How to Manage Graduate School and a Dietetic Internship
With the new master’s degree requirement for all future registered dietitians, you might be wondering if it’s possible to balance graduate school at the same time as a dietetic internship program.
Maybe you’re debating between completing a master’s program first and then applying for a dietetic internship later. Or perhaps you want the fastest option possible because you’re very eager to become a registered dietitian.
Today, KBDI intern, Carlos Ramirez, will share his top tips on how to manage graduate school with the dietetic internship (while also working!). It might sound like a lot and it can be overwhelming at times, but it is very possible!
Take it away, Carlos!
Carlos & His Story
You might be feeling like starting a master’s degree program and a dietetic internship at the same time can be challenging, but it can be very rewarding as well. Yes, at the beginning it may take some trial and error but along the way, you will develop new skill sets to help you stay organized and on task. Soon enough you’ll find yourself saying, “Oh got this!”. In fact, the same thing happened to me.
Shortly after receiving my degree from my undergraduate university, I jumped right into a dietetic internship and Master’s of Professional Studies-Leadership in Nutrition program. It was a bumpy road at first but soon enough I got to a point where I felt confident that I could manage the two. I was also able to work shifts as a medical interpreter.
In this blog post I will share what I did to better manage my time, stay on task, and practice self-care.
Establish Clear Goals & Priorities.
Prior to starting my journey, I set mental goals and priorities for myself to help me not lose sight of the reason why I was on this journey, which was to become the best Registered Dietitian Nutritionist I could be.
I told myself, I must keep working hard until I have reached the top and I can go no further. In short, I evaluated what I desired to achieve academically, professionally, and personally from the point that I started until achieving the end goal of becoming an RD.
This strategy will help you stay focused and motivated as you embark on your own journey.
Create a Schedule.
Being able to effectively manage your time is crucial when juggling a dietetic internship and master’s program. You will need to create a very structured schedule and organization system.
I bought a planner where I write down weekly assignments and due dates for future assignments as well. Keeping in mind future due dates is also part of effective time management.
For example, I worked ahead whenever possible which then allowed me to modify my schedule a bit and open up some free time, but there is no doubt that self-care is just as important as turning in assignments.
Dedicating blocks of time for homework, internship requirements, studying, and personal commitments will greatly help with your success. Also, you can try using digital calendars, planners, or scheduling apps to keep track of deadlines and upcoming tasks.
My favorite scheduling app is Student Calender-Timetable and it is easy to download from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.
Communicate Effectively
Another tip I can recommend is to effectively communicate with your professors, internship directors and preceptors. Be sure to share with them any unexpected changes that arise or challenges that you may be facing regarding your master’s coursework and internship assignments. Often due dates overlap, and meeting deadlines can be overwhelming. Nonetheless, you’ll find that they are understanding and willing to work with you to ensure you can turn in assignments by providing a time extension for assignments.
Some ways that I have communicated with professors, internship personnel, and preceptors were via email, text messages, and in-person discussions.
You’ll find that over time the more you communicate, the easier it will be.
Prioritize Self-Care.
A busy schedule can cause us to forget about self-care, but in the same manner as we set time aside for homework and tasks, we must also set time aside to take care of ourselves.
Some ways that I practice self-care include going out for walks, enjoying a good movie or favorite TV show, exercising, and getting adequate amounts of sleep. Most importantly, setting time aside for self-care helps avoid burnout, and burnout can be a scary situation to be in.
I suggest paying close attention to signs of exhaustion and taking a break if you see yourself feeling too stressed and overwhelmed. In addition, taking care of your physical and mental health is important to consider for your overall well-being.
Seek Emotional Support & Resources.
As I mentioned above, you may find yourself struggling at first but don’t worry. Be sure to communicate and ask for help if needed. Many of us experience the same challenges and it’s okay to seek help if it means it will make your life a little bit easier and less stressful.
Take advantage of office hours, schedule meetings with your internship directors, and reach out to your peers. These are some of the best resources available to you so be sure to use them. In addition, surround yourself with like-minded people who understand and empathize with your challenges.
You can do it!
Successfully staying up-to-date with a master’s degree program and a dietetic internship will require you to step out of your comfort zone and into an unfamiliar space. Nonetheless, by incorporating careful planning, effective communication, and self-care you’ll develop a recipe for success.
Establish clear goals, manage your time efficiently, and ask for help when needed and you’ll notice you’ll come out on top. Remember to stay focused as you work through the many obstacles that come your way.
About the Author
Carlos Ramirez is a KBDI intern and future registered dietitian, located in Los Angeles. Carlos enjoys listening to music, playing video games and enjoying nature. He has always been interested in the medical field and works as a Spanish Medical Interpreter. Carlos plans to pursue a role in clinical nutrition when he graduates and he will also open a private practice on the side.
You can follow Carlos and his journey over on Instagram.