Etiquette Workshop Provides Students with Instruction for Networking Situations

As a supplement to preparing pharmacy students for their future healthcare careers, the Midwestern University chapter of Phi Lamba Sigma, the national pharmacy leadership society, held a professional etiquette workshop to prepare students for a variety of social networking settings on the Downers Grove Campus. 

Members of Phi Lamba Sigma shared that they planned the event for the benefit of their fellow students. Pharmacy student and treasurer of Phi Lamba Sigma Isabella Rotondi (CPDG ’25) said, “I hope the students take away that it’s easy to make a good first impression using the skills they’re taught today. They can make an impact with their professionalism.” Isabella added the etiquette session assists students prepare for their future healthcare careers. “They’re working with other healthcare professionals as part of an interdisciplinary team. They need to communicate in a professional manner. They will be in a lot of conferences and other settings and will need to exhibit professional behavior.” Amanda Porter (CPDG ’25) added, “It helps their credibility and for them to be taken seriously. I hope this event is something we’ll continue to implement in the future.”

Ana C. Quiñones-Boex, Ph.D., M.S., Professor, Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, gave pharmacy students tips to navigate etiquette in networking events. Dr. Quiñones-Boex started with the basics, such as punctuality, notifying others of appointment cancellations, greetings, addressing people with their proper titles, and proper closing remarks. She also spoke about the importance of first impressions, as no one has a second chance to make a first impression. Dr. Quiñones-Boex went over formal attire, posture, handshakes, and overall style and presentation. She told the students to err on the side of caution in fashion and advised students to wear the name tags on the right side or adjust the lanyard higher to be closer to the face.

She encouraged students to project confidence. “Carry yourself as someone who already knows how to do this,” Dr. Quiñones-Boex said and emphasized the students should always possess business cards. “When you want somebody’s business cards, you should extend yours,” she said. Dr. Quiñones-Boex also advised the students to follow up with an email the same day, or to send a letter by mail the following day. 

The students learned the appropriate etiquette for networking receptions and how to navigate events with food and drinks. Dr. Quiñones-Boex advised students to steer away from sensitive conversation topics like politics and religion, and to refrain from complaining about personal health matters or flirting with other people at the reception. Instead, the students should remember that the main purpose of the events should be networking and making new contacts. In order to remember the names of new acquaintances, Dr. Quiñones-Boex told the students to repeat and make a mental connection. “You can always repeat the person’s name in your head. And it’s perfectly okay to say I just can’t remember your name,” she said.  

Pharmacy student and president of Phi Lambda Sigma Krystal Martinez (CPDG ’25) said, “Following our workshop, I've developed a deeper appreciation for the importance of proper conduct in professional settings. The way an individual carries themselves can communicate volumes to preceptors, colleagues, and prospective employers. I trust that the students also gained a heightened awareness of the significance of professional etiquette in their careers, fostering improved self-confidence, refined interpersonal skills, and a comprehensive understanding of how proper conduct shapes their professional image as future pharmacists and leaders in healthcare.”

Improving etiquette is one of many ways Midwestern University enhances professionalism and growth opportunities for students. Midwestern University offers Doctor of Pharmacy degree programs in Downers Grove and Glendale.