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
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
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
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/~
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
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