Career Pathways for Nutrition & Dietetics Graduates

1. Career Pathways for Nutrition & Dietetics Graduates Nutrition and Dietetics Didactic Program Director Joanne Christaldi, PhD, RDN jchristaldi@wcupa.edu HSC 222B

2. Six Different Paths/Options NDTR Exam Supervised practice (dietetic internship or DI) Graduate school + Supervised practice Graduate school Other graduate school or professional school Job

3. NDTR Exam

4. NDTR Exam • Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered • Completion of a Baccalaureate Degree granted by a US regionally accredited college/university and completion of an ACEND accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) • Paperwork for the exam is processed through the DPD director upon completion of the program

5. Computer Based Exam

6. Paperwork and Next Steps • Graduating seniors will be submitting information to the DPD director during spring semester • Once all paperwork has been received, applications will be processed • First group will most likely be submitted in June • Students MUST regularly check the non-WCU email address for communication from CDR • Check the CDR website for study-guide and FAQ • www.cdrnet.org

7. Supervised Practice Information

8. Today

9. January 2024

10. Supervised Practice Characteristics

11. Stand Alone Supervised Practice

12. University of Pittsburgh Immaculata University

14. Tips • Do your homework! • Never assume financial aid or deferment of loans • Inquire of specific SP • ANDF Scholarships & PANDF Scholarships

15. Be sure to Read WCU NTD Internship GuideCan be found on Nutrition Dept. Website • Includes • 5 step application process outlined (in detail) on pages 10-13 • Tons of other relevant information • A great resource for all career pathways

16. The Process“The Internship”

17. Procedures for Applying to SPs • www.allaccessinternships.com (help site) • ACEND website (www.eatrightacend.org) • Application Guide to Supervised Practice • Start with10-20 possibilities • Obtain application checklists ASAP • If required or preferred, apply to take GRE’s (www.ets.org and click on tests and pick GRE, general test; Kaplan or Princeton Review to study)

18. Choosing a Supervised Practice • Geographic area • Pick SP’s strategically by looking at your credentials and those SPs that are applied to less often (less competitive) • Look for high ratios(In Applicant Guide for Supervised Practice look for high ratios of positions to # of applications (e.g., 10 positions and 30 applications rather than 2 positions and 100 applications • Length of Program • Minimum 1200 hours • Part-time or Full-time

19. More Things to Consider • Financials/Costs • Know all expenses • Some have stipends (more competitive) • Education institutions with tuition (financial aid) • Corporate-sponsored/private (no financial aid) • Low-interest loans (if explain to bank) • Grad assistantships (if available) may offset costs • Costs of living (transportation, food, books, clothes, etc.)

20. How Many Do I Apply To? • Individual decision • 4-5 programs (look at your personal situation) • Include at least one non-competitive program or distance internship • Do not list those you will not accept • Fee per internship on DICAS • Application fee per internship • What is your application budget?

21. Completing the DICAS Application • Register on DICAS website (https://portal.dicas.org/) • Request declaration of intent from the DPD program director • Request transcripts • Obtain WCU DPD course list from the DPD program director • Request references • Write an impeccable personal statement (one for each) • Be sure to complete all application components

22. The Process“Computer Matching”

23. Matching Procedures

24. Criteria for Acceptance

25. Graduate School + SP

26. What About Professional Schools?

27. Choosing Employment

28. What can your degree do for you?

29. Job Interviewing • Have resume with you (2 copies) • Research the company or institution • Write out five minute overview of who you are • Have prepared questions • Role play • Relax • Be on time • Be polite • Dress professionally • Smile and give confident handshake • Thank interviewer

30. Job Interviewing (cont.) • Listen well • Let the interviewer lead • Don’t answer too quickly • Prepare examples of your work • Hypothetical problems • Give more strengths than weaknesses • Say, “I don’t know.” • Have notebook and pen to take notes • Nice briefcase or bag • Deep breathing and visualization

31. Final Advice • Seek help during the process • Be confident that you have a degree and experiences of great worth • Have confidence in your research skills • Take it one step at a time • Don’t set up as success or failure • See obstacles as opportunities

32. Job Websites • www.nutritionjobs.com • www.jobsindietetics.com • www.alliedhealthjobs.com • www.usajobs.opm.gov • www.sodexo.com • www.aramark.com • www.jobcircle.com • Www.phillyjobs.com • www.kforce.com (employment agency) • www.monster.com (lots of job info) • www.pharmaceuticaljob.com • www.hirehealth.com

33. So what do you do now? • Look at the WCU Nutrition Department website • Alternate career paths • Internship guide • Start looking for potential internships/grad schools (www.eatrightacend.org) • Start thinking about and reflecting on what you want to do • Make a list of all nutrition-related volunteer and work experiences - keep a running list of place, contact person, contact info, dates you were there and what you did there