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!
Life as a dietetic intern can be challenging. However, you can still live your best life while being excellent in your rotations.
If you’re starting a dietetic internship, your first thought might be, “I will not have time for a single thing!”. You might think that the dietetic internship is going to consume every second of your life or think, “there is no way I can be an awesome dietetic intern AND still live my best life.”
As a dietetic intern, let me be the first to tell you that I can still do the things I enjoy. I go out on Saturday nights with my friends, sleep in on Sundays if I choose to, and have time for my workouts. I did not expect to live my best life while being a dietetic intern. Living my best life does not mean neglecting my work or being anything less than an awesome dietetic intern. I am just allowing myself to live my best life throughout this process to start each week happy and refreshed.
I want to share the 5 tips that will help you be an awesome dietetic intern while still living your best life:
1. Choose Progress Over Perfection
Our preceptors have been in our shoes; they do not expect us to have all the answers. As a dietetic intern, you are there to make mistakes and learn from them. To live your best life, stop aiming for perfection and focus more on the little successes you make each day. Get things done to the best of your ability, and do not be afraid to ask questions. The less pressure you apply on yourself, the happier you will be in your rotations, and the more work you will get done during the week instead of the weekends.
2. Set a Daily Top 3
Every day write down three minor “to-do’s” and commit to them! If you are stressing over an assignment, add that to your to-do list. Set aside an hour or two during or after your rotation time to get it done. It is such a satisfying feeling when you can check something off your list. Before you know it, you check off curriculum assignments left and right, and the extra time you have will be for yourself.
3. Prioritize Your Health to Be an Awesome Dietetic Intern
On the first day of orientation, my director said, “I want you to focus on your health, your family, and the internship in that order.” If we don’t do something for our mental or physical health each day, we are more likely to feel stressed or overwhelmed. Add exercise, mediation, or journaling to your nonnegotiable to-do list. An awesome dietetic intern takes care of themselves first and brings that positive energy with them to their rotations.
If you are working part-time, have a family to take care of, or want to spend the time outside of your rotation on yourself, let your preceptor know. First, politely ask your preceptor what days or hours you can sit in a quiet office during the week. Next, use this time to work on your curriculum assignments or study some topics you feel uncomfortable with.
Setting this time during your rotation hours to do curriculum work will give you the time to live your best life in the evenings or on the weekends while still fulfilling your responsibilities as a dietetic intern.
5. Take Advantage of Opportunities Your Preceptor Offers
If your preceptor needs you to join an intern panel or help with an open-house event and you have the hour or two to spare, take the opportunity. Take advantage of opportunities and show your preceptor how awesome and committed you are to helping the dietetic internship succeed.
It would be best not to think the dietetic internship will be 9-12 months of no fun and adventures. It will be. You need to set boundaries with yourself early on and commit to making this process the most fulfilling and exciting part of your dietetics journey.
P.S. If you are worried about your clinical rotation keeping you from living your best life, sign up for these FREE samples of our Real World Clinical Toolkit.
P.P.S. Special thank you to Samantha Maldonado, distance dietetic intern at Komplete Business Dietetic Internship and former Get Matched Coaching client, for contributing to this blog!
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.
We’re often asked dietitians and dietetic interns how they can give back and help a dietetics student, but they aren’t sure how. Here are four ways to give back!
1. Be a Preceptor
Distance dietetic internships are growing in popularity, but there’s a shortage of available preceptors for students. Give back by being a preceptor and be eligible for CEUs for doing so! If you’re interested in adding your name to our preceptor contact list, a resource shared with our Get Matched Coaching clients, please email jenny@allaccessdietetics.com.
2. Do An Instagram Takeover
RD2BEs love career inspiration! Share your journey on our Instagram page and the day in the life of an R.D. Would you please email jenny@allaccessdietetics.com to apply?
3. Hire a Student For a Paid Internship or Contract Position
No one knows dietetics better than dietetics students, dietetic interns, and RDs! Hire a student to join your team for an internship or contract position, such as social media management or admin assistance with your private practice. Dietetics students often have additional skillsets or may even be transitioning from a previous corporate career. If you currently have a paid opening, we’ve partnered with Dietitian Recruiting to help you find your perfect fit.
4. Connect with Online DPD Schools
Dietetics students completing an online program often need to independently seek out their own experiences and preceptors to meet program requirements. Reach out to online DPD schools, like the University of Alabama or Kansas State University, to see how you can help them virtually.
You’ve done the hard work- completed a DPD program, a Bachelor’s degree, a 1200 hour dietetic internship, and passed the national registration exam. You are now a registered dietitian! You’re ready to land your first job as an RD, but… where do you even begin? Below are my top tips to help you land the position of your dreams.
Get clear on your goals.
After completing rotations in various areas, you may know what position you would like to work in. Was clinical not your thing? What about food service? Narrow down your niche, and then use LinkedIn, practice groups, Instagram, and even Google to help you create your goals and find inspiration from other RDs.
Network.
Dietetics is a relatively small field, so use your current network to help you succeed. Is your past preceptor connected to a dietitian you admire on LinkedIn? Reach out and ask for an introduction. There’s no harm in trying, and it’s ok to do some creepy searching for the sake of your dream job!
Use social media.
Before you begin job searching, make sure your social media presence is professional and represents you well. Next, join virtual groups dedicated to RD job searching, research potential organizations through their social media pages, and learn more about open positions by studying them online. This will help you learn about the organization and role you are applying for and can help you have a great interview.
Use the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
The Academy has various resources that can help you learn your worth, such as the compensation packet. This packet shares up-to-date knowledge of salaries for different niches in the field. Use the salary calculator to determine the average income for your education, experience, and even location!
Prepare.
Once you land an interview, do your best to be ready. Our Get Hired Coaching will teach you how to restate the question, provide 2-3 points or a STAR theory, and answer with a clear conclusion that ties into the company or role. Extra preparation for an interview can set you apart and help you land your dream job sooner.
While the job application process may be new and overwhelming, using these tips and tricks will lead you down the right path. Do you think you would benefit from extra help in this process? Check out the Get Hired Course to help you showcase your talents, sell yourself to employers, and stand out from the competition.
PS. We have so many great career resources to help you land your dream job!
With a match rate of less than 50%, It is difficult to get a dietetic internship these days. What can you do to stand out among the competition?
You hear about getting a lot of experience and keeping your GPA as high as possible, but what else can you do to land the dietetic internship of your dreams? After coaching hundreds of students individually, I have seen some strategies, both major and minor, that have helped students gain the edge they needed to get into a dietetic internship. Here are my top 5 unconventional tips for getting matched:
1. Make sure your personal statement is not generic.
You don’t want your personal statement to look like ANYONE could write it. Answer each question in a way that only you can. Too often, I see letters that are generic and the answers are not well thought out. It will take a lot of brainstorming to decide how to creatively answer each question, but directors will be able to tell that you put in this extra effort!
2. Every sentence of the personal statement sells you in a convincing way.
Many students have a hard time really “selling” themselves. They feel like they are bragging, and it is uncomfortable. But, guess what? If you don’t tell them how great you are, they will never know! There needs to be concrete examples and evidence to back up your skills and preparation. If you don’t do this, the selection committee will not be totally convinced you would do well in their internship.
3. You have clear goals, and include leadership goals.
Many times I read the goals paragraph of personal statements and they are very general or wishy-washy. Students will say that they are interested in a wide variety of areas and they will use the internship to decide what is best. While this seems like a safe approach, it is better to commit to clear, specific goals then to leave it open-ended or unoriginal. For example, having your short-term goal be to get an internship and a long term goal to become a dietitian will NOT set you apart from the rest. Maybe you don’t know exactly what you want to do, but you want to show the selection committee that you have some idea of the direction your career could go. This really shows how passionate you are for reaching some of these goals in the future and how passionate you are about becoming a dietitian. Bonus points if you share some ways you hope to be a leader in the field–what internship doesn’t want to train future leaders!?
4. Your DICAS is free of any grammar or formatting errors.
Simple mistakes, incomplete sections, and grammatical errors can all leave a bad impression on the person reviewing your materials. With competition so fierce, you don’t want something that is easily avoidable to ruin your hard work of getting good grades and finding awesome experience. Our coaches find an average of 20 mistakes with every DICAS Review coaching service they do. Make sure you get your application materials reviewed by someone. Print out all your materials and review slowly to catch any errors. It helps to not wait until the last minute, too!
5. You explain why you want to go to that specific program.
Don’t use reasons like, “the variety of rotations,” or, “a fantastic teaching hospital,” to describe why you want to go to the program. Rather, choose specific rotations that line up with your own experiences and goals. If you can’t think of 3 good reasons, then consider whether or not that really is the right program for you, or get help from a coach! Of course, if you are limited to certain internships by location or cost, then this may not be as possible to do, but at least explain what unique factors about their program you are most interested in. And yes, you can have slightly different versions of your personal statement for each program you apply to!
A dietetic internship program will help you transform from student to a Registered Dietitian through 1200 hours of supervised practice.
Dietetic internship programs consist of supervised practice, which is required (in addition to didactic coursework) to become a Registered Dietitian. Sadly, dietetic internships are extremely competitive! It is important to understand the basics. Read on, future dietitians!
Use all the resources available to you to fully understand the application process.
Dietetic Internships 101
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “To apply to a DI, individuals must complete at least a bachelor’s degree and ACEND-accredited coursework requirements (Didactic Program in Dietetics). Currently all DIs must provide at least 1200 hours of supervised practice. This is usually completed in 8-24 months depending on the availability of a part-time schedule or requirement of graduate credit. Individuals completing the program who are verified by the program director are eligible to write the CDR registration examination for dietitians.”
“Appointments to DIs are awarded on a competitive basis and most use a national computer matching process. Programs not participating in computer matching accept applications only from individuals employed by the sponsoring organization. Prospective applicants must contact program directors for current information, including application deadline dates. More information about the application, tuition and financial aid can be obtained from the program.”
The Scary Truth About DIs
Let’s be realistic about the challenges involved in getting a DI. Some of us may believe that the process is easy and the internship is guaranteed. With the 50% match rate, and the expectation that it will go down this year, it is pretty scary. Looking on the bright side, this dismal match rate should be an eye-opener for students and should motivate them to become competitive and take their future as seriously as they can.
It is clear that there are simply not enough DI spots available to the thousands of applicants that wish to obtain one. While this book does not solve the problem of the shortage of internships, it does provide the information you need to reach your potential.
The DI is the transition between student and professional. Looking at the bright side of an additional year (or more) of training, you are lucky to have this time to evolve without diving head first into the real world. With that being said, the responsibilities of both a student and a professional are given to you. You will have projects and homework assignments on top of clocking in from 9- 5 (for most full-time programs, anyways). Balance will be a running theme throughout the internship—balancing work, assignments, projects, and fun too! Overall, it is an experience that will help you grow both personally and professionally and prepare you for your first career move.
Scared? Nervous? My best advice for surviving life as a dietetics student is summed up in this quote by John Wooden:
“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.”
No matter what happens on the road to the RD—searching tirelessly for experience, struggling through tough science courses, or stressing out over the application process—having a positive mental attitude every step of the way will be one of the most important keys to your success as a student, intern, AND Registered Dietitian! Are you ready?
Start Early
It’s never too early to start improving your chances of getting matched to a dietetic internship. Not only will the following strategies make you more competitive, they will help you prepare for your future career in dietetics!
Obtain a Solid GPA
Grades are extremely important in your quest to secure a dietetic internship. Many students don’t realize this until it is too late. Programs will list their GPA requirements for overall, DPD, and science on their websites. Visit a few to get an idea of what GPA numbers you should be hitting. Schedule in retaking classes in order to meet these minimums. In general, programs are looking for a 3.0 minimum overall, DPD, and science GPA, but remember that each program can set their own requirements. Also, when it comes to GPA, the higher the better!
4 Tips to Improve your Dietetics Grades
It’s Tuesday and you’ve already taken your fourth exam for the week, have a lab project due in organic chemistry tomorrow, and two presentations on Thursday. I feel you! Nutrition and Dietetics is an intriguing major, but a definitely challenging one. As a recent graduate and future dietitian, here are a few tips that helped me survive the busy undergraduate workload.
1. Organize, Organize, Organize!
Every dietetics major understands the importance of staying organized during the semester. Between meeting lab report deadlines, biochemistry exams, and submitting diagrams of micronutrient metabolism pathways, it is easy to fall behind and feel lost. Keeping a planner and updating it daily is one way to stay on top of deadlines. A simple planner won’t cut it in this major; it will need to be loaded with details, deadlines, and study times.
In my undergraduate experience, I found it helpful to organize my planner around study times. To prevent over-studying (yes, that’s a thing!) and under-studying, I planned to study in 1-hour increments, sectioning off 45-minute studying blocks using the other 15 minutes to give my brain a break. By scheduling study times and staying organized, I felt that I was ahead of assignments and deadlines, which paid off in the long run.
2. Utilize your Tools
We buy the textbook, lab books, and nutrition manuals because they are required of us, but what if we actually utilized them? One of my turning points in undergraduate was when I REALLY started using my materials. Simply reading the chapters prior to class and reviewing questions at the end of chapters almost always led to me acing the exam. I noticed professors pull a lot of review questions from the book or use them to form questions. Reviewing the PowerPoints won’t cut it.
3. Study Well and Study Often
How do you learn the material effectively? Did you know that everyone learns differently? Strategies that work for some, don’t work for others. That’s why it is important to figure out how YOU retain information. This will be important for the registration exam as well. Be sure to check out Pass the Exam Prep, powered by the Study Smarter Method, to help you ace the board exam when your time comes. Science is not a subject that can be memorized, so it’s important to fully comprehend the information. Personally, speaking out loud (sometimes to my dog) always helped me learn the material. If you can walk through the steps of a process, like the Krebs cycle, then you have a strong understanding of the concept. If that wasn’t effective, I would break out the whiteboard. Yes, I was one of those students! Writing can be an effective way to retain information and rock a nutrition exam.
As mentioned earlier, over-studying can happen. I found myself constantly over-studying in courses without even realizing it. The frustrating part is that after 45 minutes, the brain retains less information, which may mean you’re wasting time. If you find yourself stuck on a subject, reach out for help. Getting a second perspective can be useful and make a difference in your grade. I utilized my professors and graduate assistance whenever I felt stuck, and I’m thankful I did. Another useful program is Good Grades Tutoring from All Access Dietetics. Their tutors specialize in nutrition, dietetics, and science classes. These professionals have been in your shoes and know what it takes to help you earn that A, take advantage of it.
4. Review, Review, Review!
Sometimes I got picked on because I would always request to review my exams, even when I made the highest grade. I think we don’t give review sessions the recognition they deserve. The main reason being it’s so important to see what areas you are strong in and those you are weak in and may need extra practice. One perk of being a dietetics major is having nearly all comprehensive finals cue the excitement. Reviewing exams is important because you WILL see the information again on semester finals and possibly the registration exam, so make sure you evaluate your areas of understanding. I know that stinging feeling when you study all month for your macro exam, only to see you did less than average. It can be discouraging! Don’t brush it off. Review the exam, see where you need to improve, invest in a tutor, and better yourself. Your future dietitian self will thank you!
Network within Dietetics
True or False: “Dietetic Associations and Dietetic Practice Groups are for registered dietitians only.” False. Joining your local dietetic association or a dietetic practice group is another very effective avenue for networking with RDs and even other students. It also shows involvement in the profession—what selection committee doesn’t like that?
Volunteer, network, attend meetings or take on small projects. If your state doesn’t have much opportunity for students, ask how you can change that! Dietetic association board members are leaders that you should get to know. Reach out to them immediately. Involvement with this group early on will allow you to create a foundation of experience that you can use to prove you are devoted to the profession. You will inspire other students to follow your lead and before you know it, you have cultivated a passionate and enthused group of students to promote and advance the profession in the right direction! Do you see why this is so important? Hey, it looks AWESOME in your application too. 🙂
How to Build Relationships in your Field of Interest as a Dietetics Student
As a dietetics student, you are probably aware that there are numerous routes you can take when searching for your dietetics niche. Perhaps you want to be a registered dietitian (RD) in clinical, a sports RD, a community RD, or something else. With what seems like an endless number of paths to take, discovering which area of the field you are interested in can be exciting yet daunting.
Now, your next thought may be: where do I begin? To relieve some stress around this process, below are a few tips to help motivate you to build relationships in your field of interest as a dietetics student and bring you one step closer to becoming the RD you imagine yourself to be!
Connect with your Professors
As a student, you have potential connections all around you. When you are in class, there are several opportunities waiting for you to make the first move. Making an effort to build relationships with your professors is one of the simplest ways to get your foot in the door.
It is crucial to building relationships with professors who teach classes specific to your area of interest. Chances are, they work in that particular field or may have previous experience in the field to assist you in your journey.
However, do not limit yourself to building relationships exclusively with those professors. Your medical nutrition therapy professor likely knows another RD who works in your field of interest or can provide you with a reference and good advice to get you started. At the very least, your professor may know what you are interested in and will have your name in the back of their mind should an opportunity come up that could be a fit.
Example:
Personally, I spent my entire freshman and sophomore years as a dietetics student hiding in the back of every classroom and seeing no reason to talk to my professors. That was until I met one of my now best friends in my junior year who was telling me about her current internship and a past nutrition expo she had worked as a volunteer. As a dietetics student, I knew the importance of getting intern/volunteer hours and I wanted to build those types of relationships. After asking my friend how she found those opportunities, she told me they both came through her professors. At that moment, I knew I needed to do the same to get myself the opportunities I saw myself in.
I began speaking with my professors to begin to form a connection, even if it was just small talk. It did not take long before I was given two contacts to reach out to for intern experience. Three weeks later, I had my dream internship as a student. Who knows where I would be now if I decided to reach out to professors earlier. It is never too late to start!
Join an association connected to your field of interest
Once you discover your calling in dietetics, it is time to start becoming a part of organizations and/or associations related to your field. A simple Google search will help you discover precisely what those are. For example, if you are interested in becoming a sports RD, the CPSDA (Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association) is a great way to become a part of the sports dietetics community.
Through organizations such as the CPSDA, you can connect with RDs who already work in the field. Typically, there is a list of practicing RDs who you can reach out to. By becoming a member, you gain access to free educational materials, discover intern and job opportunities, and learn more about what working in your field of interest will look like once you become an RD. These tools may give you more to talk about and potentially more questions to ask when reaching out to these dietitians. Being an active member of their association or organization will show how genuinely interested you are in the field.
Example:
When I was a dietetics student, I had professors (the ones I built relationships with!) and peers tell me about the CPSDA. Once I discovered it, I was excited to research and connect with the full-time sports RDs in this network. I took the initiative to introduce myself, let them know that I found them on the CPSDA website and that I was an aspiring sports RD. To my surprise, I received responses from almost all of the RDs I reached out to. I was even asked for my resume by a few of them. I often check-in with many of these RDs and regularly interact on social media. These relationships formed when you are a student will prove to be some of the most important in building your future career.
Reach out to other professionals via social media or email
Now that you are a member of the association/organization (wink, wink!), you can take the list of RDs and begin searching through Google or social media to start the conversation. The Get Hired Course has a section dedicated to networking on social media.
Send the RD a tailored direct message on a particular platform or a professional email if their email address is public.
When sending an email to build a relationship with an RD, let them know that you are an aspiring RD interested in their specific field. Express genuine interest in their own professional journey to learn how they got to where they are today. Ask if you can have 15-minutes of their time through a scheduled phone call. Do not expect an internship or paid opportunity through relationship building, the possibility of that may come in the future.
After reaching out, keeping in touch with your connections is just as important. Continue to build these relationships by checking-in every few months through email or direct message, even sharing their content on social media. Being genuine and consistent goes a long way.
If you are unable to join an association or organization, you can still search for RDs through social media and Google and build relationships in the same way. Find commonality by reading their biography and checking out their LinkedIn profile.
Example:
Similar to my story about reaching out to sports RDs, I had a friend who was interested in holistic nutrition. She followed a private practice RD and introduced herself and told her that she loved what she did as an RD. This friend shared that the RD then asked her to send a resume, and she then started virtually interning with her and creating social media content. This virtual internship served as an excellent experience for her dietetic internship application. Again, a genuine connection and a huge opportunity was the result of a simple email.
Volunteer
As a dietetics student, we know that volunteering plays a big part in securing a dietetic internship and landing future jobs as an RD. It is also a great way to get your name out there and begin building relationships in your field of interest. If you’re applying to distance dietetic internships, relationship building is even more important as starting with who you know is the best first step to preceptor searching. Reach out to multiple RDs at a time, and provide them with the information they need to secure yourself a volunteer opportunity.
While volunteering can be a great experience, it can be a lot to balance if you’re a dietetics student with a full-time job or a family at home. However, it’s important to note that volunteering does not have to be a long or full-time commitment. Taking the initiative to volunteer for a one-day event can be just as powerful, and even better if you made a strong first impression and stay in contact with the RD you worked with. Also, if you already have a full-time schedule during school months, try volunteering over winter or summer break. You do not have to commit hundreds of hours to make a good impression and build a great relationship.
Example:
Much of my personal volunteer experience and what I have learned when speaking with peers is that we have built relationships with a specific RD we have interned for, but these experiences have opened doors to making many other relationships with others. When volunteering at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), I was fortunate to get to know and work with two of UCLA’s other sports RDs. I am still in contact with all three of these RDs and have been able to refer to them for mentorship and positive letters of reference. I am extremely appreciative of their support.
Be a Go-Giver
For our future careers as dietitians, it is so important to make connections with as many dietitians in the field as possible. Creating relationships and offering your time to work with other dietitians gets your name out into your field of interest, shows other dietitians your dedication, and may even be the key to landing your dream job. To be successful in this, you must be willing to put in extra work. Founder, Jenny Westerkamp, RD, CSSD, encourages you to be a go-giver and “think about what you can give instead of what you can receive.” She strongly believes that what you give you will get back in return. It is a constant flow.
Prepare Financially
True or False: “DIs are paid positions because we are like employees, right?” Most of the time, this is false. A very popular thought to ponder is how you are going to pay for a DI. Possible expenses include: application fees, computer matching fees, printing costs, mailing costs, travel expenses, and then eventually the tuition, insurance, books, lab coats, room and board, and other program-related costs. This is astronomical for interns and college students who do not get paid! It’s unfortunate that there are financial limitations in many programs. And even with a stipend, some students still find it hard to cover even the most basic of costs.
I vividly remember hearing about a DPD director telling a class of dietetic seniors about the time she was on food stamps during her DI. My mouth dropped immediately. What? Is it that bad? Well for me, I survived on all student loans and knew many interns that did the same. I lived in a comfortable apartment and COULD afford groceries, thank goodness. I’ll be in some debt but I look at my loans as an “educational investment.” I am confident that my return on investment will be exponential! Even so, financial costs for DIs seem to be high on the list of deciding fac- tors for many applicants.
Here’s a rundown of financial sources:
Scholarships – First, complete the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation scholarship application. Next, check out your local and state dietetic associations. This includes the state you are leaving and the state you are entering if they are different. Scholarships are a GREAT way to get your school paid for without having to pay it back. Be creative with Google too – try “nutrition scholarship” or “dietitian scholarship” and see what might come up. Throw in names of your respective states or cities too. You just never know.
Some programs have scholarships specifically for their interns. Others have state scholarships that are not as competitive as national scholarships. They are definitely worth applying to. Let’s say you work on an application for 5 hours. Then, you get awarded a $500 scholarship. You basically just got paid $100 per hour! NICE!
Loans – They could be federal student loans, private student loans, or personal loans. Ask the program directors which loans are available to you during the internship. Do you know if the internship program has applied to the government for educational loan status? Also, is deferment possible for your undergraduate student loans?
Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program: • Low-interest rates • Loans deferred while the student is enrolled in an eligible program of study at least half time • Can be subsidized or unsubsidized
Subsidized Loans: • Awarded on basis of financial need • Federal government pays interest on the loan until you begin to pay it off (when you become less than a half time student)
Unsubsidized Loans: • Not awarded on basis of need • Interest begins to accrue at the time you receive the loan (the “disbursement date”) • Interest accrues from the disbursement date until you pay off the loan in full
Have a Wide Variety of Experiences
If you ask any dietetics student about what it takes to be more competitive with their internship applications you may hear,
“Start volunteering soon and often!” Then, he or she will emphasize that you should get as many experiences as you can before you are in the process of applying. Your experience says a lot about your interests as well as your personality traits. Be proactive about gaining experiences by taking the initiative. Show that you have the ability to juggle multiple things at once. A great example is holding a part-time job during the semester. You also want to convey your willingness to learn new skills and show your enthusiasm for learning. Take on a position that may be extra challenging. As directors review your experiences, they will notice qualities like professionalism, multitasking, leadership, and solid communication (just to name a few).
Create Experience Worth Writing About
Your experiences are what you will use to show that you have the skills to excel in the internship. If you can’t find good experiences offered through your school or within your community, start a new club or work with an RD that can be your mentor and provide invaluable one-on-one experience. It shows that you are a go-getter and are not afraid to take initiative!
Variety is Key
During the internship, each rotation may be very different from the others. Racking up exposure in a lot of different areas will make your internship year less intimidating. Getting experience in basic clinical, food service, and community areas is crucial since these are required rotations for every DI. Once you’ve done that, expand to more specialized areas like research, business, entrepreneurship, sports nutrition, pediatrics, or communications. Not only will you have your bases covered with “typical” student positions, but you can also bolster your application with impressive add- ons that allow you to rise above the crowd.
Making the Ask
How exactly are you supposed to go about finding these impressive add-ons? Let me be the first to tell you that Google can only take you so far! As dietetics students, we all crave opportunities to prove ourselves in the professional world. However, you must be willing to take some risks. I want to let you in on my own personal secret called “making the ask”. Here’s how it works. If you haven’t already spent some time on the Internet researching companies, hospitals, professional organizations, dietitians in private practice, etc., then it’s time you got started. First, do the obvious. Check and see if they offer established internships or volunteer experiences. If they don’t, make the ask! If you don’t ask, your answer is always NO.
Not quite “experience-hungry” yet? Keep in mind that a wide variety of experiences will allow you to:
Decide what you are interested in
Gain contacts in the field
Show your willingness to learn and commitment to the profession
Expand your skillset
Prove to directors that you take initiative to gain as much experience as possible
Take advantage of breaks
Use Your Breaks Wisely
If you are lucky enough to have them, utilize those month-long winter breaks to squeeze in more experience or even get started on applications! Here are some ideas to stay busy in between semesters:
Volunteer at a food bank or soup kitchen. It will be especially busy during the holidays. Not sure of a food bank or soup kitchen near you? Search here and find opportunities!
Help an RD set up his/her blog and contribute posts regularly (nutrition communications!).
Volunteer at a hospital for any holiday events, especially in the food service department.
Start a blog of your own nutrition-related experiences.
Reconnect with your summer job supervisor to see if they could use an extra hand.
Use this time to set up shadowing appointments with a variety of RDs to get to know more about the field.
Research and apply for summer job options. Many summer internships are filled by January.
Collect awards, past work, and projects and create an online résumé using Blogger, WordPress, or VisualCV. Put this link on your application résumé. It’s all the rage!
Where Should I apply?
What do you want out of an internship? Take the time to investigate your options and think about what you want to get out of your DI.
Define What you Want
What do YOU want out of your internship? We all know by now that
there is a great possibility we might not get matched with our first choice, but do you want to sit back and wonder what if? I
have heard of people who decided not to apply somewhere be- cause they thought it was too tough to get in even though it may have been their dream internship.
Please keep in mind that this is a time in your life where you can afford to be a little selfish. I realize that many people are not in a situation where they can move around the country, but if you are, embrace it! Be sure that you are choosing internships that are right for you based on your needs and wants, not based on convenience or the desires of others. If your top choice happens to be across the street or happens to be the same one that your best friend is ranking first, then that’s great! If not, listen to your gut–it’s usually right.
Many factors differentiate each internship program from the other. Consider what you can realistically afford to do and choose from programs that will match your interests and experiences.
Location
Possible Options
Near Home
Far from Home
Distance Learning
Questions to Ask
Where do I want to get a job after the internship?
Do I have the finances to move?
Am I able to leave any obligations in my current location?
Am I a self-directed learner?
This might be the most important deciding factor if you want to stay near your family, are already employed in the area, or have obligations that will not allow you to move to a new city. For you, deciding on the location of your program is easy! For those of you without a geographical barrier, you’re able to choose from many outstanding programs all over the country! You may find an internship on the other side of the country that fits your interests perfectly.
Yes, moving to a new city can be expensive, scary, and risky, but it could be so worth it! Do not be afraid to sacrifice one or two years in an unfamiliar location if it means completing an internship that will bring you one step closer to reaching your unique goals. Also, think about where you want to seek employment after the internship. If you stay in this area, you may develop relationships with other dietitians and facility personnel, which could lead to a job after you graduate. I encourage everyone to look at all the unique programs across the country and don’t let location hold you back if it doesn’t have to.
If you do move, there is more preparation needed and it could be harder to adjust to new surroundings. If you stay near home, there are fewer living expenses and transportation costs. Look at all costs, since they might even out in the end. For example, if traveling means getting a stipend instead of paying tuition then it could be worth it. Also, if you need a car for an internship nearby, but can use public transportation for the internship across the country, these are the financial decisions you must consider. Distance programs will still require transportation. You must do well with online learning and be self-motivated. There is less networking with other interns, but you can still make good connections with potential employers at local sites.
Money
Possible Options
Tuition/Program Fee
No Tuition
Stipend
Questions to Ask
• Can I afford tuition?
• Can I defer existing student loans during the internship?
• What other costs do I have?
• Can I still get financial aid for living expenses?
• Does the program meet my needs, no matter the price?
Even if it seems like the internship is a financial burden, remember that you are likely to get a very good return on your educational investment. Of course, you may desire to avoid debt and if this is the case, stipend programs could be your best bet.
Don’t judge a book by its cover on this deciding factor though. Some programs may have stipends, but they may also have tuition that is more than the stipend. Note that Veterans’ Affairs internships are notorious for offering stipends. Living costs associated with the location on the program may end up canceling out the stipend in the end. With any financial decision, analyze all the numbers and research available financial aid by contacting the program director or financial aid office.
Undergraduate loans may be deferred, but you still might need financial aid. If there is no tuition, you might have a harder time finding financial aid (since you might not be considered a student).
Also, ask the program director for information on scholarship opportunities, especially for combined Masters and internship programs.
Concentration
Possible Options:
General
Clinical
Food Service Management
Community
Research
Sports Nutrition
Pediatrics
Questions to Ask:
What are my short-term career goals?
Am I unsure of my career goals?
Do I desire a strong foundation in every area of dietetics?
In preparation for the next step in your dietetics journey, it is essential that you research all the different areas that a dietitian can practice in. Beware of saying, “I don’t know what I am interested in!” if you have not even researched what is available to you. Talk to your advisor, other dietitians, your professors, and dietetics-related work supervisors (or check out “Research the Field”).
Choosing a general emphasis is great if you do not know what you are interested in yet or are interested in multiple areas. On the other hand, remember that all internships are required to have a minimum amount of hours in each area of dietetics, so you won’t be missing out if you choose a specific emphasis. Finally, think about where you want to work right out of the internship and consider if a niche emphasis would benefit you when applying.
Grad School
Possible Options:
Combined Masters and Internship
Some Graduate Credits
Internship Only
Questions to Ask
Is a graduate degree one of my professional goals?
Do I know what area of dietetics I am most interested in?
Can I handle the time and financial commitment that comes along with the combined program?
Am I hope that the internship will help me find my niche?
Can I afford it?
There has been much debate over choosing a combined internship with graduate school or just the internship. A combined program will allow you to obtain your Master’s degree while simultaneously meeting the requirements to fulfill a DI program. These programs are usually longer than a DI program by itself, but you leave with a Master’s degree. A combined program is a nice option to consider for advancing your education while completing your internship.
It all comes down to what your career goals are. You don’t want to enter a combined Master’s in Clinical Nutrition program, only to discover that you have no interest in practicing clinical nutrition. There are also many types of Master’s programs applicable to the RD, such as public health, business administration, entrepreneurship, or nutrition communications.
Of course, it is not the end of the world and a Master’s credential will still provide you with a competitive advantage for career opportunities in any area of dietetics, but it’s to your advantage to think carefully about your decision and get the most out of your advanced study.
Researching DI Programs
Researching DI programs can be overwhelming. “Eat Right Pro” has a great tool to research programs all over the state. Click here to check it out.
Curious About the Application Process for Dietetic Internships?
Have an open mind and don’t be limited by the location of the internship, unless you have a desire to live in a particular area. Also, keep that open mind as you go through your internship, you could start with a passion for pediatrics and end with a passion for geriatrics!
Also, visit the internship program if it is logistically and financially possible. Meet the internship director; let the director put a face with your name! Also, observe the surrounding location of the internship and what that city has to offer. If you don’t like the location, it will make the internship that much harder. Contact previous interns and get their feedback about their experience beyond the workday. Past dietetic interns are more likely to tell you about how they de-stressed from the internship than directors. And again, have an open mind when applying and as you go through your internship program.
Make it Happen
• Develop your list of deciding factors and define what you want out of an internship • Keep these deciding factors in mind as your narrow down your list of worthy programs. • Start going through options early on! The earlier you start, the better off you will be. • Create a top-10 list and narrow it down to your final 4-5 choices at least 2 months before the deadline.
Are you applying to dietetic internships? Check out our FREE DICAS starter pack to start your journey to a happy match day!
Here’s What you’ll Get
7 Ways to be an Awesome Dietetics Student E-book
Dietetic Internships 101 Webinar
Downloadable Dietetic Internship Database
How to Choose the Right Dietetic Internship
How to Find Preceptors for Distance Dietetic Internships
P.S Applying to dietetic internships? Get an expert coach in your corner helping you through every step of this confusing application journey. You’ll get the exact roadmap, personalized advice, application reviews, accountability, and confidence that will bring you one step closer to becoming a dietitian. Click here to learn more about Get Matched Coaching.
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!
You’ve read the instructions over and over, but there are a few things they don’t tell you about DICAS…read this list and find out what they are!
DICAS. One of the few things that stands between you and the internship of your dreams. It’s all new to you, and it can be overwhelming or confusing. First, take a look at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Next, check out our top tips below to give you a heads up on what to expect.
Your transcripts will probably take a looooong time to process.
You’ve heard the horror stories of having to FedEx your transcripts the day before they’re due because they got lost or how someone forgot a transcript all together. Avoid the panic and send your transcripts EARLY! Mine took around three weeks to process, so get them done as soon as your grades are posted.
You need to double and even triple check each section.
Even if you type a single letter into a section, DICAS will make it look like it is complete on the homepage, even if it isn’t. Be sure to look at every section before you submit.
The application will take you a lot of time, so plan accordingly.
Don’t become a hermit but this isn’t the time to take on extra shifts at work or go on a long vacation.
Every experience is important.
Although it may not be resume-worthy, definitely list it in the Activities section. Did you volunteer somewhere for just one shift? Add it there. Keep track of everything you’ve done so you don’t forget to add it in.
You should probably PDF your resume before you upload it.
Otherwise, your format will be messed up to whoever is reading it.
Ask for your recommendations early.
You can still submit your application without all of your references in, but nobody wants to write a recommendation letter with one week’s warning. Make sure you offer them your updated resume and a list of programs you are applying to so they can write to your strengths. And of course, send a thank-you note showing your appreciation.
You might have a few breakdowns/panic attacks/crying spells.
It’s part of the process 😉
Edit, edit, edit!
Before you submit, print out your final application so you can see it all in its glory and look it over. Snag your parents, friend, an AAD Coach, to check your grammar and help you improve the visual appeal, so that it all looks perfect.
P.S. Get a full review of your DICAS application, DICAS tutorial, sample DICAS formatting, final DICAS checklist and more as part of the Get Matched Coaching experience!
Comments Off on How to Become a Registered Dietitian
by jennifer.westerkamp
What is the Difference Between a “Registered Dietitian” and a “Nutritionist”
A common question for anyone interested in studying dietetics is: “What is the difference between a “Registered Dietitian Nutritionist” (RDN) and a “Nutritionist.” Many people mistakenly use the terms “Dietitian” and “Nutritionist” interchangeably. These professions are related, but maintain distinctive qualities.
The nutritionist profession is much less regulated and protected under the law. Some states require nutritionists to obtain an occupational license and others allow nutritionists to practice without education or training. Unlike all nutritionists, all RDNs are required to complete formal education that is at least a baccalaureate degree. This program must include coursework covering:
Food service systems management
Food and nutrition science
Computer science
Chemistry
Business
Microbiology
Sociology
Biochemistry
Physiology
Economics
To maximize the depth, scope, length, and formal education and training, we recommend choosing the path of becoming an RDN.
How to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
The first step is to enroll in an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics academic program. This is the most common path in which an individual is granted at least a bachelor’s degree. Another option is to enroll in an ACEND accredited Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP), Future Education Model Graduate Degree Program (FG), or International Dietitian Education Program (IDE). Graduates of the listed programs are eligible to take the CDR’s Registration exam to become credentialed as an RDN. When you’re ready, click here to learn about our exam prep support.
Note: Starting in January of 2024, a graduate degree will be required to sit for the RD exam.
After completing a bachelor’s degree in addition to receiving a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited program, complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice Dietetic Internship (DI) or Individual Supervised Practice (ISPP). The average match (“acceptance”) rate for dietetic internships/RD programs hovers around 60%. The supervised practice is combined with the CP, FG, and IDE listed above. This is a competitive application process with no guarantee of landing a spot, so we’re here to help!
The next step is to pass the dietetic registration exam (“RD exam”), gain licensure in your state of practice (if applicable), and maintain your continuing education hours through CDR.
Comments Off on What is D&D Digital and How Does It Work
by jennifer.westerkamp
D&D Digital internship matching helps future dietitians get matched to a dietetic internship or RD program. Learn how this system works below.
Why Should I Use D&D Digital?
D&D Digital internship matching is the website that collects applicants’ Dietetic Internship (DI) program rankings and also helps DI program directors receive applications. To be eligible for a match, you must create a D&D Digital account AND a DICAS account (check out our blog post: What is DICAS and How Does it Work). We recommend that applicants register online with D&D Digital early to prevent any potential ssues.
Registration
First, the applicant must register online. Each matching period requires a new application registration. If the applicant is applying to the pre-select admission option, they don’t need to register for D&D Digital. The registration requires an address and billing information. D&D Digital charges application fees to use its system for the match.
Internship Choices
After registering, the applicant can enter the internships in his or her priority order by ranking it under “Internship Choices” and saving the choices. There is an opportunity for applicants who have registered for the match by the deadline for completing the DICAS application to reorder their DI priority rankings after the deadline.
Release and Verification Information
The applicant has the option to have his or her name released on the list of applicants who were or were not matched under the “Release and Verification Information”.
Dietetic Internship Matching Process – Matching Results
The matching process uses both the applicant and the DI program’s ranking to create the final class list. First, the D&D Matching algorithm removes internship rankings of applicants that did not list them and vice versa. D&D looks at the matching window of the applicant’s ranked preferences and matches it to the DI programs.
After the applicant ranks and saves their internship choices and the D&D matching algorithm matches the applicants and the programs, the applicant will check “Matching Results” on match day to see where he or she got matched.
How to Get Ahead of the Game
With the match rate hovering around 60%, the competition is fierce. With Get Matched Coaching, you’ll work one-on-one with an expert coach who will be in your corner to help you through every step of this competitive and confusing application process. Click here to learn more!
The road to becoming a Registered Dietitian is not easy, and there is a lot of competition along the way. The biggest battle is against yourself.
By: Emily Hulse
If you’re anything like me, you’ve seen it all. You’ve seen students glancing at one another’s tests as they’re handed back, anticipating comparison, you’ve heard professors explain the importance of being a stand-out student relentlessly, and you’ve read the statistics of the latest Match Round of the dietetic internship. You understand the road to becoming a dietitian is competitive, but you won’t give up on your dream.
Sometimes, it seems impossible to attain the famous RDN credential.
To become an R.D., you have to jump through hoops, including a Bachelor’s degree, Verification Statement, Dietetic Internship, and a national exam. Don’t get me wrong- these steps ensure that dietitians across the country are prepared for their positions. Producing amazing dietitians is incredibly important, but just because I’ve accepted it doesn’t make it any easier to digest!
This process can look overwhelming during the daily routine of classes, supervised practice, volunteering or working a paid job, studying, eating, and trying to exercise. This can lead to stress, mental health issues, or even fear of the future within this field. But it doesn’t have to turn out this way.
It’s easy to see how difficult the road to becoming an RDN is.
But sometimes, the obstacle most in your way is… yourself. As hard as that is sounds, it’s true that you are the only one in charge of your success. You can still be competitive without competing against others and ruining relationships with other incredible students. The best competition comes from within, from making ourselves better on the inside rather than focusing on the success of our classmates/peers, professors, and school.
Next time your professor hands out an exam, don’t focus on the student’s score next to you.
Instead, focus on how it compares to your final exam grade. If it’s better – excellent, and if not, inspire yourself to work harder. Keep track of your grades and aim to improve at each opportunity. When your professor reiterates the importance of being a stand-out student, remember that you already are one! If you feel unprepared for the future, find more opportunities for success. It doesn’t always mean joining the same clubs as your other classmates to check off another box on your resume. Maybe it means getting a job or starting a blog to keep you motivated and set you apart. Whatever it is, make sure to motivate yourself to stay humble and grounded. And finally, while the statistics don’t often lie, remember that one day after hard work and dedication, you’ll be matched to a dietetic internship, too.
While it is easier said than done, reflecting on your future career in nutrition and dietetics, your passions, experiences, and goals will help you see the importance of your choices. Instead of spending four years tearing down your classmates’ grades, build yourself up and achieve what you can. It all will pay off, even if it is hard to see during midterms week. In the end, becoming an R.D. is all worth it.
Stay humble and motivated, RD2Be’s. And remember who the real competition is: yourself.
P.S. Are you in yet? Check out Get Matched Coaching so you can land the dietetic internship of your dreams.
Reddit often goes one step further from the typical Google degree in nutrition. But is this advice fact or myth? Jenny Westerkamp, RD, CSSD, breaks it down.
Nothing like the Internet for reliable nutrition information 😉 I scoured Reddit for some uh, exciting nutrition advice and picked some of the most “unique.” Read on to find out the truth on some of these crazy myths!
Truth: Eating protein in the morning is a great way to stay packed, but it won’t help you “absorb” it better if you eat it first thing in the morning. However, eating a protein of high biological value (aka “complete protein”) will help you get all of the amino acids your body doesn’t produce and pack a bigger punch than a protein source of low B.V. As for leptin, this essential hormone is mainly regulated by fatty tissue. It is not influenced by immediate protein consumption in the AM (or any time of day, for that matter).
Truth: Science has shown many benefits to eating breakfast, but skipping it will not result in diabetes. Diabetes, assuming they are talking about type 2, is a multifactorial disease, and skipping breakfast now and again and eating carbs won’t cause it. However, eating breakfast full of healthy carbs, such as fiber, will keep you full and focused throughout the day.
Truth: Maybe they’re thinking of hydroxyapatite? That’s the mineral that makes up your teeth and bones. However, your bones have nothing to do with your appetite!
Truth: Rinsing your meat with water won’t reduce the fat content, but you might spread nasty germs. Try buying leaner ground beef (at least 88% lean) or wait until it cooks and pour the grease off instead.
What’s the craziest nutrition advice you’ve ever heard? Sound off!
P.S. Do you want the FREE DI Toolkit used by thousands of DI applicants? YES PLEASE
If you’re looking for a way to expand your horizons after you step out of the classroom, read this list!
So you finally got your Bachelor’s degree….now what?! If you’ve ever had that thought, you aren’t alone. Many people can agree that you never stop learning, and that’s particularly true in the ever-changing dietetics field with the variety of continuing education opportunities available. Luckily, you can continue lifelong learning in many ways!
1. Master’s Degrees
Master’s degrees are a common way that many RD’s, or those in the nutrition field, further their education. Besides, all new RD’s will have a Master’s starting in 2024, so why not get ahead of the game? Many Master’s programs are more in-depth and specific to a particular subject in comparison to Bachelor’s programs- so this is your chance to delve into a topic you love. Many RD’s earn their MPH (Master’s of Public Health), MBA (Master’s of Business Administration), or Master’s of Science (MS). Find a Master’s program located near you here.
2. Ph.D. or Doctorate Degrees
A Ph.D. or Doctorate is the highest level of education you can achieve, and it will set you apart from the rest. Only around 5% of RD’s have their Ph.D., and most are found in the educational or research setting. These degrees are typically grounded in research and take around 3-5 years to complete. A doctorate, such as a Doctorate of Clinical Nutrition, is equal to a Ph.D. but is typically for established professionals who want to increase their expertise in their field.
3. Coursera
Don’t want to commit to an academic program but still want to take some classes? Check out Coursera, a website that lets you take courses online from renowned universities. There are hundreds of courses available from an endless amount of topics. The best part? You don’t have any homework 😉
4. Certifications
Are you already an RD and looking to specialize in a certain area and gain expertise? There’s probably a certification for you! The Commission on Dietetic Registration currently has seven options for certification. You can become a board-certified specialist in:
Nutrition Support (CNSC)
Oncology Nutrition (CSO)
Sports Dietetics (CSSD)
Pediatric Nutrition (CSP)
Renal Nutrition (CSR)
Gerontological Nutrition (CSG)
Obesity and Weight Management (CSOWM)
These certifications are earned after working as an RD for three years, having worked at least 4000 hours in the area of your desired specialty, and passing the board certification exam. Another specialty certification is the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. Information can be found here. In addition to boosting your earning potential and making you more marketable to employers, you will also gain expertise in the field and add to your skills as an RD.
5. Keeping Up with Research
What better way to keep up with the field than by reading the latest research? Stay on top of what is happening in the world of nutrition by being aware of current news. As nutrition students and professionals, we are constantly reminded of how vital evidence-based research is. And besides, it will come in handy when your Dr. Oz-loving friend asks you about that new crazy trend.
6. CEUs
CEU’s, or continuing education units, require all RD’s to maintain their credentialing. CEU’s are offered through attending conferences, local symposiums, or even through taking certified online programs. You never know what you will learn!
7. Teach
Many have often said that the best way to learn something is to teach it to someone else. This is so true! If you are still a student, see if you can become a teaching assistant or volunteer in the tutoring center. If you are an RD, scope out opportunities by teaching a class where you work or at a local school or hospital.
What is your favorite thing to learn about? Sound off in the comments!
P.S. Are you a new Registered Dietitian searching for your first job? Join Get Hired Coaching to land the position of your dreams!
Attending your first nutrition and dietetics conference is an important and exciting step in becoming a Registered Dietitian.
I remember it well- the nervousness, intimidation, and the restless night before. I spent hours picking out the perfect outfit, double-checking my purse for a notepad, and packing two pens. Most importantly, I remember stepping in the doors and attending my first nutrition conference. This experience provided some critical takeaways.
R.D’s love food- a lot
This may seem obvious, but it sunk in the first hour of my conference. While I was too nervous to eat breakfast, R.D’s around me strolled in with coffee, homemade smoothies, and snacks. I expected a stuffy room of strict professionals, but most attendees enjoyed a snack or beverage throughout the day.
You will hear excellent presentations…
Sometimes, it can feel like you are all alone in your homework and textbooks. But when you finally sit in a room of like-minded, passionate individuals, you will be reminded differently. You will engage in presentations about things you didn’t realize were a part of the nutrition and dietetics scope. You will hear presentations that inspire you, terrify you, and validate your passion for this field.
… And some not-so-great presentations, too
Not everyone is a performer. Just like your food science presentations in class, some dietitians aren’t great presenters. Regardless, hearing imperfect presentations may help you feel a little less intimidated at a big event like a nutrition conference. This reminds you that RDs are people, too, just like you.
Dietitians love to mingle.
While presentations are a large part of a nutrition conference, socializing is, too. Dietitians live for small breaks throughout the day to get to know each other more. While some of the attendees may be your professors or classmates, others may be gathering research about lentils or working with eating disorder patients. Whatever the case may be, you will meet a variety of R.D’s who do just about everything. When you find someone who stands out to you, make sure to make a lasting impression. You never know where mingling with a few R.D.N.s will take you!
You may feel overwhelmed.
During and after my first nutrition conference, I felt a lot of confusion. I was confused not only about the content of some presentations but about myself, too. Connecting with R.D’s taught me that nutrition is a wide-open field. Finding your population, role, and niche in nutrition takes time, which many students haven’t quite figured out. By attending conferences, you are one step closer to learning what your place is.
My first nutrition conference exhausted me. I was physically tired from being nervous about the little things like my hair and outfit. But mentally, my first nutrition conference excited me. It inspired me to head back to my classrooms and study harder, gain external experience through research and volunteering, and ultimately communicate with those all around me and connect over a passion for this field. Your first nutrition conference will be something you will never forget, and I know it will be an experience to push you forward.
P.S. What was your first nutrition conference? If you haven’t attended one, check out FNCE for a great place to start!
P.P.S. Are you applying to dietetic internships? Join the Get Matched Course to find clarity and confidence in your application and land the dietetic internship of your dream!
Comments Off on Advice from Dietitians to Future Dietitians
by Alison Pace
Becoming a Registered Dietitian certainly isn’t easy. We’ve compiled advice from dietitians for nutrition students, dietetic interns, and all future RD’s.
We all have a clear recollection of why we wanted to get into the nutrition field and become registered dietitians. Some of those reasons are near and dear to our hearts, and some of those reasons are very simple- we love nutrition! When on the journey to become a registered dietitian, there are plenty of bumps along the road. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget why we are doing what we are doing.
“Why did I decide to volunteer again this week when I have a test tomorrow?” Why am I taking six classes this semester?” How is summer almost over when all I did was a volunteer and work?” These are common questions I’ve both asked and heard during my years as a student.
Since becoming an RD (yay!) in July 2016, I often thought about what I wish I knew along the way to make things a little easier for me. Honestly, the best advice that I could give would only begin and end with two words: networking and volunteering. So important. Not only do these things look amazing on your resume, but they will also help you navigate your way through dietetics with a bit of ease.
Networking can lead to you shadowing multiple RDs in different fields, learning about nutrition from another point of view, and making your name known in the dietetics field early.
Volunteering will make your resume and your DICAS application look amazing. I asked one dietetic intern and one dietitian about what they would have liked to know before starting a nutrition career. This is what they had to say.
“Network as much as possible, take on as many volunteer opportunities as you can, big or small.”
“If you’re struggling in academics, then definitely seek out a tutor, your professor, or other resources that your University provides for extra help. When trying to get into an internship and meet with the director, whether it’s one-on-one or in a group setting, come prepared with questions. Don’t forget to update your resume and LinkedIn as you go continually”. – Jess Mirkin, Dietetic Intern at the University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT.
“Becoming a dietitian is a long road, but it will all be worth it in the end; keep going!”
The dietetics community is tiny and close-knit. Never burn bridges; you never know who knows your potential internship director or future boss. Volunteer as much as you can; it’s the best and sometimes the only way to get experience in nutrition as a student. Be persistent; dietitians are super busy and may not respond to questions right away but typically respond well to those who show they are ready to work, learn, and show that they have something to offer. Being a dietitian can sometimes feel like a thankless job; remember why you started in the first place and how important what you’re doing is”. – Hailey Beiner, RDN, C-DN.
The consensus seems to be the same- networking, persistence, volunteering, never feeling like you can’t ask for help, and always remembering why you started this journey. Never give up, and remember that it’s worth it!
We’ve compiled nine motivating, inspiring, and fun videos from future dietitians across the country so you can learn, laugh, and stay on track to become an R.D.!
This past fall, we held the most epic America’s Next Top Dietitian contest! Here are the top 10 finalists and their inspiration-filled videos. Trust me; these are WELL worth the watch. And ICYMI, Rebecca Yellin, was our winner, and we featured her story here!
Take the time to investigate your options and think about what you want to get out of your dietetic internship. Follow these tips to help you decide.
What do you want out of an internship? This is a big question that can help you find your best path to becoming a Registered Dietitian. In this post, I will go through some ways to help you make that decision.
What do YOU want out of your dietetic internship? We all know by now that there is a great possibility we might not get matched with our first choice, but do you want to sit back and wonder what if? I have heard of students who decided not to apply somewhere because they thought it was too tough to get in, even though it may have been their dream internship.
Keep in mind that this is a time in your life where you can afford to be a little selfish. I realize that many people are not in a situation where they can move around the country, but if you are, embrace it! Be sure that you are choosing internships that are right for you based on your needs and wants, not based on convenience or the desires of others. If your top choice happens to be across the street or happens to be the same one that your best friend is ranking first, then that’s great! If not, listen to your gut– it’s usually right.
Many factors differentiate each internship program from the other. Consider what you can realistically afford to do and choose from programs that match your interests and experiences. I was willing to look across the country for internships.
I knew I wanted a general emphasis, was attracted to teaching hospitals, did not want a graduate degree yet, and wanted the option to do an elective rotation in Chicago (my hometown). Massachusetts General Hospital offered all of that to me, and that is where I got matched. When you apply to programs that match what you are interested in, your genuine enthusiasm for the program will shine through to the selection committee and reflect well on your application. The match works two ways—both you and the program should fit well with each other. Proving you are the perfect fit is what the application is for! Let’s dive deeper into defining what you want in an internship.
Deciding Factors
Location
Cost
Emphasis
Grad School
Electives
Affiliation
Rotation Sites
Final Thoughts
Have an open mind, and don’t be limited by the internship location, unless you desire to live in a particular area. Also, keep that open mind as you go through your internship; you could start with a passion for pediatrics and end with a passion for geriatrics!
Visit the internship program if it is logistically and financially possible. Meet the internship director; let the director put a face with your name! Also, observe the surrounding location of the internship and what that city has to offer. If you don’t like the site, it will make the internship that much harder. Contact previous interns and get their feedback about their experience beyond the workday. Past dietetic interns are more likely to tell you about how they de-stressed from the internship than directors. And again, have an open mind when applying and as you go through your internship program.
Make it Happen
Develop your list of deciding factors and define what you want out of an internship.
Keep these deciding factors in mind as your narrow down your list of worthy programs.
Start going through options early on! The earlier you start, the better off you will be.
Create a top-10 list, and narrow it down to your final 4-5 choices at least two months before the deadline.
Studying for exams as a nutrition major can be difficult. These study strategies can help you succeed in becoming a Registered Dietitian.
P.N. and EN equations, Krebs cycle enzymes and intermediates, the steps in the Nutrition Care Process- there’s a lot of information that a future dietitian must know. Future RD’s must get good grades in classes and excel in the internship and then pass the R.D. exam. Gone are the days that you have only your textbook and pen and paper to study. Now there are so many online tools that are designed to help you get better grades. Here are five strategies that will help you be more focused and better prepared for your exams.
1. Use Flashcards
You can even save yourself the money you typically spend on 3X5 cards to make flashcards using Study Stack. You can search for flashcards that other students have already made, create your flashcards, and then practice and play games with your online flashcards. Flashcards are a great way to study for any exam.
2. Avoid Distractions
How many times have you clicked on Facebook when you should be studying for that next biochemistry exam? Use ways to help monitor your distractions, like StayFocusd. StayFocusd is an extension for Google Chrome that allows you to configure how much time you spend on specific pages. Once your allotted time has been used, the site will be inaccessible for the rest of the day. With nearly 5,000 reviews, this support tool has helped a lot of people stay focused.
3. Create Study Groups
If you live close to your classmates, form a regular study group with study goals set at the beginning of each session. If you would like to connect and study with students virtually, you can use StudyRoom. StudyRoom allows you to communicate with your classmates by setting up a dashboard and sharing materials or asking questions. You need your school email address, and then you click into specific classes.
4. Plan studying into your Calendar
Cramming for a test lowers your ability to retain information. Create a balanced study schedule to help your brain keep what you learn. GoConqr allows you to create a study schedule and manage and track tasks. It also allows you to develop other study tools to gain insight into which topics you are mastering and which ones you need to study more.
5. Take Breaks to Eat and Move During your Study Sessions
When you study, you are using energy, so take time to refuel. And take time to stretch and move your body. If you need a reminder, Stand Up! is a flexible work break timer that allows you to set timers within your schedule.
Finding the right study tools and techniques may be a trial and error process but find what works for you. Have you found an online study tool that has helped you master your nutrition classes?
P.S. The Study Smarter Method has helped hundreds of RD’s pass the exam. Learn more about Pass The Exam Prep.
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.
