With folded napkins and freshly polished silverware, UNM's Career Services department put on an extravagant professional dining experience Monday night.
The formal three-course dinner was held to help UNM students gain insight into the world of business etiquette.
Jenna Crabb, Career Services director, said the event aimed to teach students how to interact in a professional environment.
She said Career Services hosts the seminar biannually and that it's open to undergraduate and graduate students.
Students mingled over nonalcoholic drinks and hors d'oeuvres, practiced introducing themselves and conversed with representatives from the FBI, Fidelity Investments and the U.S. Department of State.
"Professional appearance, professional composure and attitude in combination really make all the difference in the world," said Ken Fleming of Fidelity Investments. "When looking at two individuals, skill sets being equal, a company always goes with someone who is more professional. They are going to have a better career ahead of them; they are going to cause less problems; and they are going to be a better performer that you can count on to do the job and do it right."
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Freshman Fatima Shami said the event changed her idea of professionalism.
"Aside from the great food and learning which fork to use and when, I really enjoyed learning how to mix with people professionally and all the new information on how to make new contacts," she said.
As the U.S. job market might be imperiled by the credit crisis, business professionals need every edge they can get, Shami said.
Career development facilitator Angela Chavez-Brock said Career Services tries to teach students how to confidently present themselves and what they have to offer to a business. She said this is one of the most important skills a student can learn before entering the business world.
"Our role is to give students the tools and techniques to get on that best foot forward so they are more comfortable presenting themselves in professional settings," Chavez-Brock said.
Career Services also offers year-round student workshops for graduates and undergraduates, she said.
Students can learn skills in a group setting or can go in for individualized workshops.
Crabb said there are many ways the University can help students prepare for life after college. She said students should go to at least one Career Services workshop during their educational career to see what assistance the department can provide.
