Lynne Ejercito ’77 (right) returned to her alma mater to mentor a new generation of students.
Forward-thinking Mount Saint Mary College students met about a dozen alumni mentors and learned the ins and outs of business dining recently at the college’s Knights at the Roundtable event.
Organized by the Office of Alumni Affairs at the Career Center, the event provided Mount scholars with valuable insight into the work world while breaking bread with a variety of alumni.
The alumni discussed how they got started on their career paths, their current and past job responsibilities, and a plethora of professional tips, noted Michelle Iacuessa ’94, director of Alumni Affairs at the Mount.
Anthony Di Noto ’09, marketing manager at Montefiore St. Luke’s Hospital, was excited to return to his alma mater to meet the next generation of young professionals.
“Number one is giving back to the Mount,” he said. “This is a great way to give current students tips and advice as they prepare to enter the business world.”
He added, “It’s a ‘who you know’ world, but how do you begin to know those people without attending events like this? Now [students] will know how to conduct themselves etiquette-wise, while also building their networking skills.”
Before dinner, keynote speaker Mauro Sessarego, associate professor of Hospitality and Service Management at the Culinary Institute of America, gave his top tips for dining etiquette for business meals. His advice included:
- Arrive on time.
- Limit your alcohol intake to one beverage, or don’t drink at all.
- Avoid ordering expensive items unless the host suggests them.
- Wait for the host to bring up business matters.
- Never use your phone during a business dinner, even to check the time – your companions should have your undivided attention.