Most dietetic internships (DIs) specify the professionals they want to receive letters of recommendation from. Examples of these professionals include advisors, professors, registered dietitians (RDs), or employers. Internships usually prefer professional letters; personal letters from friends or a religious figure may not be appropriate.
Who to ask?
- Approach people who know you personally as well as academically.
- Choose people who will write an honest recommendation that is an accurate reflection of your character, work ethic, and potential as a nutrition professional.
How to ask?
- If the individual you are asking does not know the DI application process, take the time to explain it to them.
- Ask in person. Schedule an appointment if necessary. If you will not be able to ask in person, it is acceptable to ask by phone or email.
When to ask?
- Allow adequate time for the individual to complete the recommendation, at least one month in advance.
- Keep in mind that you may not be the only student requesting a recommendation from an individual. If you are asking a faculty member who may be writing many letters, asking more than three months in advance is appropriate.
What to provide?
- Provide a list of names, titles, and addresses for the directors of each program you are applying to so that he/she can address the letters appropriately.
- Put together a packet of information about yourself. This could include your resumé, a list of your strengths and weaknesses, professional goals, unofficial transcript, and/or personal statement.
- State your personal deadline.
- Provide the envelopes for the completed recommendations. If someone will be writing more than one recommendation for you, label each envelope with the contact information of the DI director.
What forms are needed?
Download the ADA Recommendation Form. This is the standard form. It is also included in the Supervised Program Application packet.
In addition to the standard form, encourage the individual to write a personalized letter addressed directly to the DI director.
Sample Letter
Dear [ ]:
Enclosed please find the contact information for the internship directors of the programs to which I will be applying. The postmark deadline for the dietetic internship applications is [ ]. However, my personal deadline is [ ]. For your reference, I have included my resumé, a list of strengths and weaknesses, professional goals, and a transcript.
Please put each completed letter in the appropriate envelope provided and sign across the seal of the envelope. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[ ]