Professionally Polished: Etiquette Seminar and Dinner

aila berrigan and kelly ward chat at professionally polished
Aila Berrigan talks with Kelly Ward during the rapid round questions at the Etiquette Seminar. Photo by Sarah Lewis

By Aila Berrigan

As the fall semester of 2023 swiftly unfolds at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the College of Business and Security Management proudly marks another accomplished chapter with the successful conclusion of the much-anticipated 2023 Professional Polished Program. 

The Professional Polished Program is a collection of opportunities offered to students to help prepare them for life beyond college. They gain valuableguidance in this transition from business professionals and from each other. These experiences were made available  thanks to the generous support from KPMG, Lavelle’s Bistro, UAF Alumni Association, In My Element, Spirit of Alaska FCU,  and Frank’s Menswear. Students shared that this program left them with confidence and experience that they can’t gain in the classroom.

KPMG Etiquette Seminar and Dinner 

The 2023 KPMG Etiquette Seminar and Dinner was deemed an overall success. With 13 professionals from various backgrounds, the 16 students in attendance were able to gain extensive advice pertaining to professional etiquette. The students were talked through the do’s and don’ts of professional etiquette by KPMG's very own Mellisa Jay and given advice on the most burning questions around the topic from the experts in attendance. The students were then put into a rapid round of questions with the professionals, allowing exclusive one-on-one opportunities to converse with the experts. 

Following the seminar, students put their newfound skills to the test at a private dinner. The dinner allowed for further conversation between professionals and students, crafting the entire night into a learning experience. The students walked away with valuable experiences and connections to help aid in a seamless transition from students to professionals.

The 2023 KPMG Etiquette Seminar and Dinner was deemed an overall success. With 13 professionals from various backgrounds, the 16 students in attendance were able to gain extensive advice pertaining to professional etiquette. The students were talked through the do’s and don’ts of professional etiquette by KPMG's very own Mellisa Jay and given advice on the most burning questions around the topic from the experts in attendance. The students were then put into a rapid round of questions with the professionals, allowing exclusive one-on-one opportunities to converse with the experts. 

Following the seminar, students put their newfound skills to the test at a private dinner. The dinner allowed for further conversation between professionals and students, crafting the entire night into a learning experience. The students walked away with valuable experiences and connections to help aid in a seamless transition from students to professionals.