The following points explain the dietetic internship application process, what the internship programs look for and what you can do to prepare during your graduate program to build up your resume and stand out as an applicant.
Each DI program emphasizes different applicant characteristics. There is no formula for guaranteed entrance into a dietetic internship. However, there are certainly things you can do to increase your chances. Here is a list of ways you can increase your marketability for a dietetic internship.
Use Summers and Winter Breaks Wisely
Try to gain as much experience in the field of nutrition (clinical, community, foodservice) as you can during these times. Even if you’re only able to volunteer or work for a month or so, that qualifies as experience and is looked highly upon by internship directors.
Get As Much Work and Volunteer Experience As Possible
Consider obtaining these experiences in your hometown where there may be more experience opportunities than in Chico. Visit with NFSC professors to inquire about various externship opportunities in Chico and surrounding communities.
Think Outside the Box
Explore towns surrounding Chico such as Red Bluff, Paradise, Oroville, and Orland. There are many job opportunities there that may be unsought by Chico State students. Take advantage of any available opportunity.
Think Clinical
Clinical experience is often highly regarded, whether it’s through a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Don’t be afraid to make cold calls asking if they need any volunteers or employees at their facility.
Impress Your Professors and Managers
It is very likely that you will be asking your current manager, preceptor, mentor, and NFSC professors to write letters of recommendation for you in the future. It’s best to get to know them as early as possible. Go into their office during office hours and ask them about additional externship and volunteer experiences in nutrition and research. They are there to help you.
Study
Realize EARLY ON that grades matter! Competitive GPA’s fall within the 3.5 to 4.0 range. Students with GPAs between 3.0 and 3.5 are sometimes matched if they have strong work experiences in the field of nutrition and foodservice. Other applicant qualities, such as a double major, are bilingual/bicultural, or who have shown strong leadership skills.
Some programs emphasize dietetic coursework and science coursework. Most programs have a science GPA minimum of 3.0. Therefore, it’s important to prioritize your time wisely so that you study hard for classes such as chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, and advanced human nutrition. In addition, many programs look highly on achieving A’s in your MNT course series.
Become Well-Rounded
Selection committees look for well-rounded candidates who are involved in diverse activities such as student government, clubs, sports, sororities/fraternities, and professional organizations. For example, the Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).
Seek Leadership Opportunities
Run for a leadership role in clubs or student government on campus. A great club to get involved in is the Nutrition and Wellness Association.
Expand Your Horizons
Seek experiences with culturally diverse groups. Cultural diversity experience can include studying abroad or working with minority groups in community nutrition or healthcare setting. In addition, seek opportunities to become more educated about various cultures.
Network
It’s important to get to know nutrition professionals and internship directors. Attend a variety of professional meetings including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (CAND).
While at conferences and symposiums, approach nutrition professionals and internship directors. Most are more than willing to spend time with future colleagues. Ask them how they got started—you will be amazed at the variety of paths people have taken. Introduce yourself including your name, school, and what excites you about the profession of dietetics. Next, ask them a question such as, “What is it that you do in the area of dietetics and how did you become interested in that area?” If you are speaking to a dietetic internship director, come prepared with specific questions about their program such as, “What can you tell me about the rotations in your internship program?” or, “What tips do you have for applicants?”
Variety, Balance, Moderation
Just as with obtaining a variety of foods in your diet, you want your work and volunteer positions to include a variety of diverse audiences and experiences. A variety of experiences including work experience, extracurricular and volunteer activities look the best on applications. You need to balance these experiences with studying, socializing, and having fun.
Wellcat Counseling Center
The Wellcat Counseling Center is available on campus to assist in managing stress and is free of charge to all CSUC students.
Additional Resources
- This is a great book with many helpful tips written by Valerie Buchanan called Getting In: The Keys to Unlocking the Door to a Dietetic Internship(opens in new window)
- All Access Internship Tips(opens in new window) - The All Access Internships website provide hundreds of tips for getting into a Dietetic Internship.
- When applying to dietetic internships, most participate in a computer matching process. More information regarding computer matching can be found at Top 10 Questions about Computer Matching for Dietetic Internships (PDF).