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!

Define Processed

Erin Sund from AND posted a very informative article on defining the types of processed foods we encounter called "Avoiding Processed Foods? Surprise! This is Processed Too!"

It made me realize, yes, that $2.00 bag of spinach you're buying from Trader Joe's? Processed. Bottled water? Processed. Even though we as nutritionists say to avoid processed foods, we ask for and buy convenience. Sure, it's essential to eat vegetables daily, but is it easier to buy pre-packaged and pre-washed veggies or veggies you have to prepare yourself? Depending on how coupon and discount savvy you are, sometimes you can find premade foods even cheaper than when you shop for all the ingredients to make the same recipe. Why would I spend $3.00 on cabbage, red cabbage and carrots, when I can buy the equal portion of coleslaw mix for $1.00? And even if it costs more to buy premade foods, your overall cost might be lower because you are more likely to be motivated to cook at home rather than leave the groceries in your fridge to go bad.

Either way, the most important thing is to choose foods wisely. Choose foods that you are excited to eat, and look at the nutrition fact label for not only the serving size and values, but also the ingredient list. Think of how you can fit these foods in your everyday routine, whether you are buying easy to prepare items or ready to eat foods. I personally find buying the frozen veggie medleys from Trader Joe's very convenient and affordable.

If you realistically want to make sure you stay away from processed foods, you might as well plant your own produce garden. ;) Be sure to invite me for your garden-to-table meals!

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! :)

Red Cross First Aid/CPR Certification

For those of you who are already accepted to a DI program, you may need to get First Aid/CPR certified. I signed up for the Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED class at a local Red Cross office, and I wanted to share with you the 15% discount code I used: SUMMERSAFETYDIV50612.


Hopefully it works for you! :)


UPDATE: The First Aid/CPR class was so much fun! We had a small class of five, so it was open discussion and fun mannequins, and we got out of class 2 hours early. I named my baby mannequin Daisy; it was sad to part with her.

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.

Half a week to go! & peak season

It's Wednesday before the match! What is everyone doing pre-match, besides crossing fingers?

I was referred to Epicurious' peak season map of fresh produce nationwide by the month, and it's so awesome!

For California, the fresh produce of this month include: artichokes, asparagus, avocados, broccoli, grapefruit, kumquats, lemons, mushrooms, oranges and tangerines.

So when shopping for groceries in your local farmers' market or supermarket, keep a look out for in-season produce and have fun experimenting with ingredients and recipes! :)