Monday, Nov 2, 2015
Free four-course meal with professional advice along the way
by Aimee LaBrie
Have you ever found yourself at a formal dinner event, unsure which fork goes with the salad and which one goes with the dessert? Or wondered when exactly you are supposed to place the cloth napkin in your lap? These are small details of dining etiquette, but if you are out to dinner with an alumnus or a prospective employer, being able to illustrate your understanding of proper manners is imperative to making a good impression.
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, you can get the training you need at the Dining Etiquette workshop and dinner. Hosted by Career Services from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Fireside Lounge of the Bart Luedeke Center, this four-course dinner will illustrate the proper ways to conduct yourself in different dining experience with an emphasis on how to impress your table mates from the first look at the menu to handling the check at the end of the meal.
Elizabeth Davala, administrative associate for Westminster's Student Affairs, who will be presenting the talk, emphasizes the importance of honing skills beyond the office." In addition to your job performance, having good dining etiquette helps establish your credibility and your reputation," she says. "They are vital to your professional repertoire."
Kim Barberich, the new executive director of Career Services, sees this an opportunity for students to practice skills that remain very important for making a positive impression on your fellow dinner guests. "We'll be going over some less obvious questions, such as if or when it is appropriate to order a glass of wine or how to dress depending on the setting, as well as the basics from beginning to end," she says.
"This is one of the skills you need to develop as a professional, and the event may be particularly useful for international students who also need to adapt to a different cultural approach to dining," Barberich says.
The event, hosted by Career Services, is free and open to all current Rider students. Space is limited to 80 participants, so RSVP today by emailing [email protected]. Please specify in your email if you have allergies, would prefer a Kosher, vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free meal.