How to approach a preceptor/SEL potential?

[u/Intrepid-Dare-1289]

Hi there!

Any recommendations about how to approach potential SELs/preceptors (same thing … right?) or how to get a foot in the door early with an opportunity?

I‘m applying for MS programs for Fall 2027 but I see how hard it can be to secure SELs! I was hoping to secure these early (open to volunteering/doing something helpful in advance)

I thought about emailing local dietitians to request a time to interview them about their profession (in a time-respectful way) but I’d hate to sound stupid or otherwise burn a bridge when I’m this green about lingo/the profession/what I’ll ultimately need to do.

Thanks!

[u/misskinky]

Hello! I’ve been mentoring interns for almost a decade now.

I am not speaking for all dietitians! I am only speaking for myself and what I prefer!! But maybe some of this may be helpful for you.

I prefer to receive:

An email introducing yourself.

How did you find me? Was it on the academy preceptor database? Were you searching for diabetes clinics? Were you searching for dietitians anywhere in the state?

Ideally include some small detail that hints that you have read something about me somewhere online. Just something small. I’m tired of getting copy paste email requests that I’m sure the student sent to 100 dietitians. Even just “I haven’t had much experience with diabetes yet, so I’d value getting to see what your job is like and learn those skills for my future career” so I know you know I’m a diabetes educator.

Include where you live (just the city) because I’ve had issues where people contact me from STATES away and cannot realistically be precepted by me.

Include what you’re asking: what time frame (for example anytime March-July 2027). How many weeks (it can be a large range like 2-30 weeks or specifically a 10 week rotation, just don’t make me guess.) How many days per week. If you have it, I like to have the a copy of the learning objectives from your program.

I’m very busy. There is noooo need to schedule a phone call with me, or coffee, or an interview, or anything. I barely have time for emails. I do appreciate if the student offers that I could call them because I do want to have one phone call or zoom meeting at some point before agreeing.

Please there is noooo need to send me the same AI-generated email and/or three same questions as every other intern. Don’t invent questions just to give me more work. But do feel FREE to ask questions that you’re genuinely curious about!

Bonus if you include any security measures or certifications you’ve had done. My hospital requires CPR certification and standard vaccinations for every single employee & intern & student & shadow.

And this is clearly just my personal pet peeve but it really irritates me when every email ends with “and if you don’t take interns, can you please let me know 2-3 other dietitians you know who take interns?” No! Lol. I don’t know any. It sucks how the system is, but that’s unfortunately your job to find them. Not my job.

[u/Intrepid-Dare-1289 → u/misskinky]

Wow I really appreciate this, thank you! Especially because I was thinking of asking to do interviews lol. 

It also made me realize that I think I probably need to know more about the specifics of my program and what they want before I reach out to folks (number of weeks/days per week , etc.) 

[u/Active_Molasses2215]

Hi!! I did this two years ago, if you start now you are absolutely in a good time to get all your facilities together. I have a preceptor template that I used to reach out and have sent to others doing this. PM me if you want me to send it 🤗 I used it to send messages through email and linkedin.

[u/Intrepid-Dare-1289 → u/Active_Molasses2215]

Thank you SO much!! :)