MSU Career Services hosts Etiquette Networking Dinner

Morehead State University’s Office of Career Services hosted its ninth annual Etiquette Networking Dinner in the newly renovated Adron Doran University Center (ADUC) on April 23. Over 40 students took advantage of this opportunity.   

The evening began with the employer sponsors, as well as individuals from Mt. Folly Farms, mingling with students as tips were shared to prepare students to be successful networkers. During the three-course meal, Terri Thompson, Etiquette Institute graduate, served as the guest speaker guiding participants in the proper way to navigate a formal meal, handle napkins and tableware, as well as how to excuse oneself from the table. This formal training is designed to make students feel more confident in professional social situations. 

"Etiquette is about helping students develop professional poise, confident communication skills and personal polish,” Thompson said, “Practicing the three bedrock principles of etiquette – kindness, consideration and honesty – is always the right thing to do and will help any student's success.”      

The National Association of Colleges and Employers finds that employers want to hire candidates with transferable skills, such as communication. This event allows students to practice this in a professional setting.  

"I enjoyed networking with the organizations. However, the best part of the event is learning new skills to better impress employers, including how to handle myself in a professional dining situation like a job interview," said Kiandra Jenkins, an elementary education major from Cincinnati.  

Additionally, employers attending the dinner share that it is often the ability to introduce oneself, portray a professional image and showcase basic etiquette that sets a candidate apart during the hiring process.   

“Facilitating the professional development of MSU students is the focus of this dinner,” said Megan Boone, interim director of the Office of Career Services. “Providing students with an opportunity to practice networking and learn dining etiquette is just one of the many ways that our University is working to ensure our students have the skills they need to excel in the workplace.”  

For more information about the Office of Career Services, call 606-783-2233, email careerservices@moreheadstate.edu or visit www.moreheadstate.edu/career. 
 

Photo, right: MSU alumna Deion Stapleton (17) networks with a current student at the ninth annual Etiquette Networking Dinner hosted by the Office of Career Services. 

Photo, left: Terri Thompson, a graduate of the Etiquette Institute, served as a guest speaker at the Etiquette Networking Dinner.