Minority interns' experiences during their dietetics education and their recommendations for increasing diversity in dietetics: findings from structured interviews

Diversity among racial minorities and males has remained limited in the dietetics field. Structured interviews with eleven minority interns were conducted to assess their experiences throughout their dietetics education and to examine their perceptions of the dietetics profession. General themes were reported. Dietetics was not the first career choice for six interns. Work and volunteer experience were perceived as the most influential factors in their selection for a dietetic internship. Some perceived being the only minority in an internship program and the lack of minorities on internship selection committees as problems. Increasing minority dietitians' visibility at career days and early recruitment of students were suggested as ways to increase diversity within the profession. Resources such as the Building Our Future Mentor Program Tool Kit should be utilized to establish mentoring programs for students and to enhance diversity efforts in dietetics.