RD2Be

  • Featured, Student Life

    Stand Out Male Dietitians

    Male dietitians are few and hard to come by. But, they are making an incredible impact in nutrition and dietetics. Learn about these rockstar R.D.s!

    Where are all our male # RD2be’s at?! Dietetics is a great career path for both males and females alike. Although the field is currently female dominant, male dietitians are having great success in dietetics, doing exciting things, and making their mark on the area. While we couldn’t possibly give credit to ALL of the fantastic dietitians out there, we do want to give a special shout-out to a select few stand-out male dietitians.

    1. David Grotto

    David has been in the nutrition field for over 25 years. He has a wide range of experiences, including hosting a live radio show on health and nutrition, serving as a national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and serving as the president and founder of a nutrition consulting firm in Chicago.

    2. Christopher Gunning

    In 2012, Christopher was recognized by the New Jersey Dietetic Association and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as the 2012 Outstanding Dietetic Student for New Jersey. Since his recognition, Chris has continued to make a positive impact. He is currently the clinical nutritionist for the New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health and Rutgers Health Services.

    3. Brett Singer

    Brett is a sports dietitian for Memorial Hermann Ironman Sports Medicine Institute, Houston Baptist University Athletics, and the Sugar Land Skeeters. He is a pioneer in bringing sports nutrition to high school athletics programs in the Houston area. Brett also spends time in the classroom educating graduate students on sports nutrition as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston.

    4. Chris Vogliano

    Chris is an environmentally-focused R.D. and works as a clinical research associate for a Seattle-based biotech startup focused on nutrigenomics and scientific wellness. He was selected to be the first Agriculture, Nutrition, and Health Research Fellow with The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2014. Chris was also awarded “Young Dietitian of the Year” by Washington State.

    5. Angel Planells

    Angel is the lead dietitian in the Home Based Primary Care program at the Veterans Administration in Puget Sound, a Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and owner of private practice and consulting firm ACP Nutrition. In 2016, he was recognized by the Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as Outstanding Dietitian of the Year.

    6. Jim White

    In addition to being an RD, Jim is an ACSM Health Fitness Instructor. He is also an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics National Spokesman and owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios. He has received multiple prestigious awards, including the 2014 Young Entrepreneur Award and 2009 Virginia’s Young Dietitian of the Year.

    7. Jonathan Valdez

    Jonathan is very actively involved in the field of dietetics, serving many roles. He is a Registered Dietitian at Genki Nutrition, Diversity Leader for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Diversity Leaders Program, treasurer and secretary for the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Public Policy Coordinator Co-Chair for the Greater New York Dietetic Association.

    Bonus

    Bonus, check out this ‘Men in Dietetics’ video from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

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

    CONTINUE READING

  • RD2Be Fun

    You Know You’re a Dietetics Major When…

    These hilarious dietetic memes hit a little too close to home.

    1. Your mini-fridge and purse are stuffed with snacks.

    via GIPHY

    Nobody likes it when we get hangry…

     

    2. Lab involves recipe experimentation.

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    Some experiments turn out better than others

    3. You’ve tried to explain “dietetics” one too many times.

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    Nutrition…it means I study nutrition

     

    4. You get excited when you see kale salad on the menu.

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    Kale yeah!

     

    5. Your Instagram feed is full of food puns.

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    Lettuce turnip the beet!

     

    6. You find yourself spending hours in the grocery store comparing nutrition labels, and you don’t mind one bit.

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    This is my happy place.

     

    7. Your favorite dessert has sweet potato, avocado, or black beans in it.

    Happy Eating GIFs | Tenor

    via Tenor

    And no one ever knows…

    8. And then they constantly judge your food choices.

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    I’m not on a diet, just trying to get all the nutrients I can by eating ALL the fruits and veggies. And yes, I love salad (silence).

    9. And you feel so good when the test is over, and you’ve ACED the material.

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    Crushed it!

     

    10. You’ve mastered the PES statement. 

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    Dang, that feels good.

     

    11. Since your food safety course, you kind of freak out about taking food temperatures and following proper sanitation guidelines when cooking at home.

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    Ummmm…that chicken breast is cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. And you washed your hands immediately after handling the raw chicken?

     

    12. The thought of applying for a dietetic internship/grad school is like….

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    13. Despite all the stress and hard work, you know that it will all be worth it when you are in a career you are truly passionate about!

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    LET’S HEAR IT!

    What #RD2Be moments can you relate to?

    Click here to check out our Instagram for more memes that are just too relatable.

    P.S. ARE YOU IN YET? As an AAI member, you’ll join hundreds of future dietitians and get the confidence and clarity you need to get a dietetic internship! Choose your membership

    CONTINUE READING

  • Dietitian Career Advice, Student Life

    5 Unexpected Nutrition Jobs

    This list is sure to get you excited about the unique opportunities and possibilities in store for your future in dietetics.

    Did you know there is an American Overseas Dietetic Association and even pet dietitians? One of the remarkable things about dietetics is that there are so many routes one can pursue. Here’s a list of 5 unexpected jobs in nutrition that may spark your interest. 

    1. OVERSEAS DIETITIAN

    Kate Campbell is a registered dietitian with Commonwealth Healthcare Corp on the island of Saipan. After five years without a dietitian, she was hired by the hospital to build up the dietary department. Read her interview with Nutrition Awareness here.

    2. FARMER RD

    Once an ICU dietitian, Diana Dyer decided to pursue a different end of the dietetics spectrum by focusing on disease prevention as an RD-Farmer and “growing the food her community needs to become a healthy community.”  Read more about what her job entails here.

    3. PLAYWRIGHT RD

    Barbara Storper was asked to give a presentation on nutrition at an inner-city school. To connect with the children in “their language,” she utilized juggling, audience participation, magic, and more. Her shows have been a tremendous success and have now reached more than 3 million school children across the country. Read more about her here.

    4. CULINARY TRENDOLOGIST

    Kara Nielsen identifies new food trends and advises her clients, for example, restaurants, on what will be prominent in the food world and when. This job requires love for research as she’s frequently studying menus across the country and the news for new information. Read an interview with Kara here.

    5. PET NUTRITION CLINICIAN

    Helen Porter is a pet nutrition clinician from Porter Pet Pals Animal Nutrition Services. She focuses on providing services to those animals in need of a nutrition care plan or diet management, according to her interview with Today’s Dietitian. Read more about her tips for pet RD’s here.

    BONUS: Do you want to learn more about unique dietitian jobs? The FREE Dietitian Dream Jobs e-book is for you! 75+ exciting careers for registered dietitians. Click here to get this free e-book straight to your inbox.

    P.S. Read about Founder Jenny Westerkamp’s unique career path in entrepreneurship and sports nutrition! Plus, she shares lessons learned along the way!

    P.P.S. Read more about various nutrition-related jobs here and here.

     

    CONTINUE READING

  • Dietetics Programs, Dietitian Career Advice

    5 Reasons to Create an Online Portfolio

    Think of your online portfolio as an extension of your DICAS application. This tool could get you closer to landing the dietetic internship of your dreams.

    If you haven’t created an online portfolio yet, now’s the time! Only some program applications require one, but you can still add the URL to your resume even if they don’t.

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

    Here are our top 5 reasons why you need one:

    Opportunity to show directors examples of your best work

    Remember to include projects or papers that you are passionate about to reference them in later interviews. Did you complete a unique project in your program? Feature it so internship programs can see it!

    It makes you stand out from the competition.

    No two applications are alike, similar to online portfolios. Your portfolio is distinctly yours and can be another way to stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression.

    Adds a visual element to your application

    A dietetic internship director may remember you during your interview from your online portfolio’s unique logo or layout. This also serves as a way for internship programs to learn about you and your sense of style or flare. Make sure to stay true to yourself when creating your online presence!

    It gives directors a better sense of who you are as a person

    Directors will gain a better understanding of your personality through the details of your online portfolio. They will see your skills, such as attention to detail and creativity, which show promise as a dietetic intern.

    It can be used again when you’re hunting for a job

    Make sure to save your online portfolio and continue adding to it as a dietetic intern. Nothing will make a potential employer more pleased than an in-depth and highly professional online portfolio. As you grow through your nutrition career, remember to let your online portfolio grow with you.

    Blogger, WordPress, VisualCV, and Wix are all great sites for housing your portfolio.

    Are you not convinced? Check out this article from The New York Times for more!

    P.S. Once your e-portfolio is done, join our Get Matched Coaching for a portfolio review from one of our coaches to make sure it is visually fantastic, organized, and free of grammar mistakes!

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  • Dietetics Programs

    The Truth About Distance Internships

    Distance dietetic internships can be a great option in becoming a Registered Dietitian. We’ve included the information you should know about this route.

    Part I: The Application Process

    When it comes to dietetic internships, distance internships are a great option. Some of the benefits include flexible scheduling, staying close to home, and the ability to select specific sites and preceptors you want to work with. However, with this comes unique challenges, so we put together a guide of things to be aware of when going the distance route.

    Remember that every distance program is structured differently, so it is essential to thoroughly read their websites and contact the program directors if you have any questions. You can find distance dietetic internships programs here.

    We always say that the earlier you can start preparing, the better, especially for distance internships! Why? Well, in addition to writing your resume and personal statement and filling out DICAS, you may also need to find preceptors for potential programs and have them fill out and return preceptor applications to you BEFORE February 15th (or September 25th) deadline.

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

    So, where is the best place to start?

    First, research the programs you are interested in to learn more about their requirements. Here are some questions to ask when evaluating distance internship programs:

    • What rotations need to be completed?
    • How many hours need to be completed for each course?
    • How many hours a week are you required to work?
    • How many preceptors do you need to find?
    • Does the program help you find preceptors?
    • Are there specific requirements for the preceptors (e.g., at least three have to be R.D.s)?
    • How many preceptors need to be lined up before the deadline (all, some, or none)?
    • What kinds of facilities are acceptable?
    • Are there specific requirements for the facilities (e.g., at least one facility must be accredited by the Joint Commission)?
    • How will you communicate with the director throughout the internship?
    • How are you required to submit assignments and track your hours throughout the training?
    • Do you have to take online classes?

    Once you know where you’d like to apply, the next step is finding preceptors if your programs ask for you to have them lined up before the application deadline. Make sure you understand the requirements for each program you’re applying to. This is crucial as you will need to supply potential preceptors with this information, along with an application to fill out from each program if they agree to work with you.

    If you already have connections in the field, you may not have to look far to find preceptors. Some programs will even provide you with preceptors! Reach out to your contacts first and ask if anyone is willing to be your preceptor or if they can put you in touch with other R.D.s. You can also reach out to your local or state dietetic association to see if they can connect you with someone. Then, once you’ve exhausted your network, it’s time to make a list and start cold-calling R.D.s and facilities!

    The truth is that some people may say no, and others may not respond at all, but don’t let this discourage you- it’s just how the process goes! There is plenty of R.D’S out there who know the importance of the internship, understand that someone did it for them when they were interns, and are willing to pay it forward to help you reach your dreams.

    Here’s something to be aware of: some facilities, especially in large cities, already have contracts in place with local internship programs. This means that they may not be willing to take on additional interns, or in some cases, they may not even be allowed to. If this happens repeatedly, you may need to expand your search radius and be willing to travel a further distance.

    Lastly, don’t be afraid to sell yourself to the R.D. and be clear about how YOU can benefit THEM! Do they have projects they need to be finished? Notes written? Handouts created? While they will be taking time out of their day to work with you, you can put your skills to good use and do work that benefits the organization while also fulfilling your requirements. At the very least, be sure to send them a copy of your resume. If your personal statement is ready, it doesn’t hurt to send this along so they can better understand your skills, accomplishments, and career goals.

    Get 10 FREE tips to ace your Dietetics Internship interview!

    Part II: During the Internship

    Once you’ve been accepted, you may need to notify all of your preceptors to tell them the good news. If tentative rotation dates were already set, be sure to confirm them again, as things may have changed since February. An official contract may need to be signed at this time between them and the school.

    Most programs hold an in-person orientation for anywhere from a few days to a week or more. This is an excellent opportunity to meet your director, as well as your fellow interns whom you’ll want to stay in touch with throughout the internship. In addition, Facebook groups and email chains are great ways to stay connected as a group so you can share your experiences, ask questions, figure out the assignments together, and motivate each other to keep going.

    Distance programs require a high level of self-management, organization, and communication skills to ensure that you’re meeting the requirements of your program and getting the most out of your experiences.

    It would help if you began each rotation knowing the number of practice hours you need at that facility, the tasks and assignments to be accomplished, and the goals you’d like to meet while there. Sometimes your preceptors may look to you for guidance because you have a better grasp of the program requirements than they do, especially if they’re managing interns from multiple programs.

    Be prepared for the possibility of change at any time. Preceptors who agreed to work with you may get new jobs, facilities might back out for one reason or another, and your rotation dates and hours may need to be adjusted as you go. In cases like these, the best thing you can do is be flexible and go with the flow. Internship directors are well-versed in dealing with these situations, and they will provide you with the best steps to resolve any problems that arise.

    The last piece to keep in mind is that, in some cases, you may be the only intern in a facility during a rotation, which means you won’t be sharing your day-to-day experiences with other interns. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but you may sometimes wish someone else who “gets it” is there with you. However, one of the perks of striking out on your own is that you get the sole attention of your preceptors and the chance to develop stronger connections with them. Joining your local dietetic association is a great way to meet nearby interns with whom you can connect in person, and you may even see some of them during your rotations!

    P.S. If you’re looking for help with the more intense distance dietetic internship applications, Get Matched Coaching includes individual support to land the internship of your dreams!

    CONTINUE READING

  • Dietetics Programs, Featured

    How Applying to an ISPP Helped Natalie Get One Step Closer to Her Dream Career

    Special thanks to Natalie Kocks, who shared her personal ISPP journey with us in 2017.

    My name is Natalie Kocks, and I am a recent graduate of Benedictine University, Lisle, IL. I am currently enrolled as a dietetic intern at Purdue University’s ISPP. The journey towards attaining a dietetic internship is most certainly not an easy one. At Benedictine, I ran Cross Country and Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field. I was also involved in the SAND (Student Association of Nutrition and Dietetics) club. I volunteered every summer at Parkview Regional Medical Center in the Nutrition and Dietetics department. I also gained experience as an intern, working with an R.D. who owns her fitness and nutrition company. I also interned with Foodie on Campus (an online magazine) and helped market the magazine via social media.

    In my senior year of college, I began the DICAS process and unfortunately did not receive a match. So I moved home and began working as a dietary aide at a nursing home and as a recipe developer, chef, and barista at a local natural market. In November, I reapplied to DICAS, and again, the words read “No Match.” I allowed myself to be upset for one day, and then I decided that this was what I wanted, and I refused to give up. I applied for a nutritionist position at a local WIC office and was offered the job. I have been working at WIC for the last six months and love it here! I learned about the Purdue ISPP from a Purdue ISPP intern doing her community rotation here at my WIC location! I decided to apply, and before I knew it, I was being interviewed and accepted my intern spot!

    “ISPP is an amazing opportunity for good DICAS applicants who slipped through the cracks to gain the internship they deserve.”

    ISPP is a fantastic opportunity for suitable DICAS applicants who slipped through the cracks to gain the internship they deserve. ISPP allows for flexibility; you can focus on areas of dietetics that you’re most interested in, and you can complete your entire training at home! 

    My advice to future applicants is never to give up. Not receiving a match to internships was one of the most devastating experiences I have had. Had it not been for my supportive family and friends and my deep-rooted passion for the field, I do not think I would have kept applying and putting myself out there. The best thing you can do is start gaining nutrition experience early on in your college career and continue to stay involved while working just as hard in the classroom. Please get to know your professors because you’ll need them down the road for positive letters of recommendation when you apply to internships.

    Thanks for sharing, Natalie!

    P.S. Our Get Matched Coaches can help you land the DI of your dreams. Let us help you have a happy match day!

    CONTINUE READING

  • Productivity, Student Life

    TIPS TO STAY ON YOUR A-GAME THIS SUMMER

    Staying focused during the summer can be challenging as a dietetic student. Use these tips to help you enter the upcoming semester feeling prepared and refreshed.

    OK, the dog days of summer are almost over (trust us, we’re sad too!). For me, summer is a time to explore, have fun with friends, and…prepare for the upcoming school year. Wait. What? Using your summer can help you go from average to a stand-out student. Here are my tips for staying on your A-GAME during those summer months.

    Set up informational interviews with RDs who inspire you.

    Maybe it’s just me, but I love meeting new people (especially in a professional atmosphere) so that I can hear their stories. Everyone has a little gem or piece of wisdom they are willing to share; you just have to ask!

    Do I set these interviews up expecting to earn a job upon completion of my Dietetic Internship? No way! These informal interviews allow you to learn about the wide variety of careers in the nutrition world and help you expand your network of people in the nutrition world.

    So pick up the phone and set a coffee date with an RD that is inspiring to you.

    Volunteer in your community.

    Volunteering is another excellent way to meet other people in the nutrition world, gain experience, and possibly tap into a passion you didn’t even know existed.

    Some volunteer ideas that are fit for foodies are Cooking Matters, local races, and local food banks.

    Rest and relax.

    Yep, I said it…relaxing will help you stay on your A-GAME. During the school year, our brains are preoccupied with studying, working part-time jobs, getting involved in the school’s dietetic association, building our resumes, and the list goes on. According to current research, it’s SO important to give our brains mental downtime, and the summer is the perfect time to do it. Rest is when our brain can absorb and make sense of all of the information it has gathered over time.

    So this is your permission to take a nap, meditate, take a yoga class, or go for a casual walk. It’s good for you!

    Have fun!

    After all, it is summer. Use this as your chance to get creative and do something that you LOVE to do. Train for a race, bake a cake, host a dinner party, hang out with friends, go on vacation, whatever it is that brings you pure joy…do it!

    Let’s hear from you:

    • What is one way you are having fun this summer?
    • How do YOU stay on your A-GAME during the summer?

    PS Are you in yet? Sign up for our newsletter here to receive monthly webinar invitations, free resources, exclusive experience opportunities, and so much more!

    CONTINUE READING

  • RD2Be Fun, Student Life

    4 Planners All Future Dietitians Will LOVE

    If you’re anything like me, your planner is as vital as a cup of coffee or your phone… maybe even more. Are you looking for a pretty planner to make those never-ending to-do lists more manageable? Check out this list!

    You are very, very busy.

    This planner from Ban.do says it all. We all know that studying nutrition can make you a little busy between studying for exams, gaining volunteer experiences, or inputting your information into DICAS to match to a dietetic internship. 

    Pineapple or fine apple? You decide!

    We know that fruit makes almost everything better- homework assignments and to-do lists included. Show the world just how much you enjoy this sweet snack with your new planner. This planner from Emily Ley even comes with stickers! Vitamin C is omitted.

    Find your passion.

    Have you been dreaming of a career in clinical nutrition? What about in a community setting? Maybe you’d like to open your private practice one day but aren’t sure how to start. This plan from Passion Planner can help you dive into your goals and dreams and find new ones, too.

    Don’t lose your marbles.

    If you’re a lover of all things luxurious, look no further. This eco-friendly plan is not only beautiful but is a fill-in-the-blank option. Ferme A Papier has created a perfect fit if you like all things personalized. Make it your own, and get organized!

    Are you using one of our featured planners to achieve this? Let us know in the comments below!

    P.S. Applying to dietetic internships and need a little extra help? Try Get Matched Coaching to land the internship program of your dreams!

    CONTINUE READING

  • Dietetics Programs, Student Life

    A Surefire Recipe to Gain Volunteer Experience

    To stay competitive as a nutrition student you have to get good grades, be involved in extracurriculars, and volunteer like your life depends on it.

    The semester is coming to an end and summer is right around the corner.  As dietetic majors, you know that summer means that there is more time for… volunteering! 

    At times this is a very stressful and time provoking task but this is why you have us to help you through and find and create your best possible experiences that DI directors will gasp at (good gasps!) and put you right at the top of their lists.

    To make this task a little more tolerable, what better way to read about volunteer experiences is there than a recipe.  With just a few ingredients, a dash of determination, and some simple directions, you will be on your way to cookin’ up great volunteer experiences!

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

    Ingredients

    • Leadership skills
    • Confidence
    • Creativity
    • Persistence
    • Enthusiasm

    Not sure where to begin? First, check out local volunteering opportunities near you here. Next, follow the directions below.

    Directions

    1. Ask – Put yourself out there. There are very few people that will turn down someone that wants to work for FREE.  What excites you?  What do you want to learn more about?  Whether it is for 2 weeks, 2 months, or 2 years, experience is experience, and anything helps, all you have to do is ASK!  If you are uncomfortable at first approaching someone to see if you could volunteer with them, there is nothing wrong with an email.

    Sample Email: 

    To Whom It May Concern,

    My name is __________.  I’m a nutrition major at _____________ and I’m extremely interested in your __________________.  I would love to learn more about ________, and was wondering if I could volunteer for you.  I appreciate your time and patience with this request and I look forward to hearing back from you in the near future.

    Thanks,

    ____________

    2. Ask again – This is where persistence comes in. If you don’t hear from anyone in a week, try a follow-up email.  Still no response?  Stop in in-person!  People are just as busy as you are and may not check their emails often.  They may think that your persistence is an asset to their company and want to know more about you.

    3. Ask for more – Yay, you are volunteering for something that you are passionate about! Now that you’ve learned the ropes of their company/business, ask for more projects.  If you have something in mind that you think will be beneficial, ask your boss for permission.  Lots of people are open to fresh, innovative, and creative ideas, that will help them make more of a positive influence in society.  Go for it!

    Now, enjoy the fruits of your labor.  At times, this may be hard work, but it’s worth it in the end.  Stay positive, always keep a smile on your face, and remember your end goal.

    P.S. Are you applying to your dietetic internship? Join Get Matched Coaching for personalized advice that will help you gain confidence that will bring you one step closer to becoming a dietitian!

    CONTINUE READING

  • 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!

    CONTINUE READING

  • How to Become a Dietitian, Student Life

    How to Mentally Recover After an MNT Exam

    Imagine this. You finish your MNT exam, with time to spare, and you hand it in to your professor with the biggest smile on your face and you turn around and walk out the door knowing that you are an exceptional student and totally aced it.  Has this ever happened to you?  The anxiety of finishing on time, the worry and second guessing of whether you did that tube feed calculation right, did you give your “patient” enough protein? AH. The mental toll that MNT exams have can last for a while. Here are five tips to help you recover from after an MNT exam:

    1. ONLY REVISIT YOUR NOTES ONCE.

    Your first instinct when you leave the room after your exam is usually to check your notes to see if you got an answer correct. This is ok, but limit this time.  Dwelling on something that you can’t fix won’t do you any good.  Be confident in your answers.  Adjust your focus to the positive.

    2. EXERCISE.

    As nutrition majors, we know that a healthy and balanced lifestyle includes exercise.  Although this may not be something that you want to do right after your test, the endorphins that are released will help with the stress you just endured. 30 minutes of moderate physical activity will do wonders.

    3. YOGA.

    Breathe in, breathe out. Yoga is the perfect de-stressor.  Whether you go to your local studio or find a great podcast that prompts you with the movements, yoga will help you declutter your mind and center yourself. Stretching out your body and letting go of the day will help you mentally recover from that MNT exam.

    4. HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS.

    DON’T talk about the exam! Out of sight, out of mind. This is easier said than done, but try focusing on other aspects of your life.

    5. TREAT YOURSELF.

    You deserve it! You studied for hours, rewrote your notes a million times, and stayed up late cramming in every last bit. Reward yourself with something that will make you feel great. Get a mani/pedi, go out for fro-yo, buy that new shirt that you’ve been obsessing over. Knowing that you’ve done your best is all that you can do at this point and treating yourself to something will give you a sense of accomplishment.

    P.S. Now that exams are over, it’s time to start preparing for Match Day! 

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