Why I chose a Distance Dietetic Internship
Join KBDI intern Kayla Bensen as she shares all about her experience traveling around the country to complete her distance dietetic internship.
One of future RDs biggest concerns when looking at distance dietetic internships is finding preceptors for their rotations. I can relate to this concern; it is overwhelming to reach out, and most people don’t even know where to begin!
My internship experience is unique because over half of my rotations are in various cities across the country. I often get a lot of questions on the logistics of how this works, so I thought I would give four tips to get you started.
1. Decide if travel is right for you.
Depending on how big the city you live in is, finding a site that meets the requirements and is willing to take you on as an intern can be challenging. You need to start by knowing how far you are willing and able to commute and if relocating is an option. If I am being honest, sometimes it’s your only option, but it can be a positive experience if you have the right attitude and taste for adventure!
2. Utilize your network to find potential locations.
Start by looking at your network. See if there are friends or family who are willing to host you. My first business rotation was in Dallas, TX, and I am from Northern CA, so it was quite the move. Thankfully, I had friends willing to host me for a month which considerably cut down the cost and opened the door for me to work with a fantastic preceptor. An experience I would not have had if I hadn’t been willing to relocate or utilize my network.
Check out our blog post on using your network to secure preceptors.
3. Secure short-term housing for your distance dietetic internship.
If you have the opportunity for a rotation that requires you to move and you don’t know anyone in that town, you can look at websites such as Furnished Finder. You rent a fully furnished room designed for traveling health professionals, so it is vetted, and your roommates are typically RNs, OTs, PTs, and other health professionals. You might even get lucky and all work at the same site. I have used them twice, had great experiences, and made connections that expanded my network!
4. Investigate the town or city to make sure it's a good fit.
If you are looking to relocate, you need to dig into the town you are moving to. What’s the weather going to be like? Will you need a car or is there good public transportation? What about types of grocery stores? These may seem silly things to consider, but trust me, if you don’t like cold weather, you will be miserable staying a month in Boston in Winter. And knowing what that town offers can enhance your experience. You want to look forward to exploring your new home instead of going to a place that doesn’t excite you.
Relocation for a Distance Dietetic Internship is a great option.
While this may not work for everyone, I recommend considering relocating for a rotation an option. Not only have I expanded my network across the country but I have gained a mentor. My preceptor for my rotation in Dallas was amazing and a wealth of knowledge when it came to building your own business.
I talk to her on an almost weekly basis, and even though I know she would have been an amazing virtual preceptor I would not have the relationship that I have with her if we hadn’t spent the time together in person. You never know what opportunities are just outside your door!
A Distance Dietetic Internship can lead to job opportunities.
A distance dietetic internship provides you with the opportunity to choose preceptors and dietitians that you admire and want to work with. When you foster these unique connections and relationships, you are more likely to open the doors for future job offers.
September 2023 Update:
We’re thrilled to congratulate Kayla on passing the RD exam and starting a new position with her business preceptor that she completed a rotation with.
Kayla is doing such a fantastic job in her rotations! She is going to become an incredible Registered Dietitian Nutritionist!