Focus on Networking Opportunities

As we head into a new year, it's important to be open-minded. Over time your interests are going to change and so may what you are looking for in a dietetic internship. I received this advice from a hugely successful dietitian (Beverly Price of http://www.gettingthatjumpstart.com) that should get you thinking, especially if you are thinking that the ONLY internships to apply to are the most "prestigious" ones.

"When I was applying for internships, I wanted to be adventurous, so I planned on applying to exotic places. I worked at the Detroit Medical Center throughout college as 'summer help.' The dietetic department director asked me why I was considering applying all over the map. I had no solid answer. What he said made a lot of sense. He knew that I was close to my family and had a lot of connections in Michigan. He said, “If you go away for your internship and then come back, who is going to know you? An internship is an internship is an internship. Get it done in Michigan, and therefore you will keep your current connections while making new ones.

I took his advice, only applied to DMC and got accepted. Was it the crème de la crème internship? Not exactly. The DMC was not and still is not known for forging the way in medical research, although interesting nutrition research has emerged from Wayne State University—the DMC affiliate. My internship did offer exposure to cases that an intern may not see in a suburban plush hospital. As for the staff dietitians, I felt very few did much to better themselves or the profession. The highlight of our education was learning about obsolete diets that we will (hopefully) never use. Was it great for networking? Absolutely! I made connections that I still have today, which have benefited my career.

Thankfully, one of my favorite floor dietitians—very progressive—finally took over as internship director and the program became filled with new and exciting learning opportunities. This particular director invited me back to speak each year. She too has now retired, but left a positive impact on the program.

So, I guess what I am trying to say here is aside from looking at a program for what it has to offer academically and experientially, look at where you would like to be long term while looking beyond the theoretical and exotic location. Think about the networking piece of the puzzle as well."

Studying for the GRE

Not every internship requires the GRE, but several of them would like to see scores even if you are not receiving graduate credit. Why? Because it can be a reflection of your basic knowledge gained in college as well as a benchmark to compare students from different programs across the country. But don't stress too much just yet if you are not a good standardized test taker - many directors state that other factors like work experience are more important.

I myself am just about to start studying for the GRE which I take in early January - so wish me luck! Leave me a comment with tips on how to be successful on the GRE so that all of the readers can benefit from your experience.

Also -- ALL ACCESS INTERNSHIPS FEATURED IN TODAY'S DIETITIAN
As I was busy studying for my finals, Jenny called to tell me the big news. Our web site has been featured in the most recent issue of Today's Dietitian. Be sure to check it out this is so exciting for us!!

This is all about YOU

Doesn't it seem like everyone has an opinion about what internships you should be applying to? Maybe your advisor thinks you would be a great fit somewhere, your best friend wants you to apply to all of the same ones as her, and your family wants you to go to the internship closest to home. All of these ideas coming from all different directions only adds to the confusion you are currently experiencing.

I want to be the first to say that this is all about YOU. 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 because they thought it was too tough to get in even though it may have been their dream internship. And others don't want to leave boyfriends behind.

Please just 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. I promise it's usually right.

Katie

Slow and steady wins the race

Many of you might be thinking: "It's only November, and I still have three months until applications are due." While this is true, why not look and see what steps you could be taking right now to get ahead? I can bet that when February rolls around you would much rather be perfecting your personal statement letter than scrambling to arrange transcript requests and reference letters.

Many internship applications require that you ask your program director for a reference letter. Have you ever considered just HOW MANY reference letters this one person might be writing? Give them ample time to write you a stand out letter. Fill out the Student Information Form located on the Articles page at http://www.allaccessinternships to get started. Give this to your professor as soon as possible so they don't feel rushed. Get them while yours may be the only letter they are focusing on! Which brings me to another point, ask them in PERSON (that's right, ask, don't just say "I need you to write this reference"). You will appear much more professional and appreciative of the time they will be spending if you drop by their office rather than sending an email request.

Not everyone is ready for this step yet. Many of you are probably still narrowing down your choices and while this may seem obvious, remember to do the legwork yourself. Do NOT have parents calling internship directors to find out information or to arrange a visit. Internship directors are looking for independent, self-motivated individuals. Prove that you are one of them!

Katie

Recovering from a FNCE high

Happy Thursday everyone!

As I am getting back in the groove of things (and waiting for Grey's Anatomy to come on!), I thought I would reflect on the past 5 days I spent in Chicago for my first ever FNCE experience. All I can say is wow!

I met so many dynamic individuals, both students and professionals alike. It was wonderful to put a face to the names of so many directors and students we had been communicating with. Jenny and I (and All Access Internships of course) had a presence in the Product Marketplace on Sunday along with numerous other entrepreneurial dietitians as well as at the Student Recruitment Fair, to which we were courteously invited by the Dietetic Educators of Pracitioners Practice Group.

If I came away with any one tip from these past few days it would be to JOIN A DPG! I am a member of both the Nutrition Entrepreneurs and Dietitians in Business and Communications practice groups and my membership enabled me to meet that many more people. I met the entire NE executive board at their sponsored session and also attended a DBC Networking Breakfast where I met many individuals working in the food industry and other large companies. I walked away from FNCE with a stack of business cards and an overwhelming excitement for our profession.

I hope you will take the time to read the article on our site regarding "Attending a Professional Meeting like a Professional" before next year's meeting. Start working on your business cards now, and I hope to see you all in Denver!

Katie

To visit or not to visit?

I am still trying to decide on a fifth internship, which has proven a lot more difficult than I thought. I have gone through all of the websites another time and compiled a list of options for my final choice. I have about 6 that I am deciding between, but none of them stick out to me as much as my top 4. Looks like this will take a little longer than I originally anticipated...

So the big question now is: Should I visit? I know that visiting is the best way to truly get a feel for the personality of the program, but the cost can be overwhelming when you are traveling halfway across the country. I have decided that I will visit my top two choices as well as the one that is in my region. Here are some tips for organizing the visit:

1. Check out the open house date here http://www.indiana.edu/~nutrvmg/DIopenhouses.htm or on the program website.

2. If you can't make it or don't want to miss school, check with the internship director to see if he/she will offer an individual visit. Most directors are more than accommodating.

3. Make sure you are not visiting on an "off" day. Don't visit on a weekend day, over their holiday breaks, or during times when they are having classroom training. You want to get a good feel for the program and that is going to be when all the interns are there doing their rotations.

4. Check for flights and hotel accommodations. Ask the director if she recommends any hotels. If you are traveling alone, it might be a good idea to stay within walking distance of the hospital/university/etc. Southwest is my personal favorite airline because you can download the DING application from the website to monitor specific airports for deals. You can find flights for as low as $50 each way! Priceline.com is another good one for grabbing last minute deals on both hotel and flight.

5. Don't forget to use your resources. Do you know someone in the area or is a graduate from your school attending that program? They may allow you to crash at their place for the night. It doesn't hurt to ask the director if you could get in touch with one of the interns and see if this is possible, even if you don't know them. Most people would love to help out and know how hard it can be to make a visit if you have to pay for transportation and housing.

Once I actually visit, I will be able to provide you with even more tips! I would love to hear all of your suggestions for preparing for the big day too so be sure to leave me a comment.

Katie

Settling on a number

Hi Everyone!

I am excited to write my first blog post on here for you all to read about my year leading up to match day this April. I don't think that I will mention any specific internships on here because I don't want to create any bias based on my own personal preferences, but I hope that you will still enjoy reading about my journey.

One big question I have right now is - how many should I apply to? The increase in students not matching has me concerned about whether or not I will make the right decision. Certainly if there were no application costs, I could apply to as many as my time would allow! But, unfortunately, there are and so I must limit my selection. Right now, 5 sounds pretty good to me. I currently have four "definite" (well, definite for today...) programs that I want to apply to and am looking for a fifth to round out my selections. Of course, that doesn't mean I will let some arbitrary number dictate my selections. It is important to keep in mind that it is quite possible you will be attending ANY of the internships you choose to rank, so be absolutely certain that you would be happy at any one of the locations.

I created a table to compare the programs based on the factors that will be the most important to me when I decide my ranking order - location, cost, stipend, master's degree/graduate credit. You will be able to see all of this information at a glance on the All Access Internships website, and we will later introduce a feature where you will be able to compare programs side by side. These are just some of the many member benefits that we plan to offer!

So, the search continues for a fifth and final program. But, as you all know, tomorrow's a new day and I just might change my mind...

Katie