Dietetics Alumni Feedback

Succeeding in the Didactic Program

The University of Illinois is has a strong program in dietetics that will prepare you for your dietetic internship. Make sure to get involved on campus, especially in the Student Dietetic Association. It is important to take advantage of the many benefits that the university has to offer. E.R., Dietetic Intern (5/2006)

The U of I has a great program. I really enjoyed my educational experience and use some of the information learned in undergrad to teach others in my current program. The food service experience in Bevier Cafe is very beneficial as well as the planned curriculum. L.P., Graduate Student (5/2005)

The U of I didactic program is one of the strongest in the country, you don't really realize how much you know until you are in your dietetic internship... S.L., Dietetic Intern (5/2006)

Seek out as many experiences as possible. Things that you think are a waste of time or that you'll never use quite often are very helpful down the road. L.B-S., CEO - Healthy Designs, LLC & Instructor -Johnson & Wales University (5/1991)

The program is excellent and the university provides a multitude of experiences to help further your education. A.M. Clinical Dietitian (5/1999)

Be sure to get a wide range of volunteer/ professional experience prior to your internship (clinical/ community/ research etc). A.S., Clinical Dietitian- Outpatient Eating Disorder Dietitian (5/2003)

Even though you feel 'why do we have to take so much science?' 'why do we have to take management classes or education classes?' THEY ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE! As I have worked with patients- one of the key skills is communicating the science at the level that best meets the patient's learning skills and level...It is vital that all of those classes are in there- It is amazing how each and every class helped!!! There are things that still come up that I find I was 'exposed' to in my undergrad- We have such a strong program- if you make it through- you'll be set for an amazing career! I have held my own with physicians-(even corrected a few on some of their chemistry) not in a rude way- but a matter of fact- way. That background has been vital for me. And it is often very different from other undergrad curriculums- It was worth every hour and then some- of studying. M.K.T-B., Study Coordinator, Registered Dietitian- Pediatric Dietitian (5/1998)

The dietetics program at U of I prepares you greatly for any internship you should choose to apply to. The experiences you have (and yes, the science classes!) make you a highly desirable candidate. If you are planning to apply to an internship, show your interest by contacting clinicians to shadow them and/or get hospital experience. Visit the program if possible...we do remember you! C.F. Clinical Dietitian, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL (5/1998)

This is a great profession, definitely worth all of the hard work. K.D., Dietitian (5/2003)

Career Advice

Don't be afraid to think outside the hospital. Best advice I could give, is network, network, network! C.M., Associate Director of Nutrition Partnerships at National Cattlemen's Beef Association (8/1998)

My undergraduate education provided me with skills to excel in the internship. It was a very strong foodservice program and it served me well in my first position. My advice would be to try difference facets of dietetics before eliminating an area. I have had the opportunity to try many areas of dietetics and found all of them rewarding. Dietetics is all about selling your knowledge. It is very important to pay attention to people skills, negotiating skills, and management skills in addition to your clinical skills. G.M.B., County Director, University of Illinois Extension (5/1985)