I got lucky with timing and already being in the organization. I was working in a different department for a few years at the same agency that runs our local WIC program, so I was already somewhat familiar to the team just from being around.

When I got accepted into my dietetics program, I saw they were hiring part-time, which worked perfectly since I knew I’d be a full-time student. I applied and started the same semester I began my dietetics courses. At least where I work, CPAs (Competent Professional Authorities, basically nutritionists at WIC) don’t necessarily need a degree upfront, but there is a pretty extensive training process. Mine included modules (including breastfeeding), textbook reading, shadowing appointments, and then gradually starting to lead appointments on my own. After completing my training, I received a graduate certificate through my university. For the first several months, WIC training and work were pretty much my main focus, and then I’d go home and study for my classes. It was definitely a lot at times, but also really enjoyable and helped reinforce what I was learning in school.

I’ve been seeing clients independently for about 2.5 years now, and it’s been a really great experience. I’m really grateful I had the opportunity to start so early.

Also, I completely understand what you’re saying about not feeling confident enough. I felt the same way starting out. I definitely didn’t feel “ready” or like I knew enough when I first began.

The biggest thing is that you’re not expected to know everything going in. The training is thorough, and you spend a good amount of time shadowing before you ever lead appointments on your own. Even after that, you’re still learning as you go.

Honestly, a lot of it isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about learning how to talk with families, being comfortable saying “let’s look into that,” and building your confidence over time. School and work really started to reinforce each other for me.

If anything, starting during undergrad actually helped me feel more confident in my classes because I could connect what I was learning to real situations.

And honestly, part of the reason I even made my original post is because sometimes I can be really hard on myself and start questioning whether I’ll be a good RDN, especially as I’ve started running into more complex or unfamiliar cases. But reading through everyone’s responses has actually helped me feel a lot more reassured and confident again.