What not to do at dinner

This story originally appeared in the Winter 2009 issue of the UW Tacoma magazine Terrain.

Knowing which fork to use matters in the world of business

Your knowledge of how to conduct yourself at the dinner table reflects on you and demonstrates respect for your dinner companions. And since business often occurs over meals, it’s a savvy job applicant or entry-level professional who masters the rules of dining etiquette.

UW Tacoma business students learn that table manners speak volumes about them as future business people. Each year they practice their skills and pick up pointers at the etiquette dinner sponsored by the Milgard School of Business. Local business people from companies such as Russell Investment Group, Davita, Enterprise, MultiCare, State Farm, McGladrey and Pullen, and Moss Adams rub elbows with the students.



The etiquette dinner is part of a weeklong emphasis on professionalism in the school’s Center for Leadership and Social Responsibility. Workshop speakers offer students practical workplace advice on how to fit into a company culture, dress appropriately and practice good manners.

 

We asked then-business students (now alumni) Adam Wojtanowicz (BABA '09), Sonia Chandwaney (BABA '09), Ravi Wadan (BABA '09)  and Cindy Valerio (BABA '08) to help us illustrate poor manners. Downtown restaurant Pacific Grill graciously provided the setting and the entrees.