A Taste of Professionalism: CBSM Etiquette & Dinner Highlights
By Amber Bratlie
Oct. 25, 2024
As one of the key events for the fall semester, the CBSM Etiquette Seminar and Dinner is a building block for students to gain interpersonal skills. As a first-year student at UAF studying Business Administration and Student Marketing Assistant, the etiquette dinner gave me a preview of the fall events to come.
Sarah Lewis Photography
Melissa Jay and Nick Whitmore from KPMG chat with CBSM student Amber Bratlie.
This event allows students to network and learn hands-on professional etiquette from a panel of community leaders. The activities included an etiquette presentation, Q&A, and lightning round, followed by dinner at Lavelle’s Bistro. Students were able to refine the skills we already have and build new ones, such as email etiquette and work dress code.
Through this event, I had several key takeaways, such as building relationships, demonstrating respect, and showcasing professionalism in different situations. During the dinner, we had the chance to put into practice the skills we learned from the seminar, including using the correct utensils, keeping pace with the host, and maintaining conversation.
What makes this event stand out is the professionals who attend from various industries and provide their input and insight into their industry areas. Companies like our event sponsors, KPMG and Enterprise Mobility, actively recruit interns and full-time employees.
For me, the most memorable experience was the lightning round, which is a two-minute round robin offering the students a chance to have one-on-one conversations with the professionals. For students like me, it provided the perfect opportunity to learn from them. I’ll admit the first few minutes were awkward; I didn’t know what to ask, and there was a bit of uncomfortable silence. Eventually, I started to get into the groove, figuring out what to ask and engaging more efficiently with these professionals. And isn’t that what the event is all about?
CBSM student, Elizabeth Stitz, during the lightning round interviews.
Marcelo Ketzler-Lopez, CBSM student, passes the mic to Leah Boltz, Principle, Bettisworth North Architects and Planners Inc., during the etiquette seminar.
This event excited me for CBSM’s future events, like Business Leader of the Year and the Arctic Innovation Competition. I’m looking forward to applying the skills I learned, like networking and professional etiquette, and continuing to build connections that will help me grow in my field.
This opportunity was made possible for students due to the generous support from businesses such as KPMG, Enterprise Mobility, and Lavelle's Bistro.
Check out the to see more pictures and the program from the event.