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 1800 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.
There is very little difference between Dietetic Internships (DI) and AP4s. In fact, AP4s are currently being converted to DIs. Similarities are as follows:

900 hours (minimum) supervised practice experience (9-12 months full-time; 12-24 months part-time)
Include: Management, clinical nutrition and community nutrition
Some are combined with graduate work and lead to a Master's degree.

Competition for post-baccalaureate supervised practice programs is keen and approximately 30% 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 have a minimum requirement of 2.5, national competition and experience strongly suggest that a 3.0 or higher is needed for acceptance. (Students with GPA <3.0 may receive appointments, depending on overall quality of application.) 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. UW Hospitals and Clinics are continually recruiting. Students usually start as a foodservice worker and may later work as a diet clerk. (When you apply, indicate that you are a dietetics major.) Other Madison hospitals (Meriter, St. Mary's, VA Hospital) and nursing homes also hire dietetics majors.
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. Contact: Marriott Management Services, 7480 West 78th Street, Bloomington, MN 55439, 612/943-1013; Fax 612/943-1727.
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. Contact: Chairperson, ACUHO-I/NACUFS Food Services Internship Committee, Tate Center Food Services, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.
3. COSTEP - Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program, U.S. Public Health Service Recruitment. Offers students in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, nutrition, and other health profession experience at sites around the country. Contact: COSTEP, Commissioned Personnel Operations Division, Room 4-35, Parklawn Building, 5600 Fishers Lance, Rockville, MD 20857.
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.
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/AP4 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 obtained from Testing and Evaluation Services, located in 366 Educational Sciences. Contact them directly at 262-5863.

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). Prior to taking the exam, you will be asked what sites you wish to have your scores sent. Four sites can be chosen free of charge. There will be an additional charge per site (approx. $13.00) if you decide to have your scores sent later.

The computerized GRE is offered through the Sylvan Learning Center. The cost is $96.00 and appointments may be scheduled by calling 231-6270. Exams are schedule Monday Saturday during the first 21 days of each month. The exam takes approximately 3

To prepare for taking the GRE, pick up a GRE Informational Bulletin at the Graduate School (Rm. 228 Bascom Hall). You can purchase GRE practice books found at most bookstores. Review courses are available at the beginning of fall semester and during summer school.
Call 262-5446 for math review course (cost ~ $85.00). Call 265-3972 for verbal review course (cost ~ $100.00)

Attend Application Workshops: Target Audience: Junior and senior dietetics majors planning to apply for a post-baccalaureate supervised practice program. Students should attend Parts 1 and 2 during the calendar year prior to application; Part 3 during the calendar year of application.

Part 1 - The Application Process:

Topics: Selecting supervised practice programs, application procedures, preparing a strong application, obtaining good recommendations, satisfying application requirements. When: Offered once/year (October); students should attend during the calendar year prior to application.

Part 2 - The Application Letter:

Topics: Writing the application letter, critique of the letter, Writing Center assistance. (Presented by UW-Madison Writing Center staff). When: Offered once/year (November); students should attend during the calendar year prior to application.

Part 3 - Telephone/Personal Interviews and the Acceptance Process

Topics: Preparing for telephone and personal interviews, the acceptance process, obtaining appropriate documentation needed by programs after acceptance. When: Offered once/year (February); students should attend during the calendar year of application.

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 supervised practice programs as well as many links to individual program websites.

Dietetics Bulletin Board: There is a bulletin board specifically for Dietetics majors outside Room 290 Nutritional Sciences Bldg. Students should check this bulletin board twice monthly for scholarship announcements, job openings, volunteer opportunities, supervised practice open house schedules and other important announcements.

Directory of Dietetic Programs: A listing of ADA-accredited coordinated and internship programs, and ADA-approved dietetic technician, didactic, and preprofessional practice programs is published annually in August by The American Dietetic Association. Advanced degree programs and specialty practice education programs are also listed.

Availability - A current copy is on reserve at Steenbock Library (Nutritional Sciences - Dietetics section) and in the Karen Spector Reading Room (room 230, Nutritional Sciences building).

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 on reserve at Steenbock Library (Nutritional Sciences - Dietetics section) and in the Karen Spector Reading Room (room 230, Nutritional Sciences building).

Supervised Practice Program Files: Files are located in the Karen Spector Reading Room (room 230, Nutritional Sciences building). These files are arranged alphabetically by state and include the most recent written materials sent to us by specific programs. Not all programs send us information. Students find it useful to review these files before sending for current information directly from the program.

Information regarding supervised practice programs should be sought during the sophomore or junior year. Once the ADA website/directory/guidebook/files 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 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/AP4 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/AP4 programs to which you may want to apply. Ask returning students, faculty and community professionals for their opinions/suggestions. Read the Directory of Dietetic Programs, The Applicant Guide to Supervised Practice, and the material available in the Karen Spector Reading Room describing internships and AP4 programs. 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 Application Workshops - Part 1 (the application process) and Part 2 (writing the letter of application). Pick up "Application Procedures Handbook" at the workshops or from L. Karls.

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 that include a graduate degee require the taking of the GRE. Most AP4 programs also require GRE scores.

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. Do not "double side" recommendation forms.