Mind Your Peas and Carrots: Annual MSBA Etiquette Dinner Recap

As is our tradition, we started off the Spring semester with our annual MSBA Etiquette Dinner, lead by Associate Director of CUA Career Services Kathryn Marshall.

The evening began with passed appetizers, drinks, and a demonstration of proper networking reception etiquette. Students learned some tricks of the trade such as how to balance a plate of appetizers while holding a drink. 

Students enjoyed passed appetizers and networking at the beginning of the evening.

Holding a plate of appetizers as well as a beverage can be tricky, unless you know the proper way to hold them.

Students were then guided through a delicious seven-course dinner by Kathryn, who directed the students on everything from which (of the 3 - yikes!) forks to use for which course, to what topics are taboo during a lunch or dinner interview. 

The amount of silverware pictured here was a bit daunting, but by the end of the evening, students knew exactly which utensils to use for which course, and what to do with them after they were finished eating.

Eating foods like pasta can be tricky, but students learned the proper way to eat without making a mess!

Lemon sorbet was served in between the salad and main entree to clear the palette. 

The Etiquette Dinner is such a valuable evening for students not only because they learn how to eat tricky foods such as spaghetti or cherry tomatoes and know which silverware to use for what course, but because they leave at the end of the evening knowing how to handle a business lunch or dinner, or an interview in a dining setting.

Kathryn Marshall explaining how to decide what to order during a lunch or dinner interview

Ending the evening with a champagne toast!

"Good manners never go out of style, so whether you are preparing for the job interview, cultivating client relationships, or developing your networking base as part of a dining experience; proper etiquette is essential."  - Kathryn Marshall, Associate Director of Career Services, The Catholic University of America. 

As always, we would like to thank CUA Career Services and especially Kathryn Marshall, for organizing one of our favorite events. We would also like to thank Aramark Cardinal Catering for the delicious food and impeccable service.