MBS Students Hone Professional Skills at ‘Doing Business at Dinner’ Event

On September 25, 60 Maine Business School students gathered at the Penobscot Valley Country Club to practice their professional skills during the annual MBS Doing Business at Dinner event. This engaging evening is part of the college’s Doing Business At series, which helps students master essential business skills in a variety of non-traditional settings.

The Doing Business At series was inspired by the MBS Ambassadors, who expressed an interest in learning how to conduct themselves professionally while playing golf. From this idea, the Maine Business School leadership expanded the program to include events like Doing Business on the Golf Course and Doing Business at a Sporting Event. These opportunities are made possible through the generous support of the Alton ’38 and Adelaide Hamm Campus Activity Fund.

“Professional development is a key component of our culture,” says Executive Dean Jason Harkins. “Throughout the year, we offer various programs that give students the opportunity to network with industry professionals, thought leaders, and UMaine alumni—both on and off campus. The Doing Business at Dinner event has become a highlight of our fall programming. I thoroughly enjoy connecting with students at these events and helping them develop into career-ready young professionals.”

Doing Business at Dinner provides students with valuable experience in a professional dining setting. They learn about appropriate business attire, how to introduce themselves, table manners, and how to engage in conversation with people they’ve just met.

“My favorite part of Doing Business at Dinner is interacting with my peers in the business school whom I might not otherwise know due to our different majors,” says Anna Shantz, a senior Marketing and Management major from Wellfleet, MA. “The main thing this event has taught me is how to network,” she says. Anna explained that with only a few minutes to connect with the professionals attending the event, it was an ideal time to practice making strong introductions and asking insightful questions to gain valuable information.

“Doing Business at Dinner creates an environment that allows natural conversation over a shared meal,” says Emerson Jones, a sophomore from Orrington, ME, studying Finance, Accounting, and Financial Economics. “This event taught me there is value in every conversation and to be open to dialogue with anyone.”

The Doing Business At series continues to grow, providing Maine Business School students with unique opportunities to prepare for their professional lives in diverse and engaging environments. Professional development events complement the rigorous, robust, and relevant education at the Maine Business School.