Career Services sponsored its third-annual “Business Etiquette for Leaders” dinner last night at the Faculty Club.
The event invited students to enjoy a meal while listening to various speakers’ and employers’ advice on the proper way to eat, interview and socialize with potential employers.
Employers attending the event included representatives from Shell Co., Raising Cane’s, AFLAC, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Hibernia National Bank and the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce.
These employers scattered among the students and addressed questions and concerns about career opportunities.
Employers also told the students what they were looking for in future employees.
Joanne Trinidad, Career Services coordinator for the event, said there had been a strong interest in this year’s dinner, and that 23 of the 61 students who signed up were pursuing Masters in Business Administration.
Before the meal began, Jill Rigby spoke to the students about proper business meal etiquette. Rigby works for a local non-profit corporation, Manners of the Heart, that teaches proper etiquette to both children and adults.
Rigby covered various aspects of good performance at a business dinner, emphasizing its importance in gaining an advantage over other candidates.
“Manners leave a lasting impression on employers,” Rigby said, adding that the skills she taught were valuable to students trying to get their careers on track.
Rigby discussed everything from how early to arrive at a business meal to napkin placement to how to pay at a nice restaurant. She also discussed various rules of dining etiquette from the points of view of both the host and the guest.
“These skills will help you at LSU and after you graduate,” she said.
Many students agreed that Rigby’s part of the evening was beneficial.
“The little tips about dinner etiquette were the most useful,” said Kevin Faulk, a general business administration junior.
Holly Nelson, a Career Services coordinator, spoke to the students about business attire.
Nelson explained the difference between formal and casual business attire and used students to model appropriate clothing.
Stephen Moret, CEO of the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce, and former University assistant chancellor, gave tips for job interviews.
Moret challenged people seeking employment to always put themselves in the shoes of the employer.
“Think about what they are looking for,” Moret said. “They are wondering how they will benefit from hiring you.”
Moret said that grades, experience and involvement do not matter as much as a good interview.
“Most of that is just to get you to the interview,” Moret said. “Once you get there, they want to get to know you — not your resume.”
Moret emphasized the need for an interviewee to relax and let his true personality shine through.
“Be yourself,” Moret said. “That’s the most important thing.”
Moret also advised students to practice with friends or colleagues before interviews.
Moret encouraged students to take career changes in stride.
“I don’t know a single person I was an undergraduate with who is doing exactly what they set out to do,” Moret said.
Finally, Moret urged students to stay in Baton Rouge after college.
Baton Rouge is on its way to becoming a major city, and the University is rising in the ranks of America’s top colleges, Moret said.
Students said they left with generally positive thoughts about the event.
Stephanie Lambert, a pre-business administration sophomore, said she found Moret’s advice extremely helpful.
“The tips about how to make yourself appealing to employers were great,” Lambert said.