1. Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics FNCE 2015
The Student Experience
Presented by Emily Smith
Most relevant for students in a DPD program who plan to become an RD

2. Here are some pictures I took of the expo and some of the samples I got. The expo is really overwhelming and huge, but was a great opportunity to see what kind of products are out there and ask questions. There was a booth for just about everything and most booths had free samples or giveaways.

3. Earning the Internship Passing the RD Exam Branding Yourself as an RDN
Student Track
Earning the Internship
Passing the RD Exam
Branding Yourself as an RDN

4. Earning the Internship Presented by Debra Wein, MS, RDN, LDN (DI Director, Wellness Workdays), Alexis Fissinger (Nutrition Fellow), Gina Pazzaglia, PhD, RDN (DPD Director, West Chester University of PA)
Top 10 Tips
Debra Wein, MS, RDN, LDN, DI Program Director, Wellness Workdays
Contact the program
Speak up
Make interactions personal
Send a thank-you
Select smart recommendations
Explain application limitations
Professionalism
Proofread
Quality vs quantity
Plan ahead
Explore options
Think about your skills and goals
Connect and network
Reach out to current/past interns
Contact directors
Follow up and thank
Attend open houses
Do your research
Attend conferences & networking events
Tips on what presenters think is important in internship applications
Consider what sites you are a good fit for
If you don't know interns, ask DPD director of your program or DI director of internship site
Always be professional
Quality vs quantity: experience as well as word choice on application

5. DI Application Tips Presented by Alexis Fissinger
Create a timeline and start early
Don’t wait until the last minute to submit, it will only create more stress if there is a technical issue
Read directions carefully
Contact DICAS and D&D support if you have questions
Know how to sell your experiencs and skills in a few words
Be concise and consistent
Have a clear vision and be able to tailor your story to each program
Know WHY you are the best fit for that program
Don’t overuse “passion” or overestimate the impact of an in-depth personal story
Rank based on YOUR preferences!

6. The Interview Presented by Alexis Fissinger
Show interest in higher and continuing education
Know where the future of dietetics is headed
Sell skills that make you unique
Consider attributes which led well to the field
Positive attitude
Effective communicator
Initiaive
Empathy

7. As an Intern… Be curious! As questions and share knowledge
Practice being an active member of the medical team
Seek new opportunities
Create/modify patient education, research, events, case studies
Appreciate your preceptors

8. Passing the RD Exam Presented by Paula Leibovitz, MS, RDN, CDE, CDN; Robert Blackwood; Juli Goerend
Eligibility window: take test as soon as you can to avoid issues
You have 1 year after receiving CDR authorization to test (via receipt of examination application )
If this time expires, contact the Commission on Dietetic Registration to request reauthorization
If unsuccessful in passing the test, you may apply for reauthorization to retest after 45 days have passed
No limit on examination attempts
Important that your name on government issued ID EXACTLY matches your name as it appears on your authorization to test from the CDR
Statistically more successful for those who take the RD exam closer to when they complete their DI.

9. RD Exam Details Domains of the exam: Multiple choice, single answer
Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups – 50%
Management of Food and Nutrition Programs and Services – 21%
Foodservice Systems – 17%
Principles of Dietetics – 12%
Multiple choice, single answer
Answer all questions until it tells you to stop, not just when you get to the 125 question minimum
Must receive a 25 or higher (scale score) to pass
Score does not equal # of correct answers
Depends on difficulty of question
cdrnet.org for more information

10. Branding: Creating your Professional Image Presented by Melinda Johnson, MS, RDN, Carlene Thomas, RDN, LD
Utilize social media
Keep it professional
Professional website: wix, weebly, wordpress, blogger
Have a story
Stick to your niche
Be consistent
Spiderscribe.net brainstorming app
Organizes ideas
Notes, files, calendar events, etc
Intended for new professionals, those who are seeking employment or are self-employed

11. FNCE 2016
Boston, MA!