Preparing for a Dietetic Internship

As you are aware, at the completion of the baccalaureate degree, you may want to apply for a dietetic internship as the next step to becoming a Registered Dietitian. It is a competitive process. To help you in securing an internship, you need to think about the following:

I. Your Academic Achievements

All internships look at the academic performance of the applicants. The ADA application form asks for cumulative and DPD (didactic program in dietetics) GPAs with separate calculations for science, elective and other categories of coursework as well. Individual programs may have different emphases in weighting GPA as part of their evaluation. Some programs may have a minimum GPA requirement, but for most, 3.0 constitutes an implied minimum.

II. Your Work Experience

Internship also look very closely at your work experience (paid or volunteer) as part of the screening process. Work in the dietetics field, in a hospital setting, is particularly valuable and we encourage students to gain this experience, particularly in their junior and senior years. Other helpful work experiences can be found in community nutrition settings such as the Dairy Council, Cooperative Extension and WIC. Beyond these areas, a wide range of work activities will count to a lesser degree.

III. Your Personal Attributes

A third factor that internships look for is evidence of leadership, work ethic, responsibility, and maturity. These attributes may be reflected in your work experience, but student leadership in the Student Nutrition Association or student government are also valuable experience options.

IV. The Application Process

It is very important to begin to gather information about internship programs several months in advance of the program deadline for receipt of the application. Many programs have individual web sites and the ADA web site, www.eatright.org, may be helpful. Remember that the application process is a two-way exercise: you need to make sure the internship meets your needs as well as your meeting the requirements of the internship. You need to allow adequate time to do the following:

1. Look at the current DEP Directory of Internships and the ADA Directory of Internship Programs available for reference in the Nutrition Department office (SFB 215). Karon Feltonis also available to answer questions. These two references will provide phone numbers, email addresses and the names of contacts for the specific internship.
   
2. The DEP binder contains more detailed information than the ADA directory. From the listing of current internship programs, you can select those of interest to you and contact them for more detailed information and application materials. For a small fee, ADA also provides a floppy disk with the application materials that allows you to fill out the forms using your computer. Look for things like length of the program, number of interns they accept, special emphases and features, fees and tuition or availability of stipend, total cost of the program and location of the program.
   
3. When you receive the application materials, generate a final list. Most students now apply to 4-6 programs, but remember that each program has a non-refundable application processing fee. The application packets will give you more information about the programs and help you decide on your final choices. At this point, it is also helpful to a) call the internship director with some specific questions about the program so you can learn as much as possible about the program and make contact personally with the program; b) if at all possible, visit the program (call ahead and make a specific appointment, don't just drop by), and/or c) visit with dietitians in the community who interned at the programs you are interested in. Deadlines for application according to the ADA calendar are usually mid-February for a summer start date and mid-September for a January start date. All applications will require the following:
   
   1. A signed, original copy of either the "Intent to Complete" or "Verification of Completion" form. These are obtained from the dietetics program director, Dr. Ashley. You will need one for each program you are applying to, plus 2-3 extras for "just in case."
   2. Official transcripts from all institutions you have attended for college credits.
   3. Letters of recommendation - normally you will need a minimum of three recommendations. The application packet generally provides the recommendation form. You need to provide the person you are asking to write the letter of recommendation with a copy of the form. A copy of your current resume is also helpful to the person writing the recommendation. Please give the person plenty of time to complete the form. A rushed, last minute recommendation isn't generally the best recommendation. Selecting references is very important - be sure that you make the right choices.
   4. Match form - a form from D & D Digital is required. On this form, you will indicate your first, second, etc. choices for an internship. The forms can be obtained from Dr. Ashley, DPD Director and are available online at http://www.dnddigital.com/ada/adaform.pdf.
   5. A personal letter of application from you that indicates your career goals, why you want to become a Registered Dietitian, and what strengths you would bring to a particular internship. Student Services provides workshops to help with this letter. Again, this is very important since in many cases, it will be the first contact a reviewer has with you. Ask someone whose opinion you respect and who will objectively comment to read it and make suggestions.
      
4. After the initial applications are screened, an applicant may be asked for an interview, either in person or by telephone. Be prepared, dress appropriately, think about potential questions ahead of time. Get as much information as you can about the interview in order to prepare.
   
5. Selected applicants are notified of their acceptance in November and April and must respond on the deadline.
    
6. Above all, know the rules of the game. Successful applications involve much more than GPA and work experience. Information, preparation and adequate time to do the job are essential ingredients as well.