Monday, February 11, 2008

Those wondering which fork to use first at the dinner table will receive guidance on this and many other questions related to business etiquette Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. in the University of North Carolina Wilmington Madeline Suite.

The UNC Wilmington Career Center's Professional Etiquette: Menu for Success will provide hands-on instruction about dining do's and don'ts, complete with a gourmet five-course meal and training from a professional etiquette expert.

"Nearly 100 guests will learn professional dining etiquette and will also gain insight into when, where and how to discuss business over meals," said Karen Thompson, Career Center associate director. "We will also discuss how to communicate nonverbally at the table and many other professional skills that will help set our students apart from the competition in today's job market."

The interactive dinner is one of the center's numerous programs aimed at empowering students as active participants in their own career development and preparing them for success in the global business world.

"Students who can apply with confidence the basics of American etiquette as it relates to meeting, greeting, networking and dining represent themselves as savvy professionals," said Thompson. "Good etiquette also takes into consideration the cultural differences in other countries and their etiquette requirements."

Media are welcome to attend the event, which offers hands-on visual and interview opportunities. Meal tickets are no longer available for sale.

Media contacts:

Joy Davis, UNCW Marketing and Communications, 910.962.3616 or davisjc@uncw.edu

Karen Thompson, Career Services, 910.962.3174 or thompsonk@uncw.edu.

Photo caption: Karen Thompson, associate director of the UNC Wilmington Career Center, offers dining etiquette tips to students to help prepare them for success in the competitive job market. (UNCW/Jamie Moncrief)