In our final episode of the ACEND series, we wrap things up with Dr. Rayane AbuSabha, PhD, RD, Executive Director of ACEND, as she shares invaluable advice on preparing for your first interview as a Registered Dietitian. With experience interviewing hundreds of candidates, Dr. AbuSabha offers her expert insights on how she prepared for her current role, key do’s and don’ts during the interview process, and tips for landing your first RD position, and making sure it’s the right fit for you.As we close out this incredible series, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. AbuSabha and ACEND for generously sharing their time and guidance. This collaboration has provided aspiring dietitians with essential professional development tools to succeed in the field.Catch up on the rest of the ACEND series here: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acendTo see the rest of our ACEND episodes, check out our playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/@rd2be/playlists

This week we welcome Dr. Jenna Stedman, DCN, RD, CSSD, Director of Cognitive Performance Nutrition, back to the podcast! This week we dive deeper into cognitive nutrition and how it can actually be beneficial to use as an aspiring RD! Whether you are preparing for a chemistry exam or the RD exam, Dr. Stedman discusses science-backed ways that nutrition can play a role in optimizing your studying and performance during these exams. Dr. Stedman shares insights from her work with athletes and students, what supplements to use, how to recommend supplements, and more in the sports dietetics space. Whether you stress eat or lose your appetite under pressure, this episode will help you stay sharp, nourished, and ready to perform.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Shelby Yaceczko, DCN, RDN-AP, CNSC, CCTD—Advanced Practice Dietitian, Assistant Clinical Professor, and founder of a cancer wellness digital health company. We dive into the decisions behind her pursuit of advanced credentials like the RDN-AP and DCN, and how they’ve shaped her opportunities, leadership path, and advocacy for RDs in the clinical setting. This conversation is rich with insight on critical thinking, navigating transformative career choices, and the power of strategic growth in the field of dietetics. Whether you're a student, new RD, or seasoned professional, Shelby’s story will leave you inspired to think boldly about your future.

We’re continuing our job preparation series with Trenton Voss, MS, RDN, LDN, as we dive into what really happens inside the interview room—whether it's virtual or in person. More importantly, we focus on how to craft and confidently share your personal story—beyond what's listed on your resume or CV. Trenton offers valuable insights, practical advice, and personal experiences to help you feel prepared for interviews, both after passing the RD exam and even for roles you may take on beforehand.Mastering the Art of Storytelling in Interviews: Your Path to Success: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mastering-art-storytelling-interviews-your-path-success-paranjpe/

What Does Professionalism Really Look Like in Dietetics?In this episode, we continue our ACEND series with with Dr. Rayane AbuSabha, PhD, RDN, Executive Director of ACEND, to break down what professionalism means for students, interns, and future RDs. From classroom etiquette and internship expectations to job interviews and navigating your first role post-RD exam, Dr. AbuSabha shares real-world examples, red flags of unprofessionalism, and practical advice for building a strong professional identity. Whether you're new to the field or mentoring the next generation, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Explore leadership opportunities within the AND: https://www.eatrightpro.org/leadershipBroaden your (future) career: https://www.eatrightpro.org/careerACEND Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jenna Stedman, DCN, RD, CSSD, Director of Cognitive Performance Nutrition at Master Nutrition Lab. Dr. Stedman shares her unique journey from a distance dietetic internship to serving as a Performance Dietitian for the Indiana and Massachusetts National Guards, and eventually founding her own practice specializing in cognitive performance nutrition.We delve into her motivations for pursuing a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition over a traditional PhD, her experiences working with diverse populations—including athletes, esports competitors, healthcare workers, and first responders—and the development of her innovative platform, the Lab, designed for individuals to experiment with their cognitive nutrition.Dr. Stedman also offers invaluable advice for students and early-career dietitians on forging their own paths in emerging areas of nutrition, emphasizing the importance of self-directed learning, volunteering, and regular self-reflection.Whether you're a nutrition student, an aspiring dietitian, or simply interested in the evolving field of cognitive performance nutrition, this episode provides practical insights and inspiration to help you carve out your niche.Dr. Stedman's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennastedman/Dr. Stedman's Website: https://www.masternutritionlab.com/

In Part II of our job searching series with Trenton Voss, MS, RDN, LDN, we break down the real questions every new grad faces: How many jobs should you apply to—and when? What’s the difference between a resume and CV, and how do you know if you're “qualified”? We explore strategies for organizing your materials, tracking contributions, and tailoring your application to each opportunity. From salary negotiations and relocation considerations to defining your non-negotiables and recognizing your leverage, this episode is your practical guide to navigating the job market with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Whether you're just starting or feeling behind, we’ve got tips to help you start strong, stay organized, and aim high.Resume vs. CV: https://gradschool.cornell.edu/career-and-professional-development/pathways-to-success/prepare-for-your-career/take-action/resumes-and-cvs/

For more information visit their website here: https://twu.edu/nutrition-food-sciences/masters-dietetic-internship-msdi-programs/masters-dietetic-internship-program-msdi--houston/Rachel Poland, MS, RD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-poland-26bb0a85Editor's Note: This program does accept students with a master's degree. Below is further information: "If a qualified applicant has earned a prior advanced degree in nutrition or an area related to the NFS Department degrees, i.e., Food Science, Food Systems Administration, Public Health, etc., then no additional degree is required. The DI Director determines if the prior degree is approved, however, all students are required to enroll in the TWU Graduate School and meet the course and supervised practice requirements relevant to the Dietetic Internship. If a qualified student has earned an advanced degree in a non-related area, i.e., history, psychology, marketing, etc., then they must enroll in one of the MS programs mentioned above. No prior learning experiences can be utilized to replace any of the supervised practice requirements and/or required credit hours."

In this episode, we explore the journey of nontraditional students and the mindset shifts that lead to success. Trenton Voss, MS, RDN, LDN, shares the power of pursuing what you love, and the importance of building a strong support system. We dive into mentorship, radical accountability, and the belief that learning never stops. From documenting both highs and lows to understanding motivation and the impact of the people around you, this conversation is all about growth, resilience, and trusting the process. Tune in to hear how taking the right first steps and making time for meaningful experiences can shape your future.Resources mentioned in the episode: 1. RD Mentorship Resources: https://www.rd2be.com/resources2. "Growth Mindset" by Carol Dweck: https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/03454723223. "Mind for Numbers" by Barbara Oakley: https://barbaraoakley.com/books/a-mind-for-numbers/

In our last episode, we explored the new Advanced Practice Doctoral Standards introduced by ACEND. This week, we’re diving into how these standards are being applied in real time, featuring the very first program to implement them. Our guest, Dr. Corri Hanson, PhD, RD, LMNT, FAND, joins us to highlight the University of Nebraska Medical Center's (UNMC) online, asynchronous Doctorate in Nutrition and Dietetics (DND) program. Beyond discussing the program itself, we also cover broader topics, including who this degree is designed for, key factors to consider when deciding whether to pursue an advanced practice doctorate, and insights from Dr. Hanson’s own experience. Tune in for valuable advice and much more!For more program information: Overview: https://catalog.unmc.edu/allied-health-professions/dnd/#textApplication Information: https://www.unmc.edu/alliedhealth/academics/programs/mne/dnd/index.html