Anna Bass, instructor of management and business administration coaches the “Professional Presence & Etiquette Seminar.” Jessica Anny/The Lion’s Roar

Knowing how to make a good impression at an interview is important when trying to get a job. The “Professional Presence & Etiquette Seminar” provided students with the opportunity to get an in-depth knowledge on manners and tips to impress the employees.

The seminar was held in Garret Hall Room 14. Anna Bass, instructor of management and business administration, was the speaker at this event. She talked to the students about how to have good professional etiquette.

“Having what we call professional presence and etiquette gives a student a competitive advantage in the world of business,” said Bass. “I want students to come here and learn that etiquette is not just a list of do’s and don’ts.”

Bass has been teaching this course for over 10 years. As a coach for this seminar, she hopes students become servant leaders and help others in the world. Bass thinks that in life you have to have a heart for helping people. She also hopes that students will take something meaningful from the event to apply to “Career Fair.”

“Etiquette is a constantly emerging field, and the most important thing about having good etiquette and professional presence is to have a heart that cares about the other person’s welfare,” said Bass.

Bass demonstrated some of the manners at the dinner table and at job interviews to the students. She also taught the class how to interact in situations with business partners while still being professional with body language.

“This seminar seems to be very well received by the students,” said Bass. “We hold it in our largest room here in Garret Hall. The room fills up quickly with eager people who are interested in learning what is the correct way to go about a business interview.”

Senior psychology major Faith Bolling discussed how the seminar helped her. 

“I got a lot of information and motivation for the “Career Fair” coming up from today,” said Bolling. “Today’s seminar made me more confident about the ‘Career Fair’ coming up. I know how to walk correctly now and what to wear.”

Bolling admits that she was going to wear something different and not quite up to standard until she came to today’s event. 

“I’m glad I got these tips today for the ‘Career Fair’ coming up and to use for real life events,” said Bolling. 

Chelsie Smith, a junior communication major is preparing for the upcoming “Career Fair” being held next week on Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Pennington Student Activity Center. 

“I like that she talks about things that I was very concerned about before coming to the seminar today,” said Smith.

According to Smith, she did not know what to expect coming to this event but was glad she came.

“I am kind of nervous about dining at a table and how to act in a place where everyone is really professional,” said Smith.

Smith felt that the seminar gave her tips on how to act in securing a job and making a long-lasting impression.

“A lot of things that Ms. Anna covered in the seminar really were on the dime because I had most of the questions she answered,” said Smith. “I got more tips that I can go over on how to prepare myself to act in a business setting. I feel more prepared for the ‘Career Fair’ coming up.”