4 answers
Linnea
Student
Ventura, California
1
Question
Asked
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What activities would you recommend for a college student planning on becoming a registered dietitian?
I am a Dietetics freshman, and I would like to get more involved in activities related to my major and career, especially given that I will need to apply for graduate school in a couple years.
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1851
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
🥦 GET INVOLVED
WITH YOUR CAMPUS NUTRITION CLUB
Being a member of your campus nutrition club is the easiest way to get involved and make a name for yourself in your major. Volunteer, join a committee, or even run for position in the club. While your a undergrad, by being active in your campus club will not only help build relationships with your peers, but you will also show your professors your commitment to the program (which will be a big help when it comes time to ask for letters of recommendation!).
🍎 JOIN YOUR LOCAL AND
NATIONAL CHAPTERS OF THE
ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
Becoming a student member of the national dietetics professional group, the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (AND), and joining individual dietetics practice groups (DPGs) and other health-related organizations are resume builders and show your unique interests in the field.
🍇 Show directors you are serious about the profession. Joining the professional organization for dietitians as a student shows directors you are serious about becoming a dietitian in the future.
🥑 Be eligible for scholarships. Your national Academy membership automatically enrolls you as a member of your state dietetics association and your small membership fee can pay off in dividends if you apply to scholarships.
🍓Network with dietitians in your area. Becoming active with your local and state dietetics association chapters will help you network and meet RDNs in your area — you never know who you will meet or how they can influence your future career.
Hope this was helpful Linnea
WITH YOUR CAMPUS NUTRITION CLUB
Being a member of your campus nutrition club is the easiest way to get involved and make a name for yourself in your major. Volunteer, join a committee, or even run for position in the club. While your a undergrad, by being active in your campus club will not only help build relationships with your peers, but you will also show your professors your commitment to the program (which will be a big help when it comes time to ask for letters of recommendation!).
🍎 JOIN YOUR LOCAL AND
NATIONAL CHAPTERS OF THE
ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
Becoming a student member of the national dietetics professional group, the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (AND), and joining individual dietetics practice groups (DPGs) and other health-related organizations are resume builders and show your unique interests in the field.
🍇 Show directors you are serious about the profession. Joining the professional organization for dietitians as a student shows directors you are serious about becoming a dietitian in the future.
🥑 Be eligible for scholarships. Your national Academy membership automatically enrolls you as a member of your state dietetics association and your small membership fee can pay off in dividends if you apply to scholarships.
🍓Network with dietitians in your area. Becoming active with your local and state dietetics association chapters will help you network and meet RDNs in your area — you never know who you will meet or how they can influence your future career.
Hope this was helpful Linnea
Martha Bravo
Communications and Design
3
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hello there! By activities you mean like extra curricular? Or side gigs?
I would really recommend you take some extra classes on chemistry (organic chemistry, inorganic, chemistry for nutrition, etc.), if that's not already part of your curricula. Chemistry is a key element to nutrition and not a lot of dietitians know that! It would really help you stand out from others as you'd be able to understand why we react to certain foods the way we do, understanding the biological difference between carbs, proteins, etc. Also, maybe getting into some extra curricular activities that help you network with chemical engineers.
Finally, I would suggest reaching out to food banks or community kitchens to volunteer; food economics is a big topic for dietitians that can help you be able to give truthful and down-to-earth recommendations to future patients.
Source: I don't do anything related to nutrition but my husband is a chemical engineer and teaches at a very prestigious university, several of his most successful alumni took extra chemistry classes with him.
Good luck!
I would really recommend you take some extra classes on chemistry (organic chemistry, inorganic, chemistry for nutrition, etc.), if that's not already part of your curricula. Chemistry is a key element to nutrition and not a lot of dietitians know that! It would really help you stand out from others as you'd be able to understand why we react to certain foods the way we do, understanding the biological difference between carbs, proteins, etc. Also, maybe getting into some extra curricular activities that help you network with chemical engineers.
Finally, I would suggest reaching out to food banks or community kitchens to volunteer; food economics is a big topic for dietitians that can help you be able to give truthful and down-to-earth recommendations to future patients.
Source: I don't do anything related to nutrition but my husband is a chemical engineer and teaches at a very prestigious university, several of his most successful alumni took extra chemistry classes with him.
Good luck!
Thank you so much! I am already taking advanced chemistry courses, which are certainly helpful. I will definitely look into the food banks and community kitchens. I appreciate your insight :)
Linnea
Simone Komatsu
Nutritionist
7
Answers
Mogi das Cruzes, SP
Updated
Simone’s Answer
Hi there!!
Nice to know that you'd like be a registered dietitian! You'll love this world! It's very challenging but it's also rewarding!
In Brazil (my country), Dietetic students normally look for an internship in companies where there there's a Registered Dietitian in charge. Hospitals also hire interns to work together with the dietitian.
Hope I could help!
Good luck!
Nice to know that you'd like be a registered dietitian! You'll love this world! It's very challenging but it's also rewarding!
In Brazil (my country), Dietetic students normally look for an internship in companies where there there's a Registered Dietitian in charge. Hospitals also hire interns to work together with the dietitian.
Hope I could help!
Good luck!
Jing Yang
3
Answers
Updated
Jing’s Answer
Try reaching out to dietitians in various settings, like hospitals, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes, to see if you can shadow them.