By Annabelle Smallwood, Staff Reporter
As college students begin to transition into the vast world of business meetings, Hardin-Simmons University offers ways to help prepare them.
One way is by hosting an etiquette dinner. This year’s etiquette dinner will be hosted on Wednesday, Nov.13 at 6 p.m. The dinner is designed to inform students of proper etiquette so that they will know what to do if their business meeting is held over a meal. A six-course meal will be served to all that attend, and as it is being served, everyone will be given directions on professional dining etiquette.
Different business employers will also be at the dinner, and it is a great networking opportunity for students, as they will be able to connect with different employers or HSU alumni over a meal.
Alyssa Rasco, director of Career Services, is the organizer of the etiquette dinner. “In career services, part of the development that we are trying to help students with is professional development. It’s our biggest event of the entire year, and it’s a fun way to get students some professional dining etiquette and a little networking in a fun environment,” Rasco said.
University Marketing is also coming to the event to take professional headshots of students that can be used for various applications in the future. The meal and the headshots are completely free. However, there are limited spots. Students must go to Handshake, click events and then click register. Students must register soon if they are wanting to sit at a table with an employer.
Raya Rodriguez, a student at HSU, attended the etiquette dinner last year.
“I really love attending the etiquette dinner every year. It is such a great way to brush up on your dining skills while having the opportunity to network with other students and great business people. I definitely recommend it, especially for students going into a professional environment. It is such a good learning experience. The practice of getting dressed up and being in a formal etiquette dining experience without so much pressure is great,” Rodriguez said.
The attire for this event is anywhere from business casual to formal. All students are encouraged to go, but since there are only 160 seats, students need to sign up now.
“Even if you’ve been raised in a household where you learned your manners, this is stuff you maybe haven’t thought of before. It’s going to be practical and modern tips on how to connect yourself in a business dinner setting,” Rasco said.