NATCHITOCHES, La. — Northwestern State University’s College of Business and Technology recently hosted the J. Walter Porter Professional Training and Etiquette Experience, an event designed to help students develop professional presence, communication skills and business etiquette.
The program covered workplace and dining etiquette, including professional introductions, handshakes, dressing for success, table settings and the proper use of utensils during meals.
More than 170 students and business leaders participated. The event connected students with professionals from energy, finance, hospitality, technology, tourism and economic development.
Dr. Scott Wysong, dean of the college, said the program was developed to complement students’ technical training.
“We have excellent students who are learning the hard skills in accounting, finance, strategy, computer information systems, marketing and more, but we saw a need to teach our students the ‘soft skills,’” Wysong said.
Assistant Professor Heidy McWhorter Mongeon designed the experience and brought in Sarah Aynesworth of Waco, Texas, a nationally recognized accredited etiquette expert, along with regional business leaders.
“With Sarah, we created an engaging experiential environment where students and leaders could both learn and practice traditional and modern etiquette skills, building confidence and helping to level the professional playing field for all students, regardless of background or socio-economic status,” Mongeon said.
Senior accounting and business administration major Dexteria King of Alexandria said the event gave students a chance to learn directly from alumni and business leaders.
“I really appreciated the opportunity to learn and dine with NSU alumni and business leaders while gaining valuable professional etiquette skills that I know I will use throughout my career,” King said.
The experience is supported by an endowment from the J. Walter Porter family foundation and is intended to help students build career readiness beyond the classroom.