Amanda's Career Goals and Reflection over 1st half of DI

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Half Way There!
It is amazing for me to think that one year ago at this time I was putting my dietetic internship application packets together, not even sure which internships I was going to apply to.  Now I am five months into my internship, with only five months to go until I am eligible to sit for the RD exam.  The internship so far has challenged me and prepared me for a career as a dietitian in ways far beyond what I learned in the classroom.
One of the best things I have learned thus far is that I am certain that pursuing a career in school food service is the path I want to take.  The rising need for dietitians in schools and the regulatory changes facing school nutrition programs are two reasons why this career path appeals to me.  Here are a few of the benefits that working as a dietitian in a school nutrition program offers: 

• You get to work with kids!  There were so many people in my college classes who were interested in pursuing a career as a pediatric dietitian.  Rather than working with kids who are already sick, school dietitians can work with kids proactively by promoting nutrition education and nutrition integrity in the meals offered in school. 

• The variety of positions available to dietitians.  As a dietitian you can get a job as a nutrition educator, a manager of school kitchen, an area supervisor for a district or the director of food service for an entire school district.  No two school districts are alike so you can also have a variety of options in the type of school food service program you would like to work in.

• Opportunities for career advancement.  Depending on where your strengths and career goals lie, school nutrition programs can offer many opportunities for professional growth.  This is especially true if you are interested in nutrition management and business.

• Great work schedule.  Depending on the position, school dietitians may get the summer months off and for sure the holidays as wells as most weekends (nutrition conferences may take up a weekend day or two). 

If you are interested in a career as a school dietitian or would like to know more about why I think it is such an exciting career path, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have!  I hope finals are wrapping up well and that the holiday break brings some much needed time for rejuvenation and relaxation.