Polished and prepared: ASU Graduate College hosts Etiquette Dinner for professional success

On April 1, 2025, the University Club Heritage Room at Arizona State University was filled with conversation, clinking flatware and an atmosphere of professional growth. Hosted by the Graduate College’s professional development and engagement team, the Etiquette Dinner welcomed graduate students and postdoctoral scholars for an evening dedicated to mastering the art of dining in professional settings.

In today’s job market, making a strong first impression often extends beyond the interview room. Candidates may be invited to formal dinners, business lunches or networking receptions with hiring committees or organizational leaders. Knowing how to navigate these moments can make the difference between blending in and standing out. This four-course dinner was thoughtfully designed to help students feel prepared for these real-world scenarios.

The evening began with registration and a guided networking session, during which attendees practiced conversation openers and professional greetings, including confident handshakes and guest etiquette. These foundational skills helped set the tone for the rest of the evening, easing students into the social dynamics that are often a key part of professional interactions.

Following welcome remarks, students were introduced to their host for the evening: Melissa Goitia, CSEP, executive director of ASU’s Office of University Events and Protocol. A seasoned protocol officer and co-founder of the North American Association of Commencement Officers, Goitia brought extensive experience and insight to the event. Throughout the dinner, she provided real-time instruction on how to navigate a formal table setting, engage in appropriate conversation and handle transitions with grace and professionalism.

As each course was served, Goitia guided attendees through Western dining etiquette step by step. From napkin placement and utensil use to posture, passing items and selecting conversation topics, the experience was both immersive and practical. Students were encouraged to ask questions and practice techniques, including how to cut and eat food with composure, signal resting positions with utensils and manage personal belongings at the table.

The dinner also addressed a common source of anxiety for many: navigating a lunch or dinner interview. Goitia explained how to stay engaged in conversation while managing the mechanics of dining, how to follow the host’s cues and how to balance professionalism with authenticity. These small but meaningful skills can help candidates build rapport and leave a lasting positive impression in high-stakes settings.

When dessert and coffee were served, students practiced final touches such as placing utensils and napkins correctly to signal the end of the meal. The evening concluded with a Q&A and group reflection on how etiquette supports not just formality but mutual respect, awareness and confidence.

While the event focused on Western dining etiquette, the Graduate College acknowledged that these practices represent just one cultural framework. The goal was to equip graduate students and postdocs with tools relevant to U.S.-based professional environments while encouraging broader cultural awareness and adaptability.

Tickets for the Etiquette Dinner, valued at $100, were offered to ASU graduate students and postdocs for just $20—an example of the university’s commitment to providing meaningful, affordable professional development opportunities. With limited seating, the event filled quickly, reflecting students’ strong interest in developing career skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Events like the Etiquette Dinner align with ASU’s charter and design aspirations by fostering student success, advancing inclusion and preparing future leaders through accessible, holistic learning experiences. By creating spaces for graduate students and postdocs to practice the social aspects of professionalism, the Graduate College continues to support Sun Devils in becoming confident, well-rounded professionals ready to thrive in any setting.