Applying for a Dietetic Internship: Tips from an Intern

Applying for a Dietetic Internship: Tips from an Intern

Being a first year intern, I have already learned so much through my rotations and coursework, but not too long ago I was a senior in college preparing to apply for programs and figuring out plans for my future.

Now, it’s that time of the year again when undergrad seniors in dietetics programs are investigating into their future within the dietetics field. Having gone through a similar process not too long ago, I can relate to all the craziness that comes with searching for dietetics masters programs and internships, and praying that you are matched!  

Thinking about all the tips I was given from previous interns, I wanted to share some of my knowledge and tips that helped me successfully get an internship!

Tip #1: Start early & take your time!

Filling out the DICAS application is time consuming & lengthy. Don’t wait until the last minute to begin filling it out. If you want to make sure that you fill it out to your best ability, take your time! If you wait until the last minute to begin filling out your application it’s added stress and you're more likely to forget important details that you wanted to include on your application.

Tip #2: Investigate thoroughly!

Investigate various programs thoroughly. Looking into internship programs and schools can be scary. What exactly are you looking for in a program? Does the program have a concentration that peaks an interest in you? The most important thing is that when you are looking at schools and determining where you want to apply, all aspects of the program work for you!

Tip #3: Contact directors & get your name out there!

Don’t be afraid to contact internship directors! I contacted every director to programs that I was interested in and asked questions regarding the program. Not only did I get direct answers to my questions, but it allowed directors to know my name. Especially if you are looking to apply to somewhere that is different than your undergrad program, like I did, you want to get your name known and allow directors to know that you are interested in their program!

Tip #4: Visit!

Go visit schools that you are interested in! Go to open houses and learn more about the program! Directors really like that student show their interest and take time to introduce themselves in person and learn about the program. This is also beneficial if you’ve contacted directors previously, and they can put a name to your face. This is really important once evaluating applications comes along. You can even add that you personally met the director in your personal statement!

Tip #5: Make your personal statements personal!

Everyone that is applying has a passion in nutrition and wants to become Registered Dietitian. Set yourself a part from everyone else! Did something affect your decision in deciding to study nutrition and pursue an internship? Did you yourself have dietary restrictions or nutrition-related conditions that made you want to learn about nutrition? Were you an athlete that realized nutrition was a huge part of your peak performance? Think about it, and be creative!

Use your experiences to explain the various things you have achieved and talk yourself up! This can be hard but if you’ve achieved something awesome throughout your nutrition-related experiences, talk about it!!

When you talk about your short term and long-term goals, don’t just be simple in saying to get an internship and become a Registered Dietitian. Be specific! For short-term goals, is there a specific elective rotation you would want to complete or for a long-term goal, is there a specific specialty or certification you would want to become! Think outside the box! And if you’re unsure, you can talk about all the goals you may want to accomplish in the nutrition field!

All and all for you personal statement, brag about yourself! If you don’t talk about it in your application, directors and programs won’t know about it!

Tip #6: Incorporate the program’s principles and program mission into your personal statement

What are important characteristics of the program? Is it leadership? Is it community or entrepreneurship? How do these characteristics relate to your strengths? Why are they important to you? Relating the program to your personal values shows you investigated the program, you connect with the program and you belong in the program!

Tip #7: Proof read & have others proof read!

Proof read your application, have your professors proof read, your parents, your friends, anyone that you trust to proof read it! You want to present the best application you can! Don’t let small errors be a deciding factor in your acceptance!

Tip #8: Believe in yourself!

Believe in yourself and your experiences that have led you to this point! Be confident in what you’ve done and explain that so directors know how amazing you are!

No matter what happens on your match day, don’t be discouraged and don’t give up on your dream! You will get an internship!

EB