Mind your manners

Forty undergraduate and graduate students recently attended a Formal Etiquette Lunch in the College of Engineering in preparation for formal dining situations, especially those meals that will take place during their upcoming job or internship searches. Where should I place my butter knife? Is it appropriate to request a vegetarian meal? Should my napkin go under my chin? These and other questions were answered during the session conducted by Engineering Career Resource Center intern Amber Brown and sponsored by the Women in Engineering Office and the Engineering Career Resource Center.

First year undergrads, as well as seasoned graduate students, learned or re-learned how to make the best impression before, during and after a meal. Most had learned this information before, but there are not always opportunities to practice appropriate table manners during the academic year when it’s easier to grab a slice of pizza or eat a simple snack in the cafeteria. The sunlit room, along with a meal of chicken, rice and vegetables and well-trained wait staff provided a pleasant atmosphere for learning where to place the water glass, how to manage a large piece of lettuce and how to politely decline an offer of wine.

The next etiquette luncheon will be held in mid-March in Pierpont Commons on North Campus.

February 2007 eNews

December 2006 eNews

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