Internship

  • Dietetics Programs, RD2Be Fun

    Pump Up Songs for DICAS: The Ultimate Playlist

    Applying to your dietetic internship program can be stressful and overwhelming, but listening to great music can make it easier. Here are our top jams!

    It’s that time of year… dietetic internship application time! Cue the major freak out. While it is an exciting and new time as a nutrition student, it can also be easy to get lost in the process. The application process for this highly competitive step in becoming an RD requires positivity and focus. Along with using the Get Matched Course to gain confidence and clarity during the application process, I turn to music.

    Music helps me feel good and stay on track, so I’ve created The Ultimate Playlist to help me get through my DICAS application.

    1. This is How We Do It by Montell Jordan
    2. Let it Rock by Kevin Rudolf ft. Lil Wayne
    3. Fight Song by Rachel Platten
    4. Hakuna Matata by The Lion King
    5. Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys
    6. It’s Time by Imagine Dragons
    7. Stronger by Kanye West
    8. We Will Rock You by Queen
    9. Run the World by Beyonce
    10. Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson
    11. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
    12. Roar by Katy Perry
    13. All Star by Smash Mouth
    14. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
    15. Confident by Demi Lovato
    16. Titanium (ft. Sia) by David Guetta
    17. It’s My Life by Bon Jovi
    18. Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts
    19. Don’t Worry be Happy by Bobby McFerrin
    20. The Climb by Miley Cyrus

    Stay positive, applicants! You got this… one song at a time.

    P.S. What are your favorite pump up DICAS jams? Sound off in the comments and let us know what to add!

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  • Dietetics Programs

    How to Formulate Key Questions for Your Interview

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    After landing an interview for your topic dietetic internship choice, learn to “wow” the director and get all of your questions answered!

    You finally got an interview for the dietetic internship you’ve been eyeing since freshman year. It went great, until the director asks the dreaded question…”do you have any questions for me?” It may seem that they are just asking a simple question, but often times they are trying to judge your interest in the program. Many interviewers think that if you don’t have any questions, you probably haven’t looked enough into their program or aren’t that serious about it. Here’s a fool-proof guide to impress your top program choice and get all of your questions answered!

    Do Your Research

    You don’t want to ask a question about something that you can find on their website. Most programs have websites on their rotations, tuition and fees, or other general topics. Scope out the site beforehand to get a grasp on the basics, and then formulate your questions afterwards on things that they might not go into detail about. They may also provide you more resources or connect you with the right people (think financial aid or housing) to help answer your questions.

    Don’t be Afraid to Ask About Non-Program Topics

    Ask your interviewer where the interns live, if they have a car or not, what the area is like… anything that would help you get a better feel for what life would be like if you were an intern in that program.

    Turn the Tables

    They got to interview you, now it’s your turn to interview them! They were once in your shoes too so don’t be afraid to ask them what they like about their profession, what got them to where they are today, or what their favorite part of the program is. This is your chance to connect with the director on a personal level!

    Look Towards the Future

    Don’t be afraid to ask about job placement rates or what else interns do after graduating from the program.

    Remember What to Avoid

    Of course, there are a few things you should avoid asking about. Don’t start questions with “when I get in…” as an interview doesn’t guarantee acceptance. Also, don’t ask questions that might be beyond their scope of expertise, such as financial aid specifics.

    Most importantly, always be yourself and be polite. The interview is a chance for the director to see who you are as whole –beyond your resume! Always thank them for their time afterwards and pop a sincere thank you note in the mail for the final touch.

    P.S. For 175 sample interview questions, sample answer strategies, our full guide to interview success, and more, check out the Get Matched Course.

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  • Dietetics Programs, How to Become a Dietitian

    Improve Your Resume Over the Summer

    One of the most challenging aspects of becoming an R.D. is getting matched to a dietetic internship. Here are some ideas to add to your resume this summer!

    With the match rate hovering around 50-60% each year, the competition is fierce. Internship directors consider more than just your grades when they are looking at your application. And although each internship has its requirements, students with relevant work and volunteer experience in food service or a nutrition-related field have a higher chance of matching to an apprenticeship.

    Start your journey to a happy Match Day today! Schedule your intro call here.

    So what can you do this summer to improve your resume? Here are some ways you can gain experience.

    Volunteer

    According to a Deloitte study, 82% of hiring managers said they prefer applicants with volunteer experience, and 92% say volunteer activities build leadership skills. The same applies to DI directors. Volunteering your time in an area that you are passionate about shows DI directors that you are self-motivated, dedicated, and responsible.

    There are four broad categories to a dietetic internship: clinical, community, food service, and elective. If the internships you are interested in are clinically focused, volunteer in clinical settings. If they are a community, find community opportunities. But remember that experience can be applicable in many different ways to focus on opportunities that interest you.

    Have you thought about volunteering for the American Diabetes Association? Or the Jimmy Fund? Use VolunteerMatch.org to find other volunteer opportunities that will help your resume stand out.

    Get a Summer Internship

    Spending the summer months at an internship is a great way to get experience. A summer internship can also help you get a better understanding of what you are interested in. Use online websites like internships.com or indeed.com to find available internships. Another great way to find an internship is to network with R.D’s that might need a little help over the summer.

    Earn a Specialty Certification

    Adding a specialty certification to your resume may not only help you get matched but may also help you land a job faster. Certifications confirm your knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice. There are specialty certifications that you can earn over the summer. If you’re passionate about physical fitness, weight management, yoga, or a specialty area in nutrition, research the different certifications that are available. When looking for a certification, you should look for a validated and reliable certification examination and credible organizations.

    Here’s a list of just a few of the specialty certifications out there that would enhance your resume:

    Edit your Resume

    Perhaps you already have a lot of experience or are working this summer; make sure your experiences are communicated well by spending your extra free time editing and revising your resume. If you have a mentor, ask them to look over your resume and provide you with feedback. Would they hire you based on your resume? Would they call you for an interview? Ask them for their honest feedback. You can also use the Get Matched Course or Get Matched Coaching, which offers a resume template, resume strategies, resumes rubrics, resume checklist, and resume samples.

    Getting matched to an internship may seem overwhelming and impossible, but there are many ways of obtaining quality dietetics experiences. Taking the time to build a strong resume as a student will allow you to enter the internship application process with more confidence.

    P.S. Starting early with Get Matched Coaching gives you the advantage of getting advice from your coach on what experience to add before applying! Many of our clients start the summer before the February deadline to get a head start and be as strategic as possible. Check out more information on coaching here!

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  • Dietetics Programs, Dietitian Career Advice

    Advice from Dietitians to Future Dietitians

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    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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  • Dietetics Programs, How to Become a Dietitian

    Your Step-By-Step Guide to the Dietetic Internship Application

    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.

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

    If you are hoping to apply for the application this fall or next spring, note these tasks, and your application process will be a breeze (kind of!).

    Your Step-By-Step Guide to the Dietetic Internship Application

    Research accredited dietetic internship programs.

    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

    Apply Using the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Service (DICAS)

    • $45 fee for the first DI program, $20 for each additional DI program application
    • Make sure to read everything and complete the entire application

    Rank programs on D&D Digital

    Hit the submit button on DICAS and wait for Match Day!

    View Jenny’s video below for more application process details

    P.S. If you’re feeling nervous about the application process, have no fear! All Access Dietetics is here. Check out our Get Matched Coaching services. 

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  • Dietetics Programs, Featured

    How Strong Relationships with My Professors Got Me an Internship… After Match Day

    Check out Dianna Sinni’s advice on the importance of maintaining good relationships with professors and how they can affect the trajectory of your career!

    By Dianna Sinni, RD, LD

    I’ll be honest- I’m a Registered Dietitian who didn’t get matched. I logged into DICAS like every dietetic intern out there, anxiously awaiting to see my match. I felt confident, I had progressed in two phone interviews for two programs, and my personal statement was really well written. I remember my boyfriend was seated next to me on our couch, but he kept getting bored with the waiting game – DICAS was temporarily down due to the high volume of log-ins, no doubt attributed to Match Day.

    A few hours later, it happened – I logged in successfully…but only to see the horrible regrets memo.

    There were tears. A lot of them. But as much as I wanted to crawl into my bed and sob, what good would it really do me? Wallowing in self-pity and sorrow wouldn’t get me into an internship – only I could. And it was too important to me to waste any time.

    You might be wondering: how exactly did she get an internship and become a RD if there was no match?

    Within an hour or two after realizing I hadn’t matched, I IMMEDIATELY (immediacy, of high importance here!) emailed my undergraduate professors (the two who had written my DI recommendations as well) from Keene State College. I was already a few years out from undergrad, but had always kept in contact with my advisor and another professor during those two years post-graduation. This would prove to be the biggest asset to my dietetic internship journey.

    They were both shocked that I hadn’t matched (definitely a confidence booster after the initial sting of not matching) and immediately sent email after email of open intern spots for various programs across the country. There was hope!

    As a prospective dietetic intern, I had no idea that DI program directors connect with each other surrounding match day – something that turned out to be in my favor. I received at least 5 emails from my undergraduate professors of DI and ISSP programs that didn’t match to full capacity and were looking for well recommended interns.

    You might be wondering: so, why didn’t you wait until 2nd rounds?

    Sure, I could have waited a month or so until DICAS reopened and new matches were made with remaining applicants…but why would I want to wait? I took matters into my own hands – I cold-emailed at least 5 DI Program Directors with intern spots available. They sent over their program information and I had two phone interviews for two programs I was strongly considering; all within the 24-48 hours after Match Day.

    In less than 72 hours after not being matched, I was a fully enrolled Dietetic Intern at Sage College’s distance dietetic program. There were some formalities to complete, but I was in! While it wasn’t Plan A, it was the BEST Plan B I could have ever had. My experience was amazing and I am forever grateful for the support of my undergraduate professors. They believed in me because I believed in myself. They knew I was motivated and driven, and in turn were willing to put themselves out there to help me achieve my dream.

    So what does this mean for you?

    It’s never too late to start fostering relationships with your undergraduate professor and advisors. They aren’t just your teacher for a few semesters or the ones who write a DI recommendation letter – they’re the RD’s who can actively help make your dreams of becoming a RD reality and will continue to think of you throughout your career. Here’s a few tips to get started:

    1. Take advantage of office time (but don’t be annoying).

    Stop in to say hello and show serious interest in their classes. They have an immense wealth of knowledge and experience that you can tap into and learn from.

    2. Over summer break or after graduation, stay in touch via email or phone quarterly.

    Let them know what you’ve been up to in the dietetic world or new things you’ve been hearing about in the field.

    While I can’t guarantee you’ll get a DI just by cultivating a great relationship with your professors, I can – with confidence and through experience – say it is such an invaluable asset to your career path.

    Connect with Dianna Sinni here:

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

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