Why You Should Become a Student Member of The Academy

As a student liaison for the academy, it is my job to inform you of all the benefits and resources you will gain as a student member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. As a student member, I have enjoyed many of the resources it has provided me to help prepare me for my future in the profession and I believe that every student should take the opportunity to be a part of an amazing organization. If you weren't present at our first general meeting, here are some of the reasons why you should join the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as a student member.

But First, What is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics?

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is an organization of food and nutrition professionals dedicated to improving health and well-being. Through research, education, and advocacy, the academy provides reliable and evidence-based nutrition information for the public, accredits undergraduate and graduate programs, awards credentials to dietetics professionals, advocates for public policy and does so much more. Click here to learn more about what the academy does!

Now, 5 reasons why you should join the Academy:

1. Memberships Can Be Added To Your Resume!

If you don't know already, Dietetic Internships are pretty competitive. When you eventually apply to your Dietetic Internship or plan on landing a job in your field, you're going to want to add things to your resume that shows how much you've been involved. Aside from job and volunteer experience, affiliations can help set you apart from others. By becoming a student member you can add your membership to the academy along with any other affiliations such as member interest groups and clubs.

2. DISCOUNTS!

Every student knows that one of the best things about being a student are the discounts. Not only do you get a student rate of $58.00 per membership year (June 1- May 31), you get discounts on products such as books and services (study guides and prep for RD and DTR Exams) as well as discounted rates for FNCE and CANDAC, two of the biggest events in the industry. FNCE and CANDAC are two events that I highly recommend. While I've never had the chance to attend FNCE, CANDAC is a wonderful opportunity to network and obtain wonderful information on emerging research. Some of your classes may also offer it as an extra credit opportunity, so don't miss out.

3. Scholarships and Awards

Student members have exclusive access to apply for scholarships and awards provided by the academy and it's foundation.

4. Complementary Subscriptions

I am all about using my resources. When educating my family and friends on up to date nutrition related news, I always reference the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Food & Nutrition Magazine provided to members, for Free! I am always inspired to learn more about nutrition and updates so I believe that subscription to these are essential to being a student and a professional. If you have taken our Intro to Research Methods class, you'll know that the Journal provides articles prepared by researchers and experts in the field who are focused on providing readers with their knowledge on issues in today's industry.

5. Internship Matching Information and Volunteer Opportunities

The academy provides instructions and tips on how to apply for a Dietetic Internship. They also provide a timeline as well as listings for open houses hosted by accredited internships which may aid your success in landing an internship.

We also know that volunteering is an essential part of your internship application therefore, the academy gives students an opportunity to write for their student scoop and the chance to become a student liaison for the academy, like me!

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Make becoming a student member the next step in your career! Join the academy by December 1st, enter my name, Nathalie Mendez, into the "who referred you today" section, and use promo code "GET20" to get your $25 processive fee waived (as applicable).

Nathalie Mendez

Food Digest Chair