Tips for Nutrition Students Planning to Apply to Dietetic Internships

Written by: Elle Teitelbaum

• SAVE EVERYTHING​

Yes, everything. Make sure to take screenshots of all your grades for every class (or at least the classes listed here). Internships will want to see what grades you got on exams, projects, homework, etc. Even for that Nutrition 201 or Chem 100 class from three years ago! It is much easier to save it as you go than try to go back and get the information when you are applying.

• Gain experience

Work. Volunteer. Leadership. High GPA. They want it all. Working in a restaurant or some type of food service is a big plus! Try to get ahead volunteering as soon as you can, even if it is only a few times every semester, they will see the commitment. Join SNO! Become an active member as soon as possible and think about holding a leadership position (but don't hold a position just for this reason, it is a lot of work and many people rely on you). Try teaching a Nutrition class in our community or search for internships. Make sure to focus on your studies and utilize all the resources SNO and your teachers supply for you in order to achieve your highest grades possible.

• Network

SNO offers many ways for you to meet Registered Dietitians in the community. Grab their card and ask them if you could ever meet with them to talk about what they do and how they got to where they are today. Or better yet, ask them if you could intern with them, shadow them, or just file some paperwork! They may love your help and it will give you connections in the community, not to mention you will need some letters of recommendation when applying to the internship and they could be a great person to ask! Join California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics - San Diego (CANDSD) and start attending meetings. This is another great resource to meet registered dietitians in our community and could open many doors for you and your future. Apply here. 

• Use your resources

There are many ways to prepare yourself for the application process. This page has all the information you could need, click through here early in your college career in order to understand what will be expected of you. Not sure what internship to apply to? Check out this site to compare the different internships, it will be your internship "bible." Lastly, attend open houses for the internships you are interested in. Check their websites or contact the director to find out when they will be. This will allow the directors to put a face to your name and help you stand out.

I hope this can help you feel at least a little more prepared than I did. Don't feel too overwhelmed, there are many options and opportunities open for you if you just take initiative.
Elle Teitelbaum
Marketing and Media Manager
​San Diego State University