By: Abby Hickman PSE/CHE ’27

On February 24, the James Buzzard Leadership Development Program hosted its first-ever Business Etiquette Dinner, an interactive professional development event designed specifically for students in the College of Natural Resources. As one of my leadership projects within the Buzzard Program, I had the privilege of planning and leading this event alongside fellow Buzzards, Catherine Stucker, McNeill Jordan, and Hannah Miller. Together, we welcomed nearly 50 students and faculty members representing every major within the college.

The goal of the evening was simple: to equip students with the confidence and practical skills needed to navigate professional dining and networking settings. Many students will attend internship dinners, banquets, or conference events during their time at NC State and beyond. However, few have the opportunity to practice these scenarios in a low-pressure environment before stepping into them professionally.

Throughout the evening, we walked attendees through key elements of business etiquette. The presentations covered networking strategies, crafting strong introductions, engaging in effective small talk, understanding place settings, and navigating tricky or uncomfortable conversations. One highlight was introducing a simple communication framework, Acknowledge, Bridge, Redirect, which gives students a structured way to handle difficult topics while maintaining professionalism and confidence. We also emphasized the importance of thoughtful follow-up, including writing meaningful thank-you notes after professional interactions.

Rather than simply listening, students practiced in real time. Before dinner began, participants went around the room, meeting classmates they haven’t met yet to simulate a networking atmosphere, allowing them to refine their elevator pitches and build connections with peers and faculty members. The energy in the room reflected both enthusiasm and growth, as students stepped outside their comfort zones and supported one another.

We are especially grateful to Tiffany McLean from the Shelton Leadership Center for her guidance and support in making this event possible. The Buzzard Program emphasizes experiential leadership, and this dinner embodied that by creating a tangible, skill-building experience for our college community.

Our hope is to make the Business Etiquette Dinner an annual tradition and continue expanding access to professional development opportunities across the College of Natural Resources.