Course Outcomes

This business etiquette course designed for summer associates and interns will:

  • Provide fundamental information about workplace expectations at banks, consulting groups, law firms, or other professional services institutions.
  • Explain what’s appropriate and what isn’t in terms of the use of technology.
  • Suggest suitable attire to comply with different dress codes.
  • Give participants an understanding of use and abuse related to office perks (No, it’s not okay to go grocery shopping in the corporate refrigerator.).
  • Share guidelines for avoiding professional embarrassment.
  • Suggest tactics for successfully managing tasks and managing up.

Course Overview

They’ve done their homework and interviewed well, but do your summer interns and new hires know how to be successful in your workplace? The Next Step: Surviving and Thriving in the Corporate World is an interactive workshop designed specifically for banks, consulting firms, and law practices that hire summer associates and recent college graduates. The program provides valuable information that otherwise could take years to acquire. Armed with practical knowledge, new associates should be better prepared to hit the ground running after completing this course.

Program Objectives

At this program’s conclusion, participants should be able to:

  • Explain workplace expectations.
  • Confidently introduce themselves to others.
  • Appropriately manage technologies such as cell phones, texts, social media, and email.
  • Dress in a manner that says “boardroom” not “beach” or “bordello.”
  • Understand the boundaries of office perks.
  • Avoid costly decisions that could ruin their reputations.
  • Manage their time and proactively seek assignments.

The following outline highlights some of the course’s key learning points. As part of your training program, we will modify content as needed to meet your business objectives. Upon request, we will provide you with a copy of the participant materials prior to the session(s).

Workshop Outline

All Aboard: Getting Acquainted with the Professional Workplace

This course kicks off with a frank discussion about workplace expectations and how a professional office differs from other environments. During this segment, participants will discuss actions they can take to easily transition into their new jobs. 

People Crossing: Managing Introductions

Eating lunch with the same people each day might be fun, but it’s not the way to get the most out of the workplace experience. During this portion of the program, participants will master the art of self-introduction and discuss the importance of making and fostering relationships at the office.

Signs and Signals: Staying on Top of Technology

Many a career has hit a rough patch or even gone off the rails due to mismanagement of technology. This segment of the workshop takes a close look at technologies used in the workplace and the benefits and pitfalls of each. Furthermore, it lays out in plain language what behaviors are and are not appropriate when phoning, emailing, texting, or using social media.

A First-Class Ticket?: Choosing a Professional Look

It’s been said that clothing can make or break the man (or woman), and nowhere is this more true than at a bank or professional services firm. This portion of the program examines the importance of dressing appropriately for work. From flip flops to high tops, participants will review a host of workplace no no’s as well as appropriate choices for looking great.

On Track: Avoiding Total Train Wrecks

Drunk beyond function at the office happy hour, caught making out with a coworker in the hallway, or worse! Even after college, people make poor choices that follow them for years. This section of the workshop reviews basic guidelines for staying on track and avoiding professional humiliation.

On Schedule: Managing Up

Those who are proactive and demonstrate their value quickly move up the ladder. This final portion of the course addresses the ins and outs of managing up and completing tasks.

At the program’s conclusion, participants will have a clear understanding of workplace etiquette and how they can get the most out of their jobs as summer associates or newly hired employees.