Improving Your Chances for a Dietetic Internship

For programs that follow the academic component, there is a national application process that is made available through the American Dietetic Association (ADA). This process is completed twice each year as follows:

National Application Process through the ADA
Apply	Notification of Applicants	Begin Program
September February	November April	January or February July - September

There are approximately 2000 openings offered by 250 programs. Although some programs provide a stipend, many charge tuition ranging from $2,500 to $8,000. Each program is unique and applicants should explore a variety of programs, then apply to those which best meet interests and needs. All programs involve:

900 hours (minimum) supervised practice experience (9-12 months full-time; 12-24 months part-time) and include management, clinincal nutrition and community nutrition rotations. Some programs are combined with graduate work and lead to a Master's Degree.

Competition for post-baccalaureate supervised practice programs is keen and approximately 50% of applicants do not receive appointments. It is essential that, beginning early in their dietetics course work, students plan for developing a strong record of academic progress, experiences and relationships that will support a successful application. Although programs have varying selection criteria, successful applicants usually have a 3.0 GPA, more than one year of paid work experience in dietetics, and strong recommendations from employers and faculty.

Action Now: Develop Your Resume

Begin NOW establishing relationships, experiences and an information base needed to successfully apply for the professional experience. Will you be able to write an impressive letter of application? Considerations include attributes discussed below.

Knowledge: Overall GPA - Many programs require a GPA of 3.0 or higher for consideration for admission. While some programs may list lower minimum GPA requirements, national competition and experience strongly suggest that a 3.0 or higher is needed for acceptance. Grade points are reviewed as cumulative, science GPA and GPA in major requirements and are a basis for determining whether a person will be considered for the program. Additional considerations are necessary for program acceptance, and a balanced portfolio is essential. All higher education grades are reviewed, but particular consideration is given to most recent academic experience and to the grades in courses required to meet the dietetic program requirements.
1. GPA in professional sciences (foods, nutrition, management) - grades in these courses should be no lower than "B".
2. GPA in physical, biological sciences (chemistry, physiology, microbiology) - grades in these courses should be no lower than "B". NOTE: Students receiving less than "C" in physiology, biochemistry or "professional" courses should consider retaking these courses. Although the original grade will still appear on the transcript, retaking the course and receiving a good grade indicates to supervised practice programs you have the knowledge needed.
3. GPA in behavioral, social sciences (psychology, economics, sociology, etc.).
4. GPA in communication (writing, education, speech).
5. GPA in elective courses; selection of electives.
6. Achievement scholarships.
7. Honors, honor sororities/fraternities.
8. Awards.
Work Experience: Evidence that the student is a productive, reliable, and competent worker is critical. Work experience in nutrition and foodservice is very helpful, and many hospital-based dietetic internships look for some hospital work experience as evidence that applicants will be prepared for and comfortable with the internship environment. The student should have 900 hours of good, applicable work experience. Consider the following when seeking work experience.
1. Health care settings are best (ex. hospitals, nursing homes).
2. Foodservice experience is very valuable. Local hospitals (UW Hospital & Clinics, Meriter, St. Mary's, and the VA hospital) recruit students for positions as foodservice workers or diet clerks. (When you apply, indicate that you are a dietetics major.) Nursing homes/ long-term care facilities also hire dietetics majors as dietary aides.
3. Residence halls/unions provide good experience and can add to your application, however, many supervised practice programs emphasize health care. (UW Housing is continually recruiting.) WARNING: Do not work too many hours and jeopardize your GPA! Find a balance that works for you.
4. Aim to obtain a variety of experiences - community and clinical and foodservice.
5. Work experience not directly related to dietetics (for example, retail) may not be preferred, but does help to develop professional qualities and skills (i.e. interpersonal skills).
Volunteer/Internship Experiences: One or more volunteer and/or internship/independent study experiences will further the student's networking system and broaden their experiences. Discuss ideas you may have for completing an independent study (NS/FS 299) or coordinative internship (NS/FS 399) with your advisor. Opportunities vary each semester and are often the result of students taking the initiative to contact professionals working in an area of their interest. Examples of special summer internships/field experiences appropriate for dietetics students follow. Students are encouraged to explore other possibilities, as well.
1. The Marriott Management Services Food Service Intern Program. See: http://marriott.com/careers/CollegeInternships.mi
2. The National Association of College and University Food Services - A food service management internship that offers summer employment and learning in a college setting. Applications are available in October and due in January; notification is during March. See: http://www.nacufs.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=4360
3. US Public Health Service COSTEP Program - Offers students in nutrition, medicine, nursing, and other health professions experience at sites around the country. See: http://www.usphs.gov/student
4. USDA Intern Program - Applications usually due in early February for positions in Washington, D.C. with various offices within USDA. See USDA website for opportunities: http://www.usda.gov See page and search for "Intern Program."
5. Southern Progress Corporation - Parent company for Southern Living, Cooking Light Series of cookbooks, etc. Applications for summer internships are usually due in February. See: http://www.southernprogress.com See page and search for "Intern Program."
6. Meredith Corporation - A multi-media corporation with positions in all aspects of the media, including writing for magazines, cookbooks; test kitchen work, etc. Applications for summer internships are usually due in February. See: http://www.meredith.com/meredith_corporate/careers.html
7. Also check out: http://www.hhs.gov and http://internships.wetfeet.com for internship opportunities.
Organizations and Activities: Students are strongly advised to participate in University, college, community and professionally related activities. Participation in a variety of activities and a clear, identified leadership role in one or more groups are an essential part of their preparation as a professional. It will enhance their opportunities for scholarships and awards, placement in supervised practice programs and in future employment. Professional experience programs look for students whose activities suggest they are committed to becoming registered and contributing to the profession. See: Student Organizations and Activities in Student Handbook, p 10-11.
References: Professional programs and employers usually require references as a part of the application process. Dietetic programs often require references in the following categories: professors and academic advisor, employer, and personal. Obtaining good references should not be the sole basis for decisions, but it is important that the student develop relationships over time with people who may serve as references in the future. This may include a variety of interactions so that the reference writer has an adequate basis for providing a strong reference when needed. Your letters of reference should be detailed and give an accurate picture of who you are. Many programs will provide a standardized reference form in their application packet. Students should consider the following:
1. Review the recommendation forms used by Dietetic Internships. (Included in Looking Ahead Manual.) How would you evaluate yourself on the qualities listed on the grid? What are your strengths? What qualities require further development? Will your reference writer be able to evaluate these attributes?
2. Reference writers should be able to "cite examples". What evidence do you have that you possess these qualities and to what degree (outstanding, more than satisfactory, satisfactory, needs improvement, unsatisfactory)? Pay attention to the details expected by your reference writers. Something as simple as making a concerted effort to get to class everyday on time can say volumes to a professor about your sense of responsibility.
3. DI directors look specifically for "highly recommended" candidates; applicants who possess "outstanding" qualities!
Development of Professional Skills: Professional attributes are essential for supervised practice program applicants as listed on the recommendation form. The following examples show how you might develop and demonstrate some of these skills. Simply being a member of a club is not enough; internship directors are looking for what you did for the club.
1. Leadership and Self-Motivation: key roles/offices held in extracurricular/volunteer activities, ability to work independently and seek answers/opportunities on own, ability to set and accomplish specific goals, judgment and decision making skills, self-confidence.
2. Management of Multiple Responsibilities: ability to handle school and work and family (if applicable); extracurricular activities; organized, dependable and responsible in all interactions with faculty, employers, peers, and supervised practice programs; adaptable and able to handle stress.
3. Communication Skills: impression of application and letter (as well as all other interactions with the program, i.e. visits, letters, phone calls) including ability to express one's self in a clear, concise manner; excellence in sentence structure, grammar, and spelling are essential; interview (verbal and nonverbal communication); evidence of interpersonal skills.

Future Action

GRE (Graduate Record Examination): The GRE is required for programs with graduate work. More information on taking the GRE can be found at http://www.gre.org.

You can take the GRE multiple times. (It is good to have a score of over 1,000 total for the verbal and math areas.) Remember, all of your past and current GRE test scores are sent to the designated site(s).

The computerized GRE is offered through the Prometric Testing Center in Madison. The cost is $150.00 and appointments may be scheduled by calling 231-6270.

Attend Application Workshops: Target Audience: Junior and senior dietetics majors planning to apply for a post-baccalaureate Dietetic Internship program. Students should attend Parts 1 and 2 during the semester prior to application.

Selecting Internships - Factors to consider when deciding which programs might be best for you: evaluating competitiveness of programs, obtaining detailed information on programs, open houses, visiting programs, etc. Offered each semester.

The Application Process - preparing a strong application, obtaining good recommendations, satisfying application requirements, completing the standard application, GPA calculations, computer matching, etc. Offered each semester.

Writing the Application Letter - contents of the application letter, how to "sell yourself," critique of the letter, etc. Offered each semester.

Interview Techniques - preparing for telephone and personal interviews, frequently asked questions in interviews, the acceptance process, etc. Offered each semester.

Look Ahead - Learn About Programs

The following publications and resources will be useful to you as you research programs and seek additional information on job openings and volunteer opportunities.

ADA Website: http://www.eatright.org

The ADA website includes a listing of all Dietetic Internship programs as well as many links to individual program websites.

Applicant Guide to Supervised Practice Programs: Published annually by Dietetic Educators of Practitioners (a practice group of ADA) this guide supplements the Directory of Dietetic Programs by providing more specific details on dietetic programs. For example, it provides information on the average number of applicants, fees/costs, program focus, basic admission requirements and evaluation criteria for each program.

Availability - A current copy is available in the Karen Spector Reading Room (room 230, Nutritional Sciences building) and a "searchable" copy is loaded on one of the computers in this room as well.

Information regarding supervised practice programs should be sought during the sophomore or junior year. Once the ADA website/directory/guidebook have been reviewed, a student should select some programs of interest, write for information on the program, review the information, and develop a sense of which program best suits his or her needs. More specific information on program selection may be obtained at the DI Application Workshops. The student may also wish to visit programs of interest. Many programs offer open house programs or opportunities for students to visit individually. Contact the programs directly to schedule visits.

Summary

The dietetics faculty will assist you in assembling your application packet; however, the overall responsibility rests with you. Your letter of application should present an articulate, dynamic picture of who you are. Internship applications should be neat and well written. It is particularly important to be able to state professional goals clearly and concisely. You should make sure that each application is filled out carefully. (Incomplete application packets will not make it past the secretary.) It is your responsibility to make sure that directions are followed, ample time is allowed for references to be received, all materials are submitted, and all deadlines are met! In order to do this, you must look ahead!

Suggested Time Frame

Applying for an internship involves extensive research, time and money. It is never too early to start preparing for this stage of your undergraduate education.

Freshman to Senior Year:  It is very important to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. It is also very important to make the effort to know your department faculty. Often they will be the individuals you will be depending upon to write your letters of recommendations. If you haven't already done so, start developing a resume. Some internship programs require a resume as part of the application process. Give a resume to those who are writing a letter of evaluation for you. The information you provide will enable them to write a more in depth letter on your behalf.

Sophomore to Junior Year: Research internship programs to which you may want to apply. Ask returning students, faculty and community professionals for their opinions/suggestions. Review the Directory of Dietetic Programs, and The Applicant Guide to Supervised Practice. Visit programs or attend open houses. If a GRE score is required, check into when the exam is offered. You might consider taking the exam in your Junior year in case you need to retake it.

Fall Semester - Senior Year: Attend the DI Application Workshops (Selecting Internships, Application Procedures, Writing Cover Letters, Interview Techniques). Print out a copy of "DI Application Procedures Handbook."

Narrow your choices down to a manageable number of programs for you (usually 5-6). Correspond with these programs and ask for more specific information, but before you do, read the fine print. Check to see if the programs require the GRE.

Gather your transcripts. Write to each college/university you have attended and request an "official" copy of your transcripts. These transcripts are an important component of the total internship application packet. A transcript must document all college/universities attended.

Ask references for letters of recommendation. A written request is especially appreciated. Ask your reference providers well in advance. Recommend no later than December 15 for spring; no later than May 15 for fall. It is not wise to wait until you return for the semester to request a letter. Provide recommendation forms and envelopes. Be sure to sign one of the waiver statements on each form.