Etiquette consultant Terri Thompson with Career Services offered an etiquette dinner Wednesday for students approaching graduation in hopes of teaching them practical business interview skills to bring to the table.

The dinner consisted of a four-course meal so students could learn the proper business etiquette for any situation whether it’s how to eat soup, a roll or chocolate cake in front of a potential employer.

Thompson is a nationally renowned speaker, author and successful entrepreneur specializing in helping individuals succeed.

Before the meal started, Thompson instructed students on the proper way to sit and where to put their belongings to ensure professionalism. When the first course, soup, was served, she then transitioned to how to properly eat soup which, is to scoop away from oneself not towards. It was tips and tricks like this throughout the night that many students were surprised to learn.

Kelsea Thayer, senior elementary education major, said she came to the event because she’s ready to graduate and didn’t feel like she knew a lot of etiquette rules, so she thought it would be valuable for the interviewing process.

“I would definitely recommend this if you’re getting to graduate soon so you have it in mind when you’re job hunting,” Thayer said, “It’s a great opportunity to learn workplace skills and get a four-course meal for free”

The meal consisted of soup, salad, a chicken entrée with vegetables and a slice of chocolate cake for dessert. The meal and education were free for students and lasted around an hour and fifteen minutes.

Rachel Wyad, senior health care management major, said she chose to come to the event because she will be in a situation in her career having dinner with doctors and administrators and she didn’t want to embarrass herself, but after the dinner she said she felt prepared to move forward with that type of interview situation in her career.

A handful of students at the dinner had attended the event last year and Jennifer Brown, program manager for internships, said that it’s not unusual for students to come back to hear Thompson speak again.

“She covers different things every time depending on what the students ask so a lot of students attend the event more than once and still continue to learn every time.”

Hunter Ellis can be contacted at [email protected].