Which fork do I use?

As graduation approaches quickly, St. John Fisher College’s Career Center held one last event to help graduating seniors. The Career Center works with students to help them with their professional careers after Fisher, they want students to stand out at a job interview and in their chosen career.

Betsy McDermott who’s in charge of the career center was also in charge of this last event, an etiquette dinner. Held on April 1 in the Wilson Formal at Fisher, the dinner was catered by the schools dining service. The event was a combined effort of the Career Center, the dining service and local alumni. The purpose of the dinner was to give students a “good picture of what it means to be a professional,” according to McDermott. Over five courses, the students would learn from a variety of sources about personal experiences and professionalism in the workplace.

Alumni were seated at each table to answer questions and give advice throughout the meal. They offered real life stories and applied what the students were learning to a profession and a setting.

The dinner allowed students to gain insight into the proper way to act during a business dinner or interview over a meal. Students learned about where food is to be placed (drinks on the right, food on the left), which silverware to use first (start on the outside and work your way in), and about which menu items are appropriate to order (choose a mid-range menu item). The dinner also offered an opportunity to teach table manners to an age group that has generally forgotten them. For example, do not eat until everyone had their food; do not get up from the table until everyone in your party has finished and NEVER EVER talk on your cell phone at the dinner table.

Students not only learned about their table etiquette but more importantly they were taught about the proper ways to interact with people at a business dinner or during an interview. Eye contact, a firm handshake and standing up to greet a person are all very important at first introduction. As the dinner taught students, you have eight seconds to make a good first impression.

Dressing for success was also a topic of discussion. It was recommended that you buy the best suit you can afford and to not overdo it with jewelry or makeup. A point that was made was to ay attention to details. Don’t let a missing button go by and make sure your shoes shine because it will show that you pay attention.

The etiquette dinner is just one of the many ways the Fisher Career Center is helping students advance in the workplace. The dinner is held annually so for any Fisher students who didn’t get a chance to go this year — plan to check it out next year.