Chapter 4: Beginning Your Path to Success in Dietetics

1. Chapter 4
Beginning Your Path to
Success in Dietetics

2. The Portfolio
• Portfolio: A coherent set of materials,
including work samples and reflective
statements on these samples, compiled by a
person to represent his or her practice as
related to desired outcomes.
• A professional development portfolio is
required as part of the continuing education
program for dietitians.
• Portfolios are designed to change with new
skills, experiences, and goals.

3. What Are the Purposes
of a Portfolio?
• A student portfolio will help to evaluate goals and
career decisions.
• May help in obtaining an internship or admission
into graduate school.
• Portfolios are not required in employment
interviews, but they are increasingly welcomed.
• Portfolios should be used to support points made in
an interview regarding experience, skills, and
accomplishments.

4. Where Do I Start?
• The portfolio creation process includes
five steps:
1. Reflection
2. Assessment
3. Planning
4. Implementation
5. Evaluation

5. What Should I Include in
My Student Portfolio?
• Should be representative, not
comprehensive in nature
• May include:
– Community/club activities
– Classroom/school experiences
– Academic recognition
– Special skills
– Related work
– Other

6. Turning Your Student Portfolio into
a Career Portfolio
• SWOT analysis: Strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats.
• The student portfolio needs to be updated
and contents selected for the change in
purpose and audience.
• The contents of the student portfolio are a
good starting point for the professional
development portfolio.

7. The Matter of Style
• Two important factors:
1. Presentation
2. Organization
• Reflective statements should be included
for each piece of work.

8. The Matter of Style
• Avoid using anything handwritten, paper
clips, staples, or tape.
• Proofread carefully, and be consistent in
margins, tabs, and font style.
• Allow whitespace for readability and utilize
bullet points for added emphasis and
conciseness.

9. The Matter of Style
• One possible order might be:
– Table of contents
– Statement of originality and confidentiality
– Personal philosophy statement and goals
– Résumé
– Work samples and skill sets
– List of works in progress
– Certificates, diplomas, and degrees
– Samples of community service
– Professional memberships and samples of service
– Academic plan of study
– Faculty and employer biographies
– List of references

10. What About an Electronic Portfolio?
• Typically designed as webpages that are posted to an
Internet location or burned onto a CD-ROM
• Used as a supplement to the hard-copy version of the
portfolio
• Must have a professional appearance and be easy to
navigate
• Could include photos, sound, animation, and even
streaming video
• Demonstrates that you are technically savvy, current,
and contemporary

11. The Résumé
• Marketing tool that outlines skills and
experiences so someone can see how
you might fit a position.
• Your résumé is an example of your
writing, communication, and organizational
skills.

12. The Résumé
• Important areas to focus on:
– Content
– Format
• Reverse chronological
• Functional
• Combination
– Style
– The cover letter

13. The Interview
• Decisions are usually made in the first few
seconds or minutes.
• Interviewer will be looking for
communication skills, appearance,
personality, ability to think, energy level,
and leadership potential.
• The interview is a two-way street.

14. Basics of Interviewing
• Be certain of the date, time, and exact
place of the interview.
• Arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes early.
• Carry a pen and notepad to make notes of
important points. Ask permission to take
notes.

15. Basic Preparation for
the Interview
• Before the day of your interview:
– Research the school/company/organization.
– Think about your responses to questions
according to the type of interview.
– Think of questions you will want to ask.
– Assess what you have to offer, and be prepared
to express that.

16. The Interview Itself
• Communicate your motivation,
experience, and skills and project your
personality.
• After the interview, thank the interviewer
for meeting with you.
• Follow with a question regarding when a
decision will be made or what the process
is from here.

17. Tips for Nervousness
• It is natural to feel nervous before an
interview.
• Some ways to help include:
– Get enough sleep before the interview.
– Concentrate on the questions and your
responses.
– Take deep breaths.
– Pause-to-think method.
– Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.

18. Additional Guidelines
• Look neat and dress somewhat conservatively.
• Don’t wear fragrances – people may be allergic.
• Be aware of your posture and avoid distracting
mannerisms.
• Remember to turn off your cell phone and/or
pager.
• Write a thank-you note within 48 hours after each
interview.