DPD Directors’ Perceptions of the Impact of Failure of Students to Secure Dietetic Internships

Abstract

The experiences and perception of DPD directors regarding the inability of graduates to secure a position in a dietetic internship upon graduation were assessed through a 31 item survey using e-mail (where possible), FAX, or mail transmission. The survey included three sections: the impact of having unplaced students, the directors’ opinions of strategies that might increase the likelihood of placement and of ways to limit the negative impact on unmatched students, and report of policies implemented in the director's own DPD. All 229 directors listed in the ADA Directory of Dietetic Programs were sent surveys with follow-up reminders as needed; 44% of the surveys were returned. Directors considered failure to secure internships as a significant problem (65% agreeing); major aspects of the problem being a negative impact on the DPD's reputation (64%) and unplaced students experiencing difficulties in finding employment shortly after graduation (53%). Directors (61%) agreed that it would be effective to use a GPA standard for retention in the program, but only 21% reported such a policy in their DPD. Relevant to this discrepancy are the facts that 72% felt that limiting enrollment infringed upon student rights and that 65% felt that the resulting low enrollment would jeopardize the program. Most directors (75%) reported advising weak students to change their majors, but only 12% agreed that only academically-excellent individuals should practice dietetics. Program actions that were scored as helpful were supportive and empathetic advisement (76%), assistance in maintaining self esteem (69%), coaching on application and interview skills (61%), and emphasis on early and complete understanding of the competitive nature of internship placement (59%). Less than 18% reported providing any special opportunities for students not likely to be matched. Recommended advice for unmatched students was to work for a while and reapply (89%), to go to graduate school and re-apply (64%), or to go into foodservice management (62%). Comments indicated a high level of frustration with the situation. There was no evidence that DPD size was a factor in the responses.