-one with one of our expert admissions coaches to help you create a stand-out application and increase your chances of starting your dream career sooner. Click here to learn more about Get Matched Coaching.
P.P.S. Special thanks to Julia Stumpf, graduate student at Rowan University and dietetic intern for All Access Dietetics, for contributing to this blog post. Connect with her on Instagram at @julstumpf!
Being a dietetic intern is stressful. How does one stay sane? Dietetic intern, Stephanie Lewis, shares her top five tips in this post.
Whether you’re currently going through a dietetic internship, completing your DPD program, or just trying to decide if dietetics is the career path meant for you – it’s essential to know what’s ahead. I will graduate from the Be Well Solutions Distance Dietetic Internship (a 10-month supervised training program) and complete a rotation with All Access Dietetics! I have five tips to share that helped me stay sane throughout this journey.
Connecting with new people can sometimes be scary, but you will not regret it 9 times out of 10. Having individuals on your side who are going through the same experience produces a feeling of safety and comfort. During my internship with Be Well Solutions, we had a daily group chat with 4 of us that helped us stay connected. We all met in dietetic internship orientation and exchanged contact information; this was helpful and encouraging throughout the program!
2. Move Your Body
Make time for body movement each day. Prioritizing your health is essential if you want to put your best self forward as a dietetic intern. When you feel your best, you perform your best. Exercising produces feel-good hormones and will make you feel productive. This can be any movement. If you enjoy running, take a quick run on your lunch break. If you enjoy dancing, set time aside to get your moves on! Regardless of what movement means to you, our bodies were created to move. Show your body some love!
3. Listen & Read
Turning on your favorite tunes, listening to your favorite podcast, and even reading your favorite book can elevate your mood. When you are stressed or overwhelmed, these can help get your mind off of everything going on in your life. Balancing supervised practice hours alongside homework and work can be stressful: scheduling even one hour for yourself can make all the difference.
4. Celebrate Accomplishments
Celebrate your victories, regardless of how big or small they are. Whether it means getting your nails done after completing each rotation or even taking yourself out to dinner for turning in an assignment you spent hours completing. Celebrating your victories will give you something to look forward to throughout your dietetic internship. One example of a way to celebrate “you” is to pick up this cute pineapple badge holder!
5. Communication
Being an effective communicator will serve you well throughout your dietetics career. Generally speaking, communicating openly with your preceptors and asking good questions is expected! Preceptors appreciate regular communication as this allows you to build a strong rapport. Try to show your appreciation for their time and support! Continuing those relationships with your preceptors after your rotation is over helps you begin to build your professional network. Understanding that your preceptors have once been in your position helps to make things a little less intimidating. 🙂 They are here to help you and want you to learn.
“Focus on what you can control, and don’t waste energy on things you cannot” – Unknown
There are so many other tips that I did not list that could help someone stay sane, but these top five tips have helped me tremendously over the past year. I have about two weeks left in my internship, so I’ve experienced enough to be able to share what has helped me. I hope you can use these tips to stay sane during your dietetic internship. Good luck!
The best way to prepare for life in any field of work is to start getting your feet wet early on. Luckily, this can be accomplished in various work roles for the world of dietetics – some don’t even have to be exclusively nutrition-related! There are countless opportunities under the umbrella of dietetics; for an idea of what’s available and how to pave your way to success, check out our resource on 7 Ways to Be an Awesome Dietetics Student.
While you’re still working on your degree or internship, though, here’s a few examples of positions to help you cultivate valuable skills in the field!
For those looking for jobs that are directly related to the dietetics field, look for positions as:
Dietetic Technicians
As a dietetic technician, you work as an interdisciplinary team to provide ultimate nutrition care for patients. This includes assuring that patient meal selections are appropriate for their diets, notifying the registered dietitian of any new and relevant nutrition concerns, and screening for any instances of malnutrition.
Food Service Workers
Whether the position calls for work as dietary hosts or kitchen workers, both provide significant experience in the world of foodservice. Both positions offer extensive experience in understanding the importance of temperature control, while dietary hosts earn the ability to learn more about various diets and their respective restrictions.
WIC Nutritionists
As a WIC nutritionist, you work directly with clients eligible for program benefits to help them gauge their supplemental food needs, as well as helping out with nutritional planning and other provisions provided by the program.
Wellness Coaches
If clinical settings aren’t for you, but you want to work directly with people, wellness coaching may be for you! This role allows you to use your knowledge of nutrition to provide insight, education, and motivation to various people.
In these positions, you are likely to work directly with individuals regarding their nutritional status, intake, or behaviors. Since these positions require you to work under the guidance of a registered dietitian or senior nutritionist, you are also allowed to ask them questions about their journey or even shadow them for a day!
You don’t have to work in a strictly dietetic field to gain relevant experience, though.
Some other jobs that can be great teaching lessons for dietetics students include:
Waitressing/Serving
Personal Training
Pharmacy Technicians
Volunteering at Food Banks or Soup Kitchens
These positions cover many facets of health that are directly tied to nutrition, food service, or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Don’t see your job listed above, or do you work in a different field entirely? That’s okay! Most jobs provide experiences that can be transferred over to the dietetics field. Whether it’s paid or unpaid experience, our coaches can help you figure out what skills your experience has provided helpful in dietetics.
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About the author:
My name is Tanisha Amaral, a dietetic intern with Wellness Workdays currently completing my community rotation with All Access Dietetics! This list wasn’t just randomly generated through a series of Google searches, but rather through my personal experience working in most of them on my journey to becoming an RD! As a dietetic intern, I am also working as a dietetic technician and restaurant server – the best of both the clinical and foodservice worlds! For more help, feel free to reach out for tips on navigating the RD path!
PS. Applying to dietetics programs in the future? Check out Dietetics Admissions!
Stand out with the best dietetic grades! These effective tips will help land you on the dean’s list and increase your chances of matching to your top dietetic internship.
It’s Tuesday, and you’ve already taken your fourth exam for the week, have a lab project due in organic chemistry tomorrow, and two presentations on Thursday. I feel you! Nutrition and Dietetics is an intriguing major but challenging one. As a recent graduate and future dietitian, here are a few tips that helped me survive the busy undergraduate workload.
Organize, Organize, Organize!
Every dietetics major understands the importance of staying organized during the semester. It is easy to fall behind and feel lost between meeting lab report deadlines, biochemistry exams, and submitting diagrams of micronutrient metabolism pathways. Keeping a planner and updating it is one way to stay on top of deadlines. A simple planner won’t cut it in this major; it will need to be loaded with details, deadlines, and study times.
In my undergraduate experience, I found it helpful to organize my planner around study times. To prevent over-studying (yes, that’s a thing!) and under-studying, I planned to study in 1-hour increments, sectioning off 45-minute studying blocks using the other 15 minutes to give my brain a break. By scheduling study times and staying organized, I felt that I was ahead of assignments and deadlines, which paid off in the long run.
Utilize Your Tools
We buy textbooks, lab books, and nutrition manuals because they are required of us, but what if we utilize them? One of my turning points in undergraduate was when I started using my materials. Simply reading the chapters before class and reviewing questions at the end almost always led to me acing the exam. I noticed professors pull a lot of study questions from the book or use them to form questions. Reviewing the PowerPoints won’t cut it.
Study Well and Study Often
How do you learn the material effectively? Did you know that everyone realizes differently? Strategies that work for some don’t work for others. That’s why it is crucial to figure out how YOU retain information. This will be important for the registration exam as well. Be sure to check out Pass the Exam Prep, powered by the Study Smarter Method, to help you ace the board exam when your time comes. Science is not a subject that can be memorized, so it’s essential to comprehend the information thoroughly. Personally, speaking out loud (sometimes to my dog) always helped me learn the material. If you can walk through the steps of a process, like the Krebs cycle, then you have a strong understanding of the concept. If that weren’t effective, I would break out the whiteboard. Yes, I was one of those students! Writing can be an effective way to retain information and rock a nutrition exam.
As mentioned earlier, over-studying can happen. I found myself constantly over-studying in courses without even realizing it. The frustrating part is that after 45 minutes, the brain retains less information, which may mean you’re wasting time. If you find yourself stuck on a subject, reach out for help. Getting a second perspective can be helpful and make a difference in your grade. I utilized my professors and graduate assistance whenever I felt stuck, and I’m thankful I did.
Review, Review, Review!
Sometimes I got picked on because I would always request to review my exams, even when I made the highest grade. I think we don’t give review sessions the recognition they deserve. The main reason being is it’s so important to see what areas you are strong in and those you are weak in and may need extra practice. One perk of being a dietetics major is having nearly all comprehensive finals *cue the excitement.* Reviewing exams is important because you WILL see the information again on semester finals and possibly the registration exam, so make sure you evaluate your areas of understanding. I know that stinging feeling when you study all month for your macro exam, only to see you did less than average. It can be discouraging! Don’t brush it off. Review the exam, see where you need to improve, invest in a tutor, and better yourself. Your future dietitian self will thank you!
These tips sound do-able, right? I wouldn’t have been as successful in undergraduate without them. Studying effectively is such an important skill because it determines your GPA, dietetic internship acceptance, and passing the board exam.
I hope these tips will be useful and help you succeed as a future dietitian! Let us know if you used any of these tips or have any of your own effective studying strategies.
P.P.S. 100% of Get Matched Coaching clients were matched to a dietetic internship in 2021. This can be you, too! Click here to see all that’s included.
Implement these five key strategies to build relationships with dietitians in your field of interest as a dietetics student.
As a dietetics student, you are probably aware that there are numerous routes you can take when searching for your dietetics niche. Perhaps you want to be a registered dietitian (RD) in clinical, a sports RD, a community RD, or something else. With what seems like an endless number of paths to take, discovering which area of the field you are interested in can be exciting yet daunting.
Now, your next thought may be: where do I begin? To relieve some stress around this process, below are a few tips to help motivate you to build relationships in your field of interest as a dietetics student and bring you one step closer to becoming the RD you imagine yourself to be!
Connect with your professors
As a student, you have potential connections all around you. When you are in class, several opportunities are waiting for you to make the first move. Making an effort to build relationships with your professors is one of the simplest ways to get your foot in the door.
It is crucial to building relationships with professors who teach classes specific to your area of interest. Chances are, they work in that particular field or may have previous experience in the field to assist you in your journey.
However, do not limit yourself to building relationships exclusively with those professors. Your medical nutrition therapy professor likely knows another RD who works in your field of interest or can provide you with a reference and sound advice to get you started. At the very least, your professor may know what you are interested in and will have your name in the back of their mind should an opportunity come up that could be a fit.
Example
I spent my entire freshman and sophomore years as a dietetics student hiding in the back of every classroom and seeing no reason to talk to my professors. That was until I met one of my new best friends in my junior year, who told me about her current internship and a past nutrition expo she had worked as a volunteer. As a dietetics student, I knew the importance of getting intern/volunteer hours, and I wanted to build those types of relationships. After asking my friend how she found those opportunities, she told me they came through her professors. At that moment, I knew I needed to do the same to get myself the options I saw myself in.
I began speaking with my professors to form a connection, even if it was just small talk. It did not take long before I was given two contacts to reach out to for intern experience. Three weeks later, I had my dream internship as a student. Who knows where I would be now if I decided to reach out to professors earlier. It is never too late to start!
Join an association connected to your field of interest
Once you discover your calling in dietetics, it is time to become a part of organizations and associations related to your field. A simple Google search will help you discover precisely what those are. For example, suppose you are interested in becoming a sports RD. In that case, the CPSDA (Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association) is a great way to become a part of the sports dietetics community.
Through organizations such as the CPSDA, you can connect with RDs who already work in the field. Typically, there is a list of practicing RDs who you can reach out to. By becoming a member, you gain access to free educational materials, discover intern and job opportunities, and learn more about what working in your field of interest will look like once you become an RD. These tools may give you more to talk about and potentially more questions to ask when reaching out to these dietitians. Being an active member of their association or organization will show how genuinely interested you are in the field.
Example
When I was a dietetics student, I had professors (the ones I built relationships with!) and peers tell me about the CPSDA. Once I discovered it, I was excited to research and connect with the full-time sports RDs in this network. I took the initiative to introduce myself, let them know that I found them on the CPSDA website and that I was an aspiring sports RD. To my surprise, I received responses from almost all of the RDs I reached out to. I was even asked for my resume by a few of them. I often check in with many of these RDs and regularly interact on social media. These relationships formed when you are a student will prove to be the most important in building your future career.
Reach out to other professionals via social media or email
Now that you are a member of the association/organization (wink, wink!), you can take the list of RDs and begin searching through Google or social media to start the conversation. The Get Hired Course has a section dedicated to networking on social media.
Send the RD a tailored direct message on a particular platform or a professional email if their email address is public.
When sending an email to build a relationship with an RD, let them know that you are an aspiring RD interested in their specific field. Express genuine interest in their professional journey to learn how they got to where they are today. Ask if you can have 15-minutes of their time through a scheduled phone call. Do not expect an internship or paid opportunity through relationship building; the possibility of that may come in the future.
After reaching out, keeping in touch with your connections is just as important. Continue to build these relationships by checking in every few months through email or direct message, even sharing their content on social media. Being genuine and consistent goes a long way.
If you cannot join an association or organization, you can still search for RDs through social media and Google and build relationships in the same way. Find commonality by reading their biography and checking out their LinkedIn profile.
Example
Similar to my story about reaching out to sports RDs, I had a friend interested in holistic nutrition. She followed a private practice RD, introduced herself, and told her she loved what she did as an RD. This friend shared that the RD then asked her to send a resume, and she then started virtually interning with her and creating social media content. This virtual internship served as an excellent experience for her dietetic internship application. Again, a genuine connection and a vast opportunity were the results of a simple email.
Volunteer
As dietetics students, we know that volunteering plays a big part in securing a dietetic internship and landing future jobs as an RD. It is also a great way to get your name out there and build relationships in your field of interest. If you’re applying to distance dietetic internships, relationship building is even more critical as starting with who you know is the best first step to preceptor searching. Reach out to multiple RDs at a time, and provide them with the information they need to secure yourself a volunteer opportunity.
While volunteering can be a great experience, it can be a lot to balance if you’re a dietetics student with a full-time job or a family at home. However, it’s important to note that volunteering does not have to be a long or full-time commitment. Taking the initiative to volunteer for a one-day event can be just as powerful and even better if you made a solid first impression and stayed in contact with the RD you worked with. Also, if you already have a full-time schedule during school months, try volunteering over winter or summer break. You do not have to commit hundreds of hours to make a good impression and build a great relationship.
Example
Much of my personal volunteer experience and what I have learned when speaking with peers is that we have built relationships with a specific RD. We have interned for, but these experiences have opened doors to making many other relationships with others. When volunteering at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), I was fortunate to get to know and work with two of UCLA’s other sports RDs. I am still in contact with all three of these RDs and have been able to refer to them for mentorship and positive letters of reference. I am incredibly appreciative of their support.
Be a Go-Giver
For our future careers as dietitians, it is essential to connect with as many dietitians in the field as possible. Creating relationships and offering your time to work with other dietitians gets your name out into your area of interest, shows other dietitians your dedication, and may even be the key to landing your dream job. To be successful in this, you must be willing to put in extra work. Founder Jenny Westerkamp, RD, CSSD, encourages you to be a go-giver and “think about what you can give instead of what you can receive.” She firmly believes that what you give, you will get back in return. It is a constant flow.
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About the author:
Thanks for reading! My name is Brittni Whitesides, and I am a dietetic intern. I am so grateful that I practiced these tips in building relationships as a student at California State University, Los Angeles. Through doing all of these things, I have gained tons of experience in my field of interest (sports nutrition) through volunteer work and interning and have made numerous connections with sports RDs. I have spoken to several RDs who currently are in the position I dream about being in one day, and I am confident that they know who I am, my passion, commitment, and interest in the field. As a current dietetic intern, I plan to continue building relationships while maintaining my already made ones. So, what are you waiting for? Start sending out those direct messages and emails to begin building relationships today!
Curious about a coordinated program in dietetics? Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about coordinated programs for dietetic students!
Truthfully, finding a program that will allow you to take all of your didactic classes and hopefully help you successfully become placed with a dietetic internship is hard. Not to mention, finding a dietetic internship can be even more challenging, especially if you went to an undergraduate university where nutrition programs are slim to none.
Now imagine doing all of your didactic coursework AND your internship at the same time! Coordinated Programs offer a unique experience for future dietitians to study and experience a dietetic internship. Here are some frequent questions I get asked about coordinated programs in dietetics.
What is a Coordinated Program in Dietetics?
Coordinated programs are popping up all over the country. A coordinated program in dietetics enrolls and places students in their didactic coursework and dietetic internship.
Each program tends to be shorter than the traditional DPD than the DI route. They typically last about two and a half years. Coordinated programs challenge students to complete their coursework and supervised practice simultaneously. Though they are shorter, coordinated programs leave students with the same experience and education as every other program without the stress of applying to a dietetic internship!
Are Coordinated Programs Becoming More Popular?
Coordinated Programs are becoming more popular. Their shorter timeframe allows students to start their careers as dietitians sooner than traditional programs. They take away the stress of applying to DICAS and enable students to practice while learning about nutrition and the field of dietetics.
Coordinated programs can be found both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Since a master’s degree will soon be required for upcoming dietitians in 2024, coordinated programs are an excellent option for students who are currently getting an undergraduate education but will miss the timeframe to sit for the RD exam without a master’s degree.
Are There any Prerequisites Required for a Coordinated Program at the Master’s Level?
Many master’s programs will require students to have taken some coursework before enrolling in their coordinated program. Many of the classes required are biology or chemistry-related that typically are completed in undergraduate didactic studies. Some programs allow students to complete these courses throughout their master’s studies. Be sure to reach out to the director of each program you are looking at to understand better what is required.
Can I Work While Enrolled in a Coordinated Program in Dietetics?
YES! Though these programs tend to be more time-consuming, it is possible to work while getting your degree.
Time management skills are critical while enrolled in a coordinated program. If you plan your internship hours, classes, and study times appropriately, it is possible to work, enjoy life, and be enrolled in a coordinated program!
Coordinated programs allow you to gain experience and become closer to doing the work that you are passionate about when you start the journey to becoming a Registered Dietitian. You can find a list of all schools offering a Coordinated Program here.
PS. If you aren’t sure which path to take on your dietetics journey, please do not worry! You will find what works best for you.
From undergrad through the dietetic internship and RD exam, it can be tough to remain motivated and sustain a positive outlook. The road to becoming an RD can feel long, often confusing, and only a little bit (ok, a lot of bits) stressful.
I’ve worked with dozens of students, interns, and new dietitians throughout my almost seven years as a dietitian, so I’ve 100% been there myself.
Here are some lessons I wish I had known back when I was an intern and new RD.
THE INTERNSHIP
Leave your perfectionism at the door.
The fear of making a mistake is normal, but it can paralyze you from taking action if you aren’t careful. And taking action (yup, even if it involves an error!) is how you learn and grow. Embrace those mistakes and imperfections because they are going to teach you so much.
Then there’s that pesky fear of not being ready or good enough (sometimes referred to as “imposter syndrome”), which will knock at your confidence and probably have you overthinking every piece of feedback a preceptor gives you. (Anyone else a chronic overthinker? Yup, me too.) Reject that. Reframe the self-critical thoughts that crop up into positive and productive ones. Repeat.
Learn how to sit with discomfort without judgment.
The internship can push the limits of your comfort zone, and you can’t do much about it except learn how to coexist with it. Mindfulness and meditation are indispensable tools for this (though I was convinced meditation would never “work” for me). I teach a lot of my dietitian clients how to embrace uncomfortable feelings using a pseudo-meditative practice called embodiment, and man, if I had known about it during my internship? It would’ve been so helpful!
THE EXAM
Permit yourself to fail.
I know everyone tells you to “think positive thoughts” and keep your eye on the prize. Those are great! But sometimes, they put so much pressure on you to pass on the first try. I’m here to tell you that it does not matter whether it takes you one time to give or 10. Once you are a dietitian, you are a dietitian, and no one will ever ask.
It’s a lot like how I talk to my nutrition clients about emotional eating. The first step to emotional eating is to have them give themselves full permission to do it. It feels counterintuitive, but it takes the pressure off. It removes the shame and judgment. It changes the narrative from “I’m a failure” to “I’m going to be ok.” And that’s a powerful thing.
Detach from the outcome.
We tend to put a lot of weight on outcomes in life, and that’s more pressure piled onto our shoulders. Yes, you want to pass the exam and become a dietitian; that’s what you’ve been working hard for. But when that’s the only important thing, it can be paralyzing. Instead, focus on the process. Put one foot in front of the other.
Your worth does not hinge on this exam or any other.
AND BEYOND
Don’t be afraid to march to the beat of your drum.
There is no one “correct” way to be a dietitian. Follow your intuition. Pursue your passions. There’s nothing wrong with taking a less-than-ideal job to get your feet wet and pay the bills, and there’s also nothing wrong with deciding that you don’t want to settle for a job that doesn’t light you up with excitement. This is your life and your career.
Speaking of…follow your intuition.
Get so tapped into the core values that you can trust your intuition to guide you. There’s so much chatter out there about what others are doing and what their opinions are; it’s easy to lose touch with yourself. Don’t lose yourself. That’s important.
Get support and supervision earlier than you think you need.
I might be biased because this is my job, but as a colleague (and fellow supervisor) recently said to me, “You just don’t know what you don’t know.” Having someone who’s been through it and can offer some outside perspective can help you grow so much faster.
I use an “intuitive living” framework (think intuitive eating but across all areas of your life) to help dietitians who come to me with one (or several) of three main goals:
Manage stress, overcome perfectionism, build confidence, and reconnect to their purpose and passions to feel connected to their work.
Explore their relationship with food and body image to confidently and peacefully withstand the pressures of society to look or act a certain way.
Understand the nuances of intuitive eating and weight-inclusive care so that they can feel more confident incorporating these principles into their work.
I had to piecemeal these lessons and skills together with more or less on my own, but you don’t have to. We are so much stronger as a profession when we provide safe spaces for each other to be vulnerable and imperfect and cheer from the sidelines as we find our unique path in this beautiful, full-of-potential profession.
For more mindset support, no matter what stage of your education or career you’re at, you can connect with me on any of the following platforms:
Dietetic Internships start by having a strategy for finding your preceptors. Creating a strategy is great place to begin before delving into how and who to contact. Figuring out the best way to contact preceptors can feel pretty tricky. Once you have a plan mapped out, creating a contact list will make it easy to keep track of who has already been contacted and who is interested in having you as an intern. Updating the list as you make calls will help you to not contact the same person twice.
Cold calling
First impressions are everything and a good first impression can definitely be made by cold calling preceptors. This can give them an idea of your communication skills. Preparation is key to properly articulate what you’re inquiring about.
Have a list of preceptors to call for each rotation.
Research and make a list with potential preceptors’ names, phone number and email, categorized by rotation. Calling a minimum of 6 preceptors, 2 per rotation, is a great strategy to reach out to as many people as possible.
Have a script prepared for each rotation.
There should be small changes between what you would say to a foodservice preceptor vs what you would say to a clinical preceptor. State your name and that you’re an intern seeking preceptors for “such and such” rotation.
Be aware of all rotation requirements for your program.
Being able to answer questions can demonstrate how you prepare and organize for work. The potential preceptor might have questions for you about the number of hours you’ll be at the site and most importantly what time frame you are looking to start.
Emailing
Emailing preceptors can happen in two ways. After reaching out by phone, a preceptor might not have time to discuss the opportunity over the phone and will ask you to email information to them instead. The second way is making initial contact via email, where structuring the email succinctly will give them an idea of your ability to construct a professional email.
Create an email template.
Doing this will make it easy to send emails to multiple preceptors for the same rotation without taking time to individualize each email.
Give a minimum 2 days response time.
After no response for 2 days, try to reach them by phone. If you get to talk to the potential preceptor, kindly inquire about the email and briefly state your reason for getting in touch with them.
Respond to decline emails.
This will help build rapport, especially if you think there is a chance you might apply to work as an RD at the facility in the future.
We’ve found that most students have one TOP choice dietetic internship or RD program, one that they REALLY want to be matched to. Here is a round-up of 3 of blog posts to help you get matched to your #1 choice.
1. “How To Get Dietetics Experience Before Applying To Dietetic Internships”
P.S. 100% of Get Matched Coaching clients landed a spot in a dietetic internship or RD program in 2021! Receive individualized advice every step of the way and feel more confident submitting your application with the support of an expert coach. Click here to learn more.
Look no further and check out these 16 ways to Make Money as a dietetics student! These jobs can fit into your lifestyle and give you dietetics experience.
1. Grow your Instagram and social media
Do you run an Instagram that you’re passionate about expanding but not quite sure how? Or maybe you’ve been thinking about starting a new foodie blog but have no clue where to begin. Learn how to attract your target audience, beat the algorithm, and increase engagement using these tips. Once your Instagram is up and running, your next step is to check out everything you need to know to create a successful online business. Instagram is a great way to Make Money as a dietetics student!
2. Create a blog and learn how to sell on your website
You are looking for a way to make Money that gives you flexibility and room to put your creativity into action? A blog is a great way to share your knowledge and passion with others and great for making new connections. The Unconventional R.D. teaches nutrition professionals ways to earn passive and alternative income that they may not have even known existed. This blog offers tons of tips and resources, from google analytics to connect with brands that fit your M.O. Use your blog to help establish yourself in the field and build your professional network while making Money in your pajamas.
3. Get sponsored posts
Expand your blog, Instagram, or Youtube channel with sponsored posts! Click here for tips on defining your brand, reaching your audience, improving your engagement, and more!
4. Tik Tok
Yes, you read that right. Tik Tok is currently one of the fastest-growing platforms out there, and no, you don’t have to be the next Charlie Dimelio to grow your following. Tik Tok is an excellent outlet for entrepreneurs to increase their engagement and follow quickly. But how do I use Tik Tok? What kind of content should I post? Use this article Tik Tok for Entrepreneurs to guide making videos, increasing your following, and creating content that stands out.
5. Start a Business
If you’re interested in the entrepreneurial side of dietetics, I strongly urge you to get an online business coach like Tony Stephan. Tony Stephan is a successful Registered Dietitian who built his own online nutrition coaching business from the ground up. Check out his blog and read Tony’s article, Starting a Nutrition Business as a Dietetics Student, to learn more! Libby Rothschild is another excellent Registered Dietitian and expert in social media and marketing! Please read about how she went from working in a hospital to running her own company here. But wait, there’s more. The founder of All Access Dietetics, Jenny Westerkamp’s story of how she started her own business in dietetics all while still being a dietetic student is a worthwhile read here. Lastly, if you want to learn about marketing and creating a business or expanding your current one, consider enrolling in The R.D. University.
6. Wellness coaching
If you love nutrition counseling and search for a platform to expand your services, check out the website healthie. This virtual care platform is excellent for managing your practice, communicating with your clients, and building relationships!
7. Do social media for a dietitian
Maybe you follow an R.D.’s blog or Instagram that has always been your inspiration, and you’ve been dying to get involved. Reach out to them and see if they need help with their social media content! Use the tool Canva to help you create new and innovative content! It offers hundreds of free templates to help develop graphics, posters, logos, presentations, and more. You can also check out the article The 6 Best Free Design Tools to Create Social Media Graphics to learn how to make your content stand out and capture your audience’s attention.
8. Uber or Lyft
Love listening to tunes and getting to know people? Driving for Uber or Lyft may be the right fit for you. For all, you need to know about driving with Uber and making Money when and where you want, click here. Want to do the same with Lyft? Click here for more information on getting started.
9. Waiter or waitress
Work part-time as a waiter or waitress to earn some extra money! If your classes or internship aren’t the typical 9-5 hours, waitressing is a convenient way to fill in those gaps or weekends. If you want to stay active, improve your customer service skills, and learn how to work under pressure, consider getting a job at a restaurant.
10. Front desk at a gym
Another job that’s not your usual 9-5 is working at the front desk of a gym or yoga studio. This kind of environment offers flexible hours and early or late shifts outside of normal business hours. Some places may even offer you a discounted or free gym membership. Pop into your local gym or visit their website to apply.
11. VIPKID (teach kids virtual English)
Have a passion for teaching and working with kids? Teach English online with VIPKID. Set your schedule, teach one-on-one lessons, and get to experience the rewarding feeling of educating young minds, all while getting paid.
12. Babysitting
Babysitting is an easy way to earn extra money as a dietetics student. Use indeed, care.com, or your local community Facebook pages to find babysitting jobs in your area!
13. Catering department at a hospital or long-term care facility
Apply to work in a hospital as a patient dining associate in the Food and Nutrition Department. In this setting, you will be on your feet, interacting with patients, helping with their menu selections, and much more. This environment can help you familiarize yourself with working in a hospital setting and allow you to interact with patients and brighten their day! Most positions have weekend or evening events, or you can inquire about working per diem!
If you’re outgoing and are seeking a flexible schedule, look into becoming a brand ambassador! Start with the products you already love and enjoy, and check out their company website for ambassador opportunities. Stop into your local grocery store or reach out to a company to inquire!
16. Use Social Media to Make Money
Looking to grow your social media following, stand out as an expert online, and learn how to develop a profitable online business? Join Rise to the Top, a self-paced virtual business course for dietitians and dietitians-to-be who want to learn how to carve your path in the world of food, nutrition, and recipes to grow a brand and business! Led by Maggie Michalczyk, RDN, and Mary Ellen Phipps, MS, RDN, Rise to the Top takes you through everything from growing your Instagram following, pitching yourself to brands, doing your taxes as an entrepreneur, and so much more! Learn more about the course here! (affiliate link)
PS. Our resources can help you better manage your time and work during your dietetics journey!
The competition among peers within the dietetic major is fierce! We’ve developed a guideline to help you stand-out with AWESOME dietetic experience!
Research the Field
Clinical Nutrition, Food Service and Community Nutrition may be the common areas dietitians are employed, but it is NOT the only area. The dietetics profession has significantly changed within the last fifty years! Let’s take it back to Economics 101 and the concept of supply and demand. Different demands, such as the increased need for weight loss solutions due to the rise in obesity mean an increased need for the supply of dietitians that specialize in weight loss. Telehealth is another booming industry for dietitians right now!
Be sure to engage yourself in the dietetics field! Know what the hot topics are and stay abreast of current research and media trends. A large part of the dietetic field involves communications. You should know how to translate evidenced-based research into layman’s terms for the public. A few ways to stay current is with the American Dietetic Association’s Daily News. After you sign in to eatright.org, go to ADA Member Updates and sign up for the Daily News. You will get daily emails about what is going on with food and nutrition in the media and with new research. You can learn so much just by reading this everyday! This will help you to gain AWESOME dietetic experience!
Let’s say it again, MAKE CONNECTIONS. And once more for the people in the back, MAKE CONNECTIONS. I cannot emphasize this enough! Dietetics is such a small world especially when you narrow down your niche. Dietitians truly want to help you, they’ve been in your shoes and know how hard and stressful this time can be! But to be helped you need to put yourself out there! Think of it in terms of wishes, you can wish all you want but there is no magic genie who is going to make that wish come true. Be your own magic genie and go make that wish come true!
The internet and social media have made it ridiculously easy to reach out to registered dietitians for guidance. It sounds intimidating, but it is not as hard as it seems. Networking is simply communicating with a purpose. Make connections in the classroom, go to your professor’s office hours, get to know them. More than likely they will know at least one dietitian they can connect you with. Make in-person connections with dietitians at professional meetings and conferences. If there’s a dietitian you admire email them and introduce yourself. Ask them about how they got into the field, if they have any tips for #RD2BE’s and if they take interns or assistants. Always be on the lookout for growth opportunities that can help you gain AWESOME dietetic experience!
Find a mentor
Having a mentor was the most beneficial aspect of my dietetics journey so far. My first mentor was Julie Burns, MS, RD, CCN a Chicago-based dietitian and owner of Sportfuel, Inc. (an integrative sports nutrition and wellness practice).
Our mentor-mentee relationship was more valuable to me than any traditional dietetics student job or any course in school. Julie provided honest and constructive feed-back, helped me develop self-awareness, challenged me to grow beyond my perceived limitations, connected me with the movers and shakers in nutrition, motivated me to join professional organizations, and above all, she was easy to communicate with. I could ask her any question I had about the real world, because she was in it.
Since the mentorship is between a mentor and a mentee, it is equally important to be a good mentee in order to have a successful experience. Here are some essential ways to foster a meaningful relationship:
Bring something to the table. Your mentor may have a lot of experience and valuable advice, but give your skills and time to them too. Offer to take on small projects or teach them your tech-savvy ways. Pass along an interesting article or recommend a book. The mentorship is mutually beneficial when the mentor believes he or she can learn from you and wants to invest more in your relationship.
Be respectful. The key to any great mentorship is respect. Make sure to show up for scheduled meetings, listen carefully, take notes and make sure you always express your appreciation. Above all, be willing to take the mentor’s advice. Mentors will be encouraging, but they will also challenge you because they know this will benefit you, so be open to feedback.
Ask a lot of questions, but have answers too. Your mentor will be a wealth of information, but don’t expect him or her to tell you exactly what to do to be successful in your career. Give this some thought on your own and bounce your ideas off of your mentor.
Remember, this mentorship is a two-way street. Know what your goals for the mentorship are and communicate your needs, desires and objectives with your mentor.
Joining your local dietetic association or a dietetic practice group is another effective avenue for networking with RDs and even other students. It also shows involvement in profession—what selection committee doesn’t like that?
To have AWESOME dietetic experience you must seek out opportunities! 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 like you have AWESOME dietetic experience in your application too.
Why is leadership essential to the application? Well, time and time again, directors are stating this is what they look for in an applicant. It is plastered all over their websites, requested in the application letter, and often comes up in an interview. A career counselor once advised me that if you are going to put down that you are in an organization, you should only list it if you had a position with responsibility, as opposed to just a membership. This advice really stuck with me. Most selection committees would agree that being a leader in the field of dietetics is important, since it is the leaders that can impact the field in a positive way.
Also, note that there are about 226 didactic programs in dietetics (DPDs). Let’s assume half of them have student nutrition clubs. Let’s again assume that there are 5 executive board members. This is about 565 applicants that will have nutrition club leader- ship on their application. While this is impressive for any applicant, consider how you can be even more competitive by showing both leadership AND entrepreneurship. You can do it! In order to stand out you have to have AWESOME dietetic experience!
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).
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!
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 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, you can bolster your application with impressive add- ons that allow you to rise above the crowd.
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. To gain AWESOME dietetic experience you should ALWAYS MAKE THE ASK.
Dietetics is a profession that is capable of transforming into a passion if you know what you want and you go for it. The paths that we can take to achieve a lifetime of fulfillment are boundless, so long as we listen to ourselves and hone in on what it is that we want to achieve.
Remember, only YOU have the power to make your dreams come true. Get out there and gain AWESOME dietetic experience! You got this!
When studying nutrition and dietetics, there will be some textbooks you will want to learn from for life! These are the top textbooks you should never sell.
Have you ever watched the show Hoarders? I think it’s crazy interesting. Namely because I am the exact opposite of a hoarder and find it extremely fascinating that people actually like keeping stuff.
I would consider myself more clutter phobic…willing and ready to recycle, sell, trash, or give away practically anything. This can be a blessing or a curse depending upon the situation.
In the case of selling off textbooks that in hindsight I actually needed…it’s more of curse. So that’s why I’m here, to give you some useful textbooks that you should never get rid of!
Why: It’s the bible. Well, not exactly. But it is one of the main books used by most nutrition programs. It comprehensively covers most conditions/diseases dietitians would encounter, the nutrition care process, life cycle nutrition, as well as all of the nutrition basics. Essentially, if you could memorize everything in this book, you would make a bomb dietitian.
2. Mosby’s Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference
Why: This book literally has every lab test known to man and explains what the test is for, normal results, abnormal results, and test explanation and physiology… all in alphabetical order. Definitely handy if you are going to be in a clinical setting.
3. A Food Service Management Textbook (recommendation, Foodservice Management: Principals and Practices)
Why: This one isn’t specific, you just need to make sure you have a textbook that involves the principals of food service such as quantity food productions, accounting/financial management, food safety, menu planning, etc. Given that food service systems comprises 17% of the RD exam, it’s an area to know well. It’s also great to have a textbook on hand that reminds you how to perform all of those pesky calculations. 🙂
4. Life Cycle Nutrition: An Evidenced-Based Approach
Why: This is a personal fav. I found this book randomly in the library and fell in love. Because it has an emphasis on “evidenced-based”, it gives you the actual studies from which the nutrition recommendations are based on. Plus the book is new (2015) so all of the research is newer findings compared to stuff from the 80s. It is broken down into diseases the way Krause’s is, but also includes quick reference charts, case studies, medical terminology, and more. I love it for the research aspect, but it’s a great textbook all-around!
Why: Quite simply, because no other book goes into nutrition support in enough detail. Face it, during the internship or if working in a clinical setting, you’re going to be working with enteral and parenteral nutrition. There’s a lot of information to know, so it’s crucial to have a reference text to go back to and refresh your memory. Plus it has practical clinical scenarios that are useful to run through.
Notable Mentions:
Any quick reference text- Great for during the internship process so keep those if you have them. Plus, they are small and store easily.
Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism- DETAILED, yet super relevant, and can be a great biochem review.
Any Community Nutrition book- Personally, I have an old, old book but keep it on hand in case I need a refresher on the theories of educational readiness or stages of change.
Nutrition and Diet Therapy Reference Dictionary- Another great reference text. It’s a dictionary made just for nutrition and medical terms that is full of suggested nutrition therapy and dietary guidelines, perfect for when you come across a word you are unfamiliar with!
In addition to these books, click here to view some of my go-to websites for evidenced-based nutrition information. If you have recommendations on great books to keep, please comment below! Sharing is caring 🙂
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!
We all have one classmate who seems to have years of nutrition experience, even though they’re still in school. Take our advice and gain experience, too.
Nutrition experience can help you succeed in matching to a dietetic internship program and getting one step closer to becoming a Registered Dietitian. But where do you begin? Instead of comparing yourself to another classmate, follow this list and you’ll be racking up shadowing dates and volunteer experiences in no time.
1. Befriend your Professors
Your professors are key to making connections in the nutrition field. Many of them have work experience outside your university, so they can help guide you in the right direction. Plus, they can give great advice that will help you succeed.
2. Go to Local Conferences
Your future mentor might just be sitting next to you! Conferences draw RD’s from all over your state, so you never know who you will meet. Plus, the presentations will teach you something new and may even inspire your niche.
3. Join a Club
Clubs at school can help you find opportunities in and out of your university. They can also help connect you with faculty or outside professionals to score a volunteering or shadowing opportunity.
4. Use Technology
Scout LinkedIn for professionals in your area who are working in the field you are interested in. Find someone? Don’t be shy and send them a message.
5. Put your Foot in the Door, Sometimes Literally
Want to work in a hospital one day? Start by volunteering and work your way up. Is food service your calling? Snag a job in a restaurant. Being able to get a feel for your desired environment is key to finding more opportunities.
Writing the perfect “thank you” note after your dietetic internship interview can help you stand out from the crowd. Use our formula below!
You’ve landed the dietetic internship interview, but did you thank the Director and selection committee for their time? Check out our top five tips on how to craft the PERFECT thank you note after a DI program interview:
1) Send a handwritten card.
In a world of emails, a handwritten note is greatly appreciated by all and will help you stick out from other applicants.
2) Address the note to the Director AND the selection committee.
All members are key in the decision making process. By including the the selection committee in your note, you are extending your appreciation to all members of the team for their time.
3) Keep it concise.
Time is valuable. Thank the Director and the selection committee for taking the time to interview you and express your appreciation for their consideration of your application. Keep this short and sweet!
4) Include two new things you learned.
Mention two NEW things you learned about the program during the interview. This demonstrates that you were fully present during the interview and gives you even MORE reasons why that program is your perfect match.
5) Bring it all together.
In two concise sentences, summarize why that program is your TOP choice and remind them why you’re a perfect fit for their program culture and curriculum.
Now you’re ready to put a stamp on it! Have it out in the mail by the next morning after your interview. Address the envelope to the mailing address on the dietetic internship’s website.
A strong “thank you” note is a KEY element of your application. If this post resonated with you and helped you increase your confidence after the interview, please share it with your #RD2BE friends.
P.S. Now that you’re ready to land your dream dietetic internship, we encourage you to think more long term! The RD exam is right around the corner. Schedule your free 15-minute coaching call with Jenny to discuss how Pass the Exam Prep and Career Coaching will help you to land your dream job after the dietetic internship.
Comments Off on 7 Ways to Be an Awesome Dietetics Student
by jennifer.westerkamp
Standing out from the crowd can help you secure a coveted dietetic internship spot and get one step closer to becoming a Registered Dietitian.
Students are always asking, “Jenny, how can I stand out?” And I’m all like, “there are soooooo many ways!” Shocking, I know. But there are!
Standing out from the crowd can help you one day land the dietetic internship program of your dreams. It may sound overwhelming or scary to begin, but there are key ways you can be the awesome nutrition student you were meant to be. Lucky for you, I’ve compiled my favorite tips and tricks to ensure success.
Read my e-book below to see if you are doing all 7…
If you want to get a head start on your DICAS application, make sure to schedule an intro call to discuss your background, ensure that you’re a good fit for coaching or the course, address your concerns, and decide on the next steps for working together.
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!
As a nutrition major, you’re expected to achieve. Sometimes, it can get a little overwhelming. Our advice will help you both relax and succeed.
You’re a dietetics student. You’re simultaneously getting great grades, volunteer all of the time, learning the metabolism of every nutrient, and doing just about a million other things. You’re pretty amazing, but what happens when you get overwhelmed? Step back, take a breath, grab a fresh cup of kombucha, and read this list.
Trust the process.
Take it one day at a time.
It’s good to plan ahead, but make sure to focus on the present. Enjoy the time in your life where your main focus is learning.
Try to make your class schedule manageable.
Taking ochem with MNT and metabolism may seem like a good idea until test day rolls around, so try to space out the tough classes each semester.
Don’t be afraid to say no.
Too much on your plate? Don’t shy away from stepping back if it is something that you aren’t really interested in or just isn’t a priority.
Talk to your professors!
They are there for you and have a wealth of knowledge in the field. Dietetics is a small world and you will most likely see them again, so start building connections while you’re in class.
Make the effort to go to class everyday.
You are paying to be there, you might as well take full advantage! Your professors will notice and your GPA will probably benefit too.
Start researching the next step.
While you don’t need to know exactly what you want to do, it’s good to start scoping out what internships or jobs that catch your eye so you can look for volunteer opportunities for a trial run.
Ask for help when you need it.
You don’t always need to know all of the answers! Whether it’s a biology assignment or you are struggling with your schedule, it is always possible to get help.
Find time for fun!
You have plenty of time to be a workaholic after you graduate 😉 Put down that biochem book and go to a yoga class, have lunch with your mom, or just go and hang out with your friends! All work and no play makes the Krebs Cycle even more miserable.
Make your own opportunities.
Get your foot in the door.
Want to work as a clinical RD one day? Start by volunteering at a local hospital. Dream of being a sports dietitian? Scope out a local sports RD and ask if they need help for a day (or more!).
Find a mentor, be a mentor.
You don’t know where a volunteer opportunity will take you, so always give 100%.
Besides adding to your resume, a volunteer opportunity could help you make new friends, find your niche, or meet your future manager.
Eat well, take a break, and balance it all out.
You’re learning all about how to help others life a healthier lifestyle and eat well, so don’t forget to give yourself a healthy lifestyle too!
Know that you’re in one of the best majors.
And that one day, you will be changing lives for the better!
P.S. Are you applying to dietetic internships? Join Get Matched Coaching for personalized advice that will bring you one step closer to becoming a Registered Dietitian!
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.
