Hey there! My name is Alexandra Klarer and I am a Sodexo Dietetic Intern currently working on my Culinary concentration rotation.
Not long ago, I was sitting in Oliver Lodge on Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith, NH with my fellow dietetic interns. I had accepted and secured my spot in the internship months prior, but upon arrival in New Hampshire, I had no idea what to expect or what exactly would be expected of me.
Let me tell you—orientation helped clear a lot of things up! Building a supportive community with my fellow interns made me realize I am not in this alone! We truly are the only ones who understand what this process entails as we go through it. Having a strong support system has already been so invaluable to me!
I left orientation feeling more prepared and confident knowing I had my Rotation Activity Evaluation Forms (RAEFs) to guide me as well as advisors who are eager to help! The thing I found myself still nervous about was reaching out and setting up my own community sites. It seemed scary to have to email people I don’t know to ask them to be my preceptor. I didn’t want to be a burden. This ended up being far from the case. Occasionally there are times I don’t get an email back, but for the most part, everyone I have reached out to has been very helpful at connecting me with people who want to help interns. I’ve found it best to just take the leap and not hesitate or be too nervous about contacting anyone— after all, the worst they can do is say no.
Not long ago, I was sitting in Oliver Lodge on Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith, NH with my fellow dietetic interns. I had accepted and secured my spot in the internship months prior, but upon arrival in New Hampshire, I had no idea what to expect or what exactly would be expected of me.
Let me tell you—orientation helped clear a lot of things up! Building a supportive community with my fellow interns made me realize I am not in this alone! We truly are the only ones who understand what this process entails as we go through it. Having a strong support system has already been so invaluable to me!
I left orientation feeling more prepared and confident knowing I had my Rotation Activity Evaluation Forms (RAEFs) to guide me as well as advisors who are eager to help! The thing I found myself still nervous about was reaching out and setting up my own community sites. It seemed scary to have to email people I don’t know to ask them to be my preceptor. I didn’t want to be a burden. This ended up being far from the case. Occasionally there are times I don’t get an email back, but for the most part, everyone I have reached out to has been very helpful at connecting me with people who want to help interns. I’ve found it best to just take the leap and not hesitate or be too nervous about contacting anyone— after all, the worst they can do is say no.
If I can give one piece of advice on securing rotation spots, it would be to not wait to get your rotations set up in advance. It has been especially helpful for me to get some flexible community sites set up from the get go. That way, if there ever is a change or challenge that occurs with a rotation site, I can fall back on these community sites and keep up with my weekly hours! The last thing any dietetic intern wants is to be unprepared and end up having large gaps of time between rotations due to poor planning.
Additionally, remember you are potentially making business contacts every time you make contact with ANYONE. You never know who someone else might know, or how they can help you make a connection. Remain kind, courteous, and professional at all times. You never know where a new relationship might lead! Anytime I introduce myself to anyone, I always mention I am an RD to be, and more often than not, someone knows somebody who knows somebody who does what we aspire to do!
Additionally, remember you are potentially making business contacts every time you make contact with ANYONE. You never know who someone else might know, or how they can help you make a connection. Remain kind, courteous, and professional at all times. You never know where a new relationship might lead! Anytime I introduce myself to anyone, I always mention I am an RD to be, and more often than not, someone knows somebody who knows somebody who does what we aspire to do!
