By Maddie Garvis
The Center for Career Development held this year’s etiquette dinner on Feb. 25, from 5-7 p.m. in the Coblentz Seminar Room.
The event featured a five-course meal that was free to students and was accompanied by business etiquette tips and tricks from speaker Michael True, author of “InternQube: Professional Skills for the Workplace,” a resource for students entering into internships and the workforce.
The focus of the event was to teach students the proper way to behave at a business or formal dinner, including specifics like which silverware to use for which course, what to do with your napkin when you stand up from the table, whether or not you should drink during a business dinner, and more.
True said that attending the etiquette dinner gives students an advantage in the job market.
“Etiquette helps you to be relaxed in more formal settings, including networking events and dinners. By learning a few key behaviors, you will set yourself apart from others,” True said. “Employers are looking for new hires who know how to represent themselves and the organization well.”
Maura Page, employer relations manager in the career center and one of the coordinators of the event, said that the etiquette dinner is a great opportunity for students to learn proper business etiquette and understand how to navigate networking events.
“It’s about putting your best professional foot forward,” Page said. “It just strengthens students’ confidence going into the work force and navigating situations they’ve never had to do before.”
Although the event is centered around a dinner, Page emphasized how learning even general business etiquette can be helpful to students who will soon be interviewing for jobs.
From learning how to properly introduce yourself, to how to shake a person’s hand, these are tools that students will use in all facets of their professional lives.
“This is a safe environment, a no judgement zone,” Page said. “So, if you can learn these tips when no one’s judging you, then you’ll be better prepared when you’re in a situation where people are watching what you’re doing.”
True said that while the instructional element of the dinner is important, the event also ends up being a lot of fun as well.
“Interacting with the students is a blast,” True said. “We always have a good time and enjoy good food. Etiquette does not have to be dull and boring.”
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