Confidence on the Menu: Recapping Etiquette Seminar and Dinner 2025
This fall, CBSM students got another chance to learn straight from the pros at our annual Etiquette Seminar and Dinner. The event brought together business leaders from Alaska and beyond to share real-world advice, stories, and insights with our students.
The evening kicked off with a presentation from Melissa Jay, Senior Audit Manager at KPMG. She broke down the ins and outs of business etiquette—everything from making a great first impression to handling workplace communication and even dining etiquette. After her talk, students jumped into a lively Q&A and lightning round, where panelists offered honest advice about workplace challenges and shared tips they wish they’d known starting out.
Melissa Jay (KPMG) leading the etiquette presentation.
Then it was time for dinner. Students had the chance to put their new skills to the test in a relaxed but professional setting, with industry professionals at every table. It was a great opportunity to practice, ask questions, and build connections—all while getting a taste of what professional networking feels like in the real world.
A huge thank-you goes out to our event sponsors—KPMG, Enterprise Mobility, and the UAF Alumni Association—for making this experience possible. And of course, we’re so grateful to the professionals who joined us and shared their time and expertise. Events like this help our students walk away not just with knowledge, but with the confidence and skills they’ll carry into their careers.