|
Luncheon offers job skills |
|
|
|
Thursday, 08 February 2007 |
by SARA HAYNES
Intern News Reporter
The Etiquette Luncheon, Feb. 23, is more than just a snack.
Mary John Bosell, a professional development consultant from Charlotte, intends to teach skills that can help students get ahead in the real world.
 Active Image | Mike Rominger | University Photographer
Junior marketing major Preston D. Gilliam(l) and senior marketing major Ben J. Kennedy(r) learn important manners for professional situations during last semester’s etiquette luncheon.
|
“A lot of business now takes place over a lunch or dinner,” Heidi Williams, director of the Career Development Center, said.
“Etiquette is definitely important,” Amanda F. White, branch manager of
the Wachovia in Boone, said. “First impressions are based solely on
superficial things.”
She said when she interviews a potential employee, the first things she
notices about the applicant are their clothing and posture.
Bosell plans to inform attendees about proper introductions, place
settings, conduct during a meal, professional dress, interview tips and
more.
Tickets are $10 and currently available through the Career Development Center, located in the John E. Thomas building.
Approximately 100 seats are available for the session.
“We held this event last semester as well,” Williams said.
She said that a repeat appearance by Bosell was highly requested, and
the Career Development Center expects tickets to sell out quickly.
Growing up, Bosell’s mother was very particular about her children’s etiquette skills.
“She wanted us to be comfortable eating at the White House or a pool hall,” Bosell said.
Bosell said teaching the etiquette her mother passed down to her makes her feel that she is “touching lives in a positive way.”
She feels while students graduate from college with great technological
skills, they are no longer learning the social skills they will need
when they are in the real world, especially when looking to start their
careers.
“When it’s between two candidates for a job, and one sent a handwritten
thank-you and the other didn’t, the one who wrote the note is going to
get the job,” Bosell said.
She also emphasizes that as e-mail has become a prevalent form of
communication, “People think it’s okay to just e-mail a quick thanks.
But, guess what? It’s not.
“Etiquette is about making others feel good, not being better than anyone else,” Bosell said.
“But knowing proper manners sets you apart from other people.”
Trackback(0)
 |
TrackBack URI for this entry
Show/Hide comments