Students learn everything from calculus to classics in Ohio University’s classrooms, but many enter the real world still wearing sweats and slurping Ramen Noodles from a Styrofoam cup.

To learn how to impress future employers, students can attend a Professional & Dining Etiquette Training Dinner, hosted by Career Services tomorrow.

Students will have an opportunity to come to a mock professional situation, where they will learn how to balance food and drinks with networking, said Carey Busch, assistant director of Career Services, who is in charge of organizing the program.

“Sometimes, if all other things are equal, one candidate can be chosen over another for their ability to navigate the business world,” she said. 

Career Services hired a professional to train everyone in its office, as well as representatives from the College of Business and Scripps College of Communication.    

Deborah Thomas-Nininger, founder of DTN Productions International-Hallmark of Etiquette, has given seminars like this to professional companies including Coca-Cola, Honda and AT&T. Her time at OU will include an all-day training session for staff and the seminar in the evening.

OU is paying about $3,500 for Thomas-Nininger to give the seminar, which includes staff training and the evening presentation. Students will be charged  enough to cover the cost of the dinner, said Tom Korvas, director of Career Services.

Korvas said he is expecting this to be a much bigger event than ones held in the past, with a potential crowd of 150 to 200 people.  Student organizations can rent tables for eight at a price of $100, but individuals can attend for $14.50, he said.

“This isn’t a money-maker,” he said, “We’re actually losing money.”

Although the dinner is just a mock situation, Career Services is looking into possibly bringing in OU alumni and other potential employers for future dinners, Busch said.