UO Career Center Business Etiquette Dinner

Korrin B.

April 18, 2010 - 10:00 PM

When I was little, my mother used to say to my brother and I that we needed to stop reaching across the table and mind our manners because some day we might be having dinner with the President. This summer, I will be dining with former President Jimmy Carter.

As if it was meant to be, the UO Career Center offered a Business Etiquette Dinner event this month for students. I was very grateful to be able to be added to the guest list despite my late registration (Thank you, Colleen Lewis, Events Coordinator!). I was hoping that this event could teach me some very valuable skills for my future professional life, as well as ease some of my nerves about this summer.

On Wednesday evening, I put on my business professional attire and headed off to the EMU Ballroom for the event. The first part of the event involved going around to different stations to learn about skills in interviewing and professionalism. There were a lot of recruiters from different companies who were there to help with this and explain what they look for in employees. Some of the topics that were covered during this mingle were: handshaking, thank you notes, attire, haircuts, how to put on a tie, and more.

The second part of the event involved the meal. All of the attendees sat at tables with the recruiters who were volunteering with the event. We were all instructed with a lovely PowerPoint on the proper setting of a table, how to hold your utensils, how to carry on polite conversation, and so on. It was all really great information and it was fun getting to meet my fellow tablemates. We were also able to ask any questions we had that arose throughout the meal. I think one of my favorite parts was the soup. I never knew that the proper way to eat it was by scooping it away from oneself.

The night ended with a presentation on workplace fashion, which was a lot of fun to watch. After gaining some knowledge on the topic, the audience had to pick out what was wrong with different models' outfits.

I also got the privilege to meet Associate Director of Career Development and Counseling, Clarice Wilsey and Career Center Director, Deb Chereck. They were both great women and had very kind words about my recent internship offer with The Carter Center. It is great to know that there is such a strong staff available to students in the UO Career Center.

Overall, I think that the Career Center's Business Etiquette Dinner was a great success! I would definitely recommend it to any student at the UO, as you never know when you might be dining a President!