AAI Free Video Series Line Up

It is a great time to sign up for the All Access Internships listserv, because Jenny is sending free videos to assist with the DI process! :) These videos are posted on their Youtube channel: AllAccessInternships.

The video lineup includes the following so far (the following info is copied from AAI emails):

1. Choosing the right program for you

Finding your “perfect fit” is no easy task. Figuring out where you will have the best chances of getting matched is tough to do. You can determine relative competitiveness based on the number of applicants that the program gets each year, as well as the average GPA of current interns. These two objective stats will point you in the right direction of where you could realistically get in (based on your GPA alone). Going a step further, take inventory of your experiences and your goals. Finding a program that “matches” what you’ve done and what you want to do will make you an easy sell to the selection committee. In addition you should define what you want out of a program.
Let me explain in this 7 minute video on FINDING YOUR PERFECT FIT.

2. Computer matching and ranking strategies

Computer Matching, done through D&D Digital, is a pretty confusing subject for many applicants. Often, our coaching clients over-think all the different scenarios that they could be in, based on how they rank their programs. While it is true that there are many variables involved in this process, which then determine a match, it is IMPOSSIBLE to predict how all these variables will play out in your case. My best advice is to stick to the basics and rank in the order you really want them. And if you don't have strong preferences, and want to be strategic, I have a couple ideas. View the next video here on computer matching. I'll also share how many programs I think you should apply to!

PS It cuts off at the end because I started talking about DICAS, but that's next week!!

3. DICAS - top 10 things to know

4. Resume - what to add, keep, and delete

We are getting back on track here with video #4 on the resume! You might think this is a small document, but it can have a BIG impact on your application. It is just another way to sell yourself. I probably could have talked for another hour on the resume, but tried to touch on the most effective strategies for selling yourself in just 1 or 2 pages.

5. Personal Statement Part 1

Part 1: why are you interested in dietetics

6. Personal Statement Part 2

I'm back with PART 2 on the THE BIGGEST, MOST IMPORTANT, SIGNIFICANT PART OF YOUR ENTIRE APPLICATION!!! Today's video is on the "meat and potatoes" of your letter --the experience, your strengths, and weaknesses that really SELL you as an applicant. There is a very simple template you can use when sharing your experiences with the selection committee!

7. Personal Statement Part 3

I am finishing up PART 3 on the THE BIGGEST, MOST IMPORTANT, SIGNIFICANT PART OF YOUR ENTIRE APPLICATION!!! Today's video is on your short term and long term goals as well as why you want to go to a specific program. It's "the closing argument" on why you are the perfect fit for that dietetic internship!

I am very happy to learn that AAI is constantly improving their services and providing more free resources for the large underserved DI applicant community, so please check the videos out! :)

Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season!

FREE Ebook: Getting In, The Keys to Unlocking the Door to a Dietetic Internship

Valerie Buchanan published an ebook through smashwords.com called "Getting In, The Keys to Unlocking the Door to a Dietetic Internship." This reference is most suitable for undergraduate dietetic students in their junior and senior years, or even earlier (the earlier you prepare for DIs the better!). I felt that this resource was very realistic and uplifting even as a graduate, so feel free to skim through this page and get inspired for your own application. :) Please keep in mind that this ebook was published in 2009, so application requirements have changed since then (adapt her tips to current requirements).

My favorite quote from this ebook:

"The competition is tough but you are tougher. By planning ahead and persevering until every box is checked you will be able to more fully enjoy the journey, achieve a wonderful sense of accomplishment and have a greater chance of being accepted into an internship program of your choice."

Let me know what you think about this ebook! :)

Newest AAI Get Matched Resource: Survival Guide

All Access Internships posted a new exciting resource on their website called "The Survival Guide for a Competitive Application"! It's a downloadable guide which includes what you need to do from start to finish, and AAI guarantees a match or your money back.

Like I've mentioned in a previous post, I completed the DI Bootcamp program through AAI. I do not see it listed on the website, so I am unsure if they are continuing the program. The steps for both programs are the same except for the additional sections of references and computer matching/DICAS in the Survival Guide. The major differences between these two resources are: 1) no webinars in Survival Guide, 2) missing 2 15-min. phone calls with Jenny in Survival Guide. They make up for it by providing extra sample templates (i.e. sample resumes, sample personal statements, sample interview questions).

Honestly, I felt that the webinars were the most valuable resource, because Jenny does a great job on tying all the information together. They are currently working on new webinars (yay!) to come next month, so hopefully they will be even more helpful than they were for me! With the cost of $49 (roughly half the cost of DI Bootcamp) with match guarantee or full refund, you will gain tears of joy from securing your perfect match!

Let me know if you're planning to/used this resource! Happy July!

April's Fools

So April's Fools came, and like I expected, I did not get matched yet again. :(

...

A
P
R
I
L
'
S

F
O
O
L
S
!!!

Of course I got matched! ;) I am super excited for this new path in my journey to become a RD! I feel like creating this blog combined with the AAI DI Bootcamp directed my focus to complete my applications successfully and lead me to the successful match!

I received my 3rd choice for my match. My co-worker got matched to her #1 choice, so I am super happy for her as well!

And my location is, the home of the blues & rock and roll. Elvis town. As my co-workers say, the heart of the obesity epidemic; ribs, ribs and ribs.

*Drumroll*

University of Memphis in Memphis, TN.

When does it start? This upcoming August.

For how long? Through December of next year.

What type of program? Combined MS/DI.

Bring it on. :)

Thank you very much for my family, friends and readers for your continued support! For applicants who also applied during this round, I hope you got matched successfully! If you haven't, please participate in second round matching right now! There are many new opportunities available like never before, including ISPPs and graduate school and DI combined programs.

Of course, I will continue blogging about dietetics and my program, as well as more dietetic internship application tips. I look forward to share my new dietetic adventures with you.

How to Improve your Chances

I must correct how I say ADA, it's AND (Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics) now. AND posted "Suggestions to Improve Your Chances at Getting a Dietetic-Internship Position" for current DPD students and unmatched applicants. Suggestions include:

1) Meeting above the min. requirements for GPA & GRE (if required).

- DIs primarily request a min. 3.0 GPA, but competitive applicants bring a much higher GPA than that.

- Retake classes if needed to increase your GPA, and retake GRE if needed to increase your scores (V, Q, W).

2) Asking only the individuals who know you well enough to write strong letters of recommendation for you.

- Many DIs require recommendations from DPD faculty (sometimes even specifically the DI director and/or foodservice management professor) and an internship/work supervisor. Make sure to give your best impression and to do the best possible work you can, so they can sincerely write positively about you in great detail. That way, they truly believe in you, instead of feeling obligated to do so because of their position.

3) Communicate effectively, efficiently and professionally.

- Sound polite and professional throughout all your application materials that you submit to your internships. This can apply to your personal statement, resume, explaining your experiences, as well as your professionalism in social media, your phone voicemail and e-mail address.

- Speak well of your DPD program and experiences; any complaining, gossip and negative stories are not welcomed because they speak poorly of you. It's important to realize that every program/organization has their own quirks and dysfunctions, and even more important to work around them. Focus on improving your outlook on things, and motivate others to do as well!

4) STAND OUT! (don't you wish your application incorporated a hologram video of yourself to STAND OUT? lol yes, me too...)

- Gain volunteer/work experience in a variety of dietetics fields and focus more time on areas you are interested to work in for the future. You want to have experience in different fields (usually clinical, FSM & community), as well as narrow down to a specific area you're most passionate about.

- Become more socially involved on campus and AND through membership to dietetics organizations and membership associations; try your best to gain leadership positions in these organizations.

- Publish and present any research or projects for journals, conferences and poster sessions.

5) UP your odds of getting accepted.

- Make sure you meet all minimum (i.e. GPAs, GRE) requirements and you are okay with all internship costs and living expenses.

- Ratio of applicants to openings: the lower it is, the less competitive it is and easier for you to get in.

- If you are financially capable, apply to more programs and be more open-minded to apply to programs in different geographic regions (California and East Coast (esp. Boston) tend to be more competitive). Read up on their financial aid (i.e. stipends, scholarships, graduate assistantships, Stafford loans eligible) and the general internship schedule and whether or not you think you can handle a part-time job along with the internship. Maybe part-time or distance internships are better options for you.

- Contact program directors of every internship you're applying to so you can introduce yourself, ask for more details about the program that you cannot read on their website (read up their website thoroughly first), and also ask about what you can do to make your application more competitive and stand out from the rest. It's also a good opportunity to get a good feel of the director's personality and willingness to assist potential applicants.

6) Avoid the following:

- Posting embarrassing information on the Internet (i.e. blogs, Facebook); make sure that your entire application and any information the directors can look up on you are professional throughout.

- Criminal behavior (may make you illegible to work in healthcare facilities).

- Never misrepresent or falsify information regarding your education, work experiences or credentials. Be honest! When you look back in the past for things you have done leading up to this point, isn't it comforting to know that you were capable to juggle all of those things independently? Be the real you.


I also felt that Benedictine University's coordinated DI/Master's program posted up some helpful tips (see pg. 87-88) on how to succeed in their program, and I feel that they can apply to all dietetic internships. It's also to good to read them, understand them and practice them pre-dietetic internship phase!

Would you like to share your tips on how you improve your chances on getting matched? :)