The Office of Career and Life Design hosted the Business and Etiquette Dinner for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars on November 12, 2025 at the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center with Etiquette Trainer Summer Salazar. This event provided participants with an immersive experience in professional dining etiquette and business-social skills while enjoying a plated dinner.
The evening featured a three-course meal designed to simulate real-world business dining scenarios. Attendees learned essential strategies for formal meals, including how to make an impactful introduction, navigate formal table settings and interact professionally with wait staff. The program even covered nuanced details such as proper utensil use—skills that can make a lasting impression in corporate and academic settings.
Leading the session was Summer Salazar, an etiquette trainer with over twenty years of experience in higher education and nonprofit organizations, Salazar shared practical insights drawn from collaborations with organizations ranging from small businesses to global corporations, emphasizing the importance of confidence and cultural awareness in professional environments.
The event was offered to graduate students and postdocs through an application process, furthering OCLD's commitment to equipping graduate students and postdocs with the tools needed for career success. Participants left with enhanced confidence and readiness for networking opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.
For more information on upcoming professional development programs, visit gradcareer.utexas.edu.