Business 'eat'iquette
By COURTNEY COPE
Issue date: 3/11/10 Section: Campus Life
Students this semester have been given five opportunities to utilize one of Career Services most valuable programs: business etiquette dinners. Skills essential to business encounters conducted while dining are taught to students as they mingle over "mocktails," then enjoy an elaborate five course meal.
Over half of all business is finalized over the dining table, according to Career Servies, making the skills taught at business etiquette dinners an asset to any student considering entering the world of business.
First lesson students are taught is to arrive 10 minutes early to the restaurant where the business meeting is taking place. This shows business associates and superiors that you are professional and made the meeting a priority.
As students sit down to enjoy a formal dining experience, many are shocked by the extensive amount of silverware placed in front of them. This large place setting is common in restaurants in which business meetings often take place, so it is important for students to be familiar with the utensils and how to use them. Career Services advises students that when in doubt, begin from the outside and work inwards when choosing silverware.
Students are also taught the importance of using manners while being seated at the dinner table. Career Services insists that men always pull out the chair of ladies sitting to their right, and if there are more men than women at the table, women should be always be seated before the men.
Proper etiquette lessons continue once dinner is served. Tips such as buttering bread one piece at a time, always asking to be excused before leaving the table, and placing your napkin in you chair when leaving the table temporarily are among the many given throughout the dinner.
At the conclusion of the dinner, Career Services provides students with a packet containing helpful reminders to use when attending business meetings at restaurants or formal dinners. Among this advice includes tips such as don't eat until the host begins, never criticize the food, and always bring food to your mouth rather than leaning over your plate.
All students are eligible for business etiquette dinners and can sign up by visiting the Career Services office located in Thompson Student Center Room 218. Each dinner takes place in the Dining Hall Room 218, and students are required to dress professionally.
For more information regarding dates and times of remaining business etiquette dinners visit http://www.tarleton.edu/careerservices/Students/businessetiquettedinners.html
Over half of all business is finalized over the dining table, according to Career Servies, making the skills taught at business etiquette dinners an asset to any student considering entering the world of business.
First lesson students are taught is to arrive 10 minutes early to the restaurant where the business meeting is taking place. This shows business associates and superiors that you are professional and made the meeting a priority.
As students sit down to enjoy a formal dining experience, many are shocked by the extensive amount of silverware placed in front of them. This large place setting is common in restaurants in which business meetings often take place, so it is important for students to be familiar with the utensils and how to use them. Career Services advises students that when in doubt, begin from the outside and work inwards when choosing silverware.
Students are also taught the importance of using manners while being seated at the dinner table. Career Services insists that men always pull out the chair of ladies sitting to their right, and if there are more men than women at the table, women should be always be seated before the men.
Proper etiquette lessons continue once dinner is served. Tips such as buttering bread one piece at a time, always asking to be excused before leaving the table, and placing your napkin in you chair when leaving the table temporarily are among the many given throughout the dinner.
At the conclusion of the dinner, Career Services provides students with a packet containing helpful reminders to use when attending business meetings at restaurants or formal dinners. Among this advice includes tips such as don't eat until the host begins, never criticize the food, and always bring food to your mouth rather than leaning over your plate.
All students are eligible for business etiquette dinners and can sign up by visiting the Career Services office located in Thompson Student Center Room 218. Each dinner takes place in the Dining Hall Room 218, and students are required to dress professionally.
For more information regarding dates and times of remaining business etiquette dinners visit http://www.tarleton.edu/careerservices/Students/businessetiquettedinners.html
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