“After we graduate, we end up getting a job, and that job is most likely going to put us in a situation where we’ll have to dine with other people,” said Rachel Frierson, a council member and political theory and constitutional democracy senior.

“It’s important to have an opportunity to learn the proper etiquette before you make a mistake.”

Pamela Barc, executive director of the firm Etiquettes Edge, talked to more than 100 MSU students during a three-course meal about various dining etiquette techniques, including proper business attire, international dining considerations and topics to avoid in dinner conversation.

Council member and interdisciplinary humanities senior Megan Leinbach said that Barc’s reputation appealed most to the council.

Barc said her focus on preparing students for the transition from “backpack to briefcase” began after she watched young professionals make various professional mistakes during her time in corporate America.

“We make assumptions that are unfair of college graduates as business professionals,” she said. “I saw a lot of students who had to learn the hard way.”

Ashley Bernath, an advertising and public relations junior, said the dinner was an opportunity to learn etiquette before sitting down for the real thing.

“I want to make a good impression on a future employer or a future client, so this will be a good experience for me,” Bernath said.

Political theory and constitutional democracy senior Matthew Hansen, who attended the event, said professional etiquette is important to achieving professional success.

“Etiquette is part of the first impression that you only get one chance to make,” Hansen said.