If You Didn’t Match … Yet
If you didn’t receive a match this past Sunday, keep in mind that you’re in great company – many fabulous dietitians participated in second round and/or went through the application process more than once. In our incredibly competitive field, with so many talented DPD graduates and just not enough DI spots to accommodate all of them, many excellent applicants don’t receive the news they were hoping for on Match Day.
I’d like to share a few tips regarding what to do next if you’re in this position.
Stay Open to Opportunities – IF they’re the Right Fit
Just as terrific applicants might go unmatched, amazing programs don’t always fill in the first round. In fact, some programs deliberately hold open a space or two for second round, because they know there are wonderful applicants to be found at that point in the process.
If you haven’t started yet, be sure to research the programs with open positions and give consideration to some you didn’t before. You might discover some hidden gems that you would have missed if it weren’t for this opportunity to expand your search!
It’s my opinion (and of course, only you can know what’s best for YOU) that you’re better off waiting until a new application cycle, though, than taking a spot in a program you’re not enthusiastic about. This is going to be an intense and sometimes tough time in your life. My hope for all interns is that they’re having the experience as part of a program that they are truly excited about – that will make a huge difference on the days when challenges arise.
If you follow my additional tips below, you can come back to the application process in a year or two as a stronger applicant – and possibly find yourself better prepared to make the most of your DI experience.
Reach Out to DI Directors of the Programs You Applied to
DI Directors were a bit busy this week, but as the dust begins to settle, I encourage you to reach out to them to request feedback on your application. Many directors will be willing to make time to discuss some tips on how you can strengthen yourself as an applicant. Their suggestions might relate to mechanics (such as directions you didn’t follow or strategies for improving your personal statement) or how to better prepare yourself for success as an intern (such as additional experience you can gain in the field).
This advice can prove to be invaluable. I can also tell you that I take notice when an applicant has made the time to seek out feedback and then uses it to strengthen her/his application in the future.
Use Your Time Wisely
If you don’t find what you’re looking for second round and instead plan to participate in another Match process down the line, make the most of the time between now and then. You might consider taking additional classes, pursuing your MS (if you don’t have it yet), or taking the DTR exam to grow your expertise in the field.
What I hope you will definitely do is expand your experience in dietetics-related positions. If possible, seek out a paid position in nutrition – consider opportunities in clinical facilities (such as diet aide or diet tech jobs), community agencies (such as community / health educator roles or nutrition assistant positions), or food service operations (such as in school districts or clinical sites). Another option is to take on more volunteer roles in nutrition. Identify areas of practice where your experience is most limited, and look for ways to fill in some of those gaps.
Finally, find opportunities to take on leadership roles. Whether as part of a paid or volunteer position, head committees, supervise others, become a mentor. Keep pushing your own boundaries.
These experiences will help you stand out as an applicant in the future, and even more importantly will set you up for success in your internship when you get there.