University Communications and Marketing
Etiquette dinner offered to prepare students for business dining functions
November 3, 2015
Contacts:
Advising and Career Services, 657-2168
University Communications and Marketing, 657-2266
Montana State University Billings students and Billings business leaders gather for a group photo at last year’s MSUB Advising and Career Services’ Etiquette Dinner, an event to prepare students for professional dining functions.
Advising and Career Services will host its annual Etiquette Dinner on Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Building, banquet rooms A and B. The event is free for students.
MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Knowing which way to pass the bread and which fork to use with which entrée may seem trite to some. But, dinner etiquette may prove to be useful for Montana State University Billings students when trying to land their first professional job.
The office of Advising and Career Services will host its annual Etiquette Dinner on Nov. 12, giving juniors and seniors a unique opportunity to connect with potential employers and learn what it takes to make a strong first impression in a dining setting. Free for students, the event will be held at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Building in banquet rooms A and B.
“The event introduces students to some social scenarios in the professional world that they might not have had before,” said Michelle Schraudner, Advising and Career Services internship coordinator. “The skills they’ll learn could make all the difference for them to land their first job.”
Over a five-course meal, students will learn the basics of proper social etiquette that is required to make a strong first impression at an interview or business dinner function. Topics will include greeting techniques, conversation topics, table manners and other business relations. Students will also have the opportunity to network with potential local employers.
Members of the Advising and Career Services Employer Partner Group include Eide Bailly, Northwestern Mutual, Wells Fargo, Billings Clinic, RiverStone Health, CHS Refinery and news television stations ABC 6 and FOX 4. Representatives from each business as well as other local companies led by MSUB alumni will be seated at each table matched with students whose academic program fits his or her hiring needs.
“I think this event teaches many life skills. The students are placed in a setting that allows them to socialize and practice etiquette,” said Northwestern Mutual’s Jeramie Meadows after last year’s event. He said the event also gives businesses the opportunity to meet potential interns.
Student Kirsten Barnhart, a senior studying psychology, said she looks forward to meeting employers with Billings School District 2 to explore career opportunities after she graduates.
“I’m undecided about what I’d like to do with my degree, but am interested in working in schools,” Barnhart said. “I’m hoping they can tell me more about what avenues there may be for me, interview tips and possible internships I could apply for.”
Campus Dining Services by Sodexo cohosts the event and provides an etiquette specialist to guide the evening.
To reserve a space, students can contact Advising and Career Services at (406) 657-2168 or careers@msubillings.edu. Space is limited. Organizers ask students to reserve their spot by Nov. 6.