Former President Ronald Regan once said: “All great change in America begins at the dinner table.”
Rachel Reid, Calhoun’s workplace learning coordinator, will be hosting Calhoun’s dinner etiquette party Thursday, February 24th. Dinner will take place at 6pm at the Doubletree Hotel in Decatur, right along the river.
“Dinner is mainly for Calhoun students for them to have a better understanding of going to an interview or networking event where there is food. Obviously, employers like to pair lunch with an interview, so students have an opportunity to learn what proper etiquette is,” Reid said.
Industry representatives will be at the dinner, so students can network with these representatives. Business attire is required.
“Business attire for students would be a dress coat, or a blazer, a button-up blouse, some flats, closed-toed and comfortable shoes. A tie is an extra touch, but something as formal as a tuxedo is not required. Students should not wear jeans but wear nice slacks. A dress with a blazer with tights and closed-toed shoes is also business attire. The key is being sure you are comfortable as well because while you are networking you don’t want to wear something uncomfortable,” said Reid.
Laura Lynn Kerner is presenting during the dinner on proper etiquette, so students can learn about how to use their place setting during a meal.
Students will have to pay fifteen dollars for the meal, but a three-course meal will be served.
Calhoun has Career Closets on both campuses. The clothing is free to the students.
“We have all sizes available, and students can take up to three items for free. They get to keep them. We have suits, belts, shoes, socks, ties, you name it we probably have it. The sizes range from small to 3X. We take donations two times a year, in March and September on campus. Business partners also contribute. Students can make an appointment to visit the Career Closet, but if it is an emergency students can swing by our office. They can use clothes from the Career Closet for an interview, or if they are starting a new job or the etiquette dinner,” Reid said.
There will be a Health Sciences job fair on March 2nd in Huntsville and also a Job Fair on April 7th in Decatur.
“Employers are looking for students with soft skills. Soft skills in general are things like body language, how to dress, not interrupting someone who is speaking, just having presence and confidence. That confidence correlates in an interview. A lot of times students don’t know that they are doing a sales pitch of themselves. The etiquette of understanding a handshake, or how to maintain good eye contact, smiling, a presence, the head bob to show understanding, are all important,” Reid said.
Students can connect with career services by making an appointment with Rachel Reid.