Hi Friends!
Today I have a special treat for you guys. A while ago Rachelle, a dietetics student that I’ve gotten to know over the past couple years in the blog world, reached out to me about writing a guest post to encourage dietetics students to get involved and build up their resume while they’re still in school.
Since I’m almost done with my internship/getting ready to take my exam (read: ALMOST OFFICIALLY AN RD!!), I’m starting to get more and more questions from current and future Dietetics students about how to get started, what path to take, what to do to increase their chances of getting an internship, etc. So, I thought some of you guys might be interested in hearing what Rachelle has to say!
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Hi Everyone,
My name is Rachelle Ausman and I am senior in the Coordinated Program in Dietetics at the University of Idaho located in the Pacific Northwest. Besides being known for huckleberries, trout, and lots of outdoor activities, Idaho is also home of the Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
As a student member, I currently serve as the Student ‘Eat Right Idaho’ Blog Coordinator, which is a volunteer position where I am able to communicate with dietetic students and health professionals across Idaho.
Are you a dietetic intern or student passionate promoting nutrition through social media? Then there is a great resume builder just for you: volunteering with your State Academy in social media.
According to Janet Helm, a Registered Dietitian as well as author of Nutrition Unplugged and founder of the Nutrition Blog Network, the five pillars of social media include
- Blogging
- Youtube
Through these pillars, dietetic students canpromote an evidenced-based nutrition, health, and wellness practice to the public.
How?
By emailing your State social or public media chair about possible volunteer opportunities with the State’s blog or other social media accounts. Through this you could:
- Write a guest post on a nutrition fad or even about your internship.
- Lead a student blog for students around your state.
- Create a food demonstration video with a healthy recipe for other dietetic professionals through Youtube.
- Host a Twitter chat for students around the state
- Pin nutrition education materials for your state Registered Dietitians
There are so many benefits that come with volunteering for your State Academy including, but not limited to:
- Promoting an evidenced-based nutrition, health, and wellness practice to the public!
- Gaining experience in writing.
- Learning about the latest nutrition trends, fad diets, food holidays, and nutrition related technology applications.
- Acquiring organization and management skills.
And did I even mention that volunteering leads to great networking opportunities in your State as well as a great resume builder!
My experience as a student volunteer has taught me about how important social media is in reaching others about nutrition. I have also gained communication skills as well as how to use many different social media outlets.
If you are a student, I HIGHLY encourage you to get involved with your State Academy as it is a great learning experience and outreach opportunity to the public. Another volunteer opportunity includes serving on a committee for your State conference!
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Rachelle also has a blog of her own: The Fresh Plate and you can find her on twitter: @the_freshplate
Happy Saturday!
–Lindsay–
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Thanks for posting this! I never thought about volunteering through the State academy by doing this. I am a dietetics student myself and this is very helpful. =)
Great post, with really great ideas! Sometimes the biggest step is getting out there and searching for the opportunities to contribute. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thank you Lindsay for this opportunity!
Rachelle is doing a simply amazing job on the blog. We have asked her to consider taking on the position of Social Media Chair when she completes her degree. She has probably written close to 100 blogs! Check it out.
GO Vandals!
i think she’d be great for that position!
A great share!
Thank you, Rachelle for sharing this! I started my blog around May of last year as a way to share my passion for food and nutrition with others not really knowing much about the importance of social media. Now, I have a facebook page, twitter..who would’ve thought? Advocacy and public awareness is so so important, and I hope to dive right in once I become an RD!
Really great tips! Social media certainly is the most powerful way to get the word out in the most widespread way. Thanks for sharing Rachelle.
Is the blog still active under another link?
i don’t think so. sorry!