MDA Mentoring assists dietetic students, RD's, and DTR's throughout their careers, offering individuals the opportunity to network, achieve career changes, gain knowledge and grow from others' experiences.

Use the links on the left to download an application. Attach your completed application to an email and send to mdamentoring@yahoo.com

I want to become a mentor

I need a mentor

Why do dietitians and diet technicians need mentoring?
Everyone benefits from someone else's experience. Mentoring allows experienced MDA members to share what they have learned along the way.

How does the program work?
This is an email-based program. Mentoring coordinator Melissa Giamanco will pair a mentor with a mentee based on the information provided in their applications. Any RD/DTR can be a mentee or a mentor - we need mentors with years of experience as well as new grads who can help those just starting in their studies.

Benefits of the program
1. Networking creates new opportunities for career growth.
2. Mentees learn to set and achieve goals.
3. Improved chances for success and increased productivity for mentees.
4. Enhanced confidence to try something new.

You must be a MDA/ADA member to take advantage of mentoring! Students - join ADA using this link to find the application: http://www.eatright.org/Public/Careers/94_11598.cfm

Becoming a mentor

Goals for mentors:
1. Strengthen our profession by sharing and building knowledge
2. Network with other professionals
3. Gain personal gratification
4. Improve job pool
5. Assist others to strengthen their job qualifications
6. Support your professional association and enhance the benefits of membership in ADA/MDA

How do I participate?
Please fill out the simple mentor application to identify your area of expertise. Attach the application to an email and send it to the mentoring coordinator at mdamentoring@yahoo.com. Once you submit an application, you will be placed in our database to be matched with a mentee.

What can I expect?
The mentoring coordinator will match you with 1-2 students or practicing dietetics professionals whose needs correspond with your expertise. The mentee(s) will contact you by email. Usually, 30 minutes per week will provide adequate time for effective mentoring.

Requirements
1. MDA members agree to serve for a one-year period
2. Complete an evaluation form for each mentoring experience
3. Contact the mentoring coordinator if there are any issues or concerns
4. Maintain a professional and confidential relationship
5. Effective counseling and listening skills

Finding a mentor

How do I participate?
College students and dietetic interns can be mentees, as well as RDs and DTRs looking for career guidance. MDA will try to match you with a mentor that can meet your needs. Click on this link for the mentee application, and attach it to an email sent to: mdamentoring@yahoo.com.

Mentees agree to:
1. Define one measurable goal that can be achieved from this relationship
2. Be a member of MDA. To join MDA you must join ADA and select MDA as your affiliate: http://www.eatright.org/Public/index_11602.cfm
3. If in college, be a junior or senior before applying
4. Maintain a professional relationship with the mentor and respect their time constraints
5. Keep all mentor/mentee communications confidential
6. Complete an evaluation form

Please note: MDA is constantly seeking mentors in a variety of nutrition careers. Therefore mentee applicants should understand that there might be a delay in finding a suitable mentor.