Frequently Asked Questions
As students ourselves, we understand the high value placed on the opinions of our peers. The mission of All Access Internships is to ensure that applicants have the opportunity to view internship information through the eyes of those who have taken on the same challenge. We will stand behind the content of our website as long as we deem it to be relevant and useful for our members. We thank you in advance for bringing your concerns to our attention. Your feedback can ensure that we are able to help students make informed, confident decisions on where to apply.
General
1. Have you taken the new CADE requirements into account? How are you going to address this?
Yes, we have taken the new CADE requirements into account. Since the website is fluid and updateable, we have the ability to make changes accordingly and remain an accurate source of information for students. Our goal is to build effective relationships with the directors of the programs affected by these changes. We will achieve this objective by keeping the communication lines open and working together to bring the right information to the applicants. Also, the website's homepage will contain links and summary reports related to the CADE changes so that members are educated on this issue and know how it will affect them.
2. Will you be including information on coordinated programs?
At this point in time, All Access Internships will only be focusing on didactic programs. It is understood that all programs vary in format and we will be including such options as those that offer a Master's degree and distance programs, among others. It is possible that AAI will expand to include coordinated programs in the future.
3. Will directors be able to contribute to All Access Internships?
In response to feedback on the content of our survey, AAI has decided to include a program director's section within each internship profile. We believe that program directors can provide answers to many members' questions and also deserve to have a voice on our website. Contributing to this section is optional. It is also our hope that program directors will be proactive in keeping the information about their respective programs up-to-date on the AAI website by informing us of any major changes.
Professional Relationships
1. Does this have any "blessing" from ADA / CADE / CDR?
All Access Internships is entirely student-run and is not endorsed by the American Dietetic Association or its entities. However, we are committed to keeping the lines of communication open between all parties to provide the highest quality of service and the most accurate information database possible. Furthermore, one of the founders is a student representative on the ADA Student Council Advisory Committee and it was determined that her participation in both projects was not in contradiction with the ADA conflict of interest policy. We feel that this is a good indicator of our program's potential value to the organization's members and a reflection on the nonthreatening nature of its intended purpose
2. Are you sponsored by any educational institution or professional association?
All Access Internships is a student-driven initiative aimed to simplify the dietetic internship search process with dietetics student, Katie Hamm, and incoming dietetic intern, Jenny Westerkamp, leading the way. We are a self-supporting entity and are not currently receiving sponsorship from any educational institutions or professional associations.
3. Are you aware of other resources available to students on dietetic internships?
We have reviewed the resources currently available (ADA listing, individual program websites, Applicant Guide to Supervised Practice) but still feel that students want more. These feelings have been supported by a market survey of random dietetics students across the country. We are striving to provide a source of information and community outlet that will be based on students' needs and desires.
Fee Structure
1. Is your program a proprietary program?
In addition to the content previously mentioned, All Access Internships will be creating a software program, deemed The Perfect Fit, as its standout feature. This program will allow users to plug in their desired criteria in choosing an internship and will provide personalized matches that fit the member's interests, thus instantly narrowing their search. They are free to examine all programs, but will be provided with this list as an additional benefit. This program will be under the ownership of All Access Internships.
2. Will you be charging a fee to students to use your service?
The information and services provided by the All Access Internships website will be available free of charge to all interested parties.
Intern Survey and Testimonials
1. How can you be sure that those who respond to your survey will adequately reflect the program?
The goal of All Access Internships is to promote a student-to-student dialogue about the dietetic internship search process and all program options available. First-hand testimonials and facts obtained with permission from program websites and corresponding directors will drive the content development. If desired, All Access Internships would be happy to provide you with your program's profile before it is posted on the website, allowing you to proofread for errors. However, AAI has the final say in what is posted on our site. Please rest assured that All Access Internships will not tolerate offensive comments or personal attacks on individual programs. The following is a disclaimer that will appear on our website to address this issue:
Internship information displayed on this website is based on personal opinion. AAI verifies that testimonials are from actual current and past interns in the program. This website is not held accountable for verifying the truth of their claims. Please contact program directors for detailed questions related to the internship beyond what is presented on this site.
2. Have you considered how many responses from each institution you will need to be sure the information isn't biased?
To ensure unbiased information, AAI is hoping to have as many contributors as possible. We will treat each internship profile individually based on information available. Each internship profile will contain a list of contributors so that users are aware of how many perspectives are represented. The names and contact information of these contributors will be revealed with the contributor's permission.
3. Are you expecting the survey to be filled out just by recent grads?
Yes, we are expecting it be completed by current interns and recent graduates of your program since our questions are specific. All Access Internships' database of testimonials and internship stats is expected to grow over time due to increased exposure and an incentive to contribute. Earlier graduates are invited and encouraged to submit their responses if they are still reflective of the internship's current operating style.
All responses will be sent directly to the All Access Internships account to which only Jenny Westerkamp and Katie Hamm have access. Respondents will be required to provide their name and e-mail address so that we can verify them as an accurate source of information. They may choose to take credit for any comments displayed on the website or to remain anonymous.
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