Are you a new dietitian looking for ways to connect with others like you? Do you find conversing with others at professional meetings challenging or intimidating? Are you interested in gaining ideas and tips from colleagues that may have more experience? You are not alone. Personally, this sentiment describes my early years in the field. Having now gotten my feet wet, I look back and think how more support during this growth period would have been helpful.

Now, it seems clear that other dietitians are having similarly trying experiences. ADA has identified a concerning new trend that dietitians entering the field are often leaving within five years to pursue another career. Lack of professional satisfaction for various reasons, whether they are financial or lack of challenge, is often cited in casual discussions. However, if we as a group of new professionals were to connect, share ideas and experiences of how to attain success (whatever
that may entail to you personally), we may be more invested to stay in this career choice.

Enter into the new millennium, where there are new tactics for the ambitious to achieve job satisfaction. Groups of young professionals (largely female) have started holding informal networking events to enhance professional development and job satisfaction. To apply this concept in our state and profession, MDA has just launched a unique, new program for all up and coming dietitians—“Socials for Success”.

This program is geared towards dietitians that have been in the field for approximately five years (or less). The goal of these events is to provide an opportunity for savvy professionals to network with others who are also interested in making new contacts and sharing career tips at fun and relaxed social events. Think career panel meets fondue party, wine tasting, or whatever.