Alumni association to host etiquette classes

For any college student preparing for a career, table manners and etiquette at business lunches and dinners are an integral part of success. That's why on Oct. 13 and Oct. 21, the IU Alumni Club of Monroe County and the Student Alumni Association are teaming up to host seminars focusing on etiquette and manners needed in the demanding and competitive business world. \n"There's really no class that teaches business etiquette or table manners, and when students go out to interview for jobs; it's an intangible part of the job process," said John Laskowski, vice president of marketing and membership for the Alumni Association. \nThe two seminars, both of which will be held in the Kelley Dining Room at the Virgil T. DeVault Alumni Center, 1000 E. 17th St., will be managed and run by Michelle Martin-Colman, a certified protocol consultant who specializes in business etiquette in these types of settings.\n"The seminars sound really appealing because etiquette is important for success in business since first impressions are so crucial," said Megan Miller, a senior marketing major.\n"Business Interview Etiquette: what you need to know to put you in front of the next candidate" is the topic of discussion on Oct. 13, while "Manners that Mean Business: everyday manners in a competitive world" will be discussed on Oct. 21. Both sessions run from 5 to 7 p.m.\nThere will be a discussion and lessons on how to use special utensils, how to navigate food gracefully from plate to mouth and how to engage in interesting conversation. Students should bring a bag lunch for each session.\n"Our main hope is to educate students and make them feel comfortable in a business dinner setting since recruiters will be taking students out for interviews," said senior Maggie Brozio, president of the Student Alumni Association. "The seminars are geared towards business students, but are most certainly open to all students."\nTickets are $5 for SAA members and $10 for non-members. Students can attend one or both of the seminars.\nAfter the sessions, students can test their new skills at a four-course dinner Nov. 4 at the Tudor Room in the Indiana Memorial Union.The formal dinner comes at an additional price and students should dress in proper business attire.\nSeating for each event is limited to 50 people, and an R.S.V.P. is required by Oct. 3. Contact Rachael Crouch at 855-2263 or rlcrouch@indiana.edu to secure a spot. \n-- Contact staff writer Rachel Ward at raward@indiana.edu.