Backpack to Briefcase

Pharmacy Students Learn Etiquette Skills to Help Them Land Jobs

By Becky Ceraul
April 10, 2008

Fifty students from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy got a lesson in etiquette this month from Carol Campbell Haislip, director of the International School of Protocol in Hunt Valley, as part of a year-long series on developing professional skills such as networking, leadership and interviewing.

The School of Pharmacy’s student chapter of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) organized the dinner in an effort to improve and hone skills the students will need as they venture into the professional world. “We only get one chance to make a great first impression,” says chapter president and third year student Raymond Bleu-Laine. “In today’s competitive world, proper business etiquette can easily give you the winning edge, translating into landing the job of your dreams.”

“Etiquette skills are crucial to a successful career and are applicable to any profession, including pharmacy,” says Lisa Mostovoy, a third year student and treasurer of the student chapter of the AMCP. “Interviews and general business are often conducted over lunch or dinner. Knowledge of proper etiquette in these situations will make an impression on a potential client or employer.”

During dinner, which was held at LaScala Ristorante in Baltimore’s Little Italy, Haislip reviewed dinning dos and don’ts, along with greeting and conversational techniques. “Kudos to all of you for being here tonight,” Haislip told the group. “My goal is to make you comfortable at the table so that you don’t have to think about what fork, knife or glass to use.”

Haislip demonstrated proper techniques for sitting down at the table, greeting your dining companions, the differences between eating American style and continental style and the proper way to eat soup. She also provided historical tid-bits on the origins of “toasting” and reasons why there is often so much silver ware at a place setting.

First year PharmD/MBA student Justin Bakhshai sees a direct connection between proper etiquette and his intended career. “I’m interested in working in the pharmaceutical industry and I know the skills we learned tonight will be beneficial at business meetings and luncheons.”

“Thanks to the Target Corporation and the owners of LaScala, we are able to offer this service to our fellow students and provide them with solid tips that will help them with the job interview process,” says Mostovoy.