The Academic and Career Excellence (ACE) program recently hosted an exceptional etiquette dinner, supported by global biopharmaceutical company AbbVie. Held in the historic Federal Room at the Indiana Memorial Union, the event brought together 50 ACE students, AbbVie professionals, and Kelley School of Business faculty for an evening of professional growth, networking, and polished dining.
Throughout a six-course meal, students were guided by a professional etiquette consultant who shared practical tips and best practices for navigating corporate dining settings. From mastering formal place settings to confidently engaging in conversation, students had the opportunity to apply professional skills in a real-world context.
This signature event is an integral component of Compass 1, the first course in Kelley’s three-part Compass professional development series. In Compass 1, students begin to shape their career identities by identifying their strengths, building a personal brand, conducting informational interviews, and developing LinkedIn profiles that reflect their goals and aspirations.
AbbVie’s partnership and active participation were instrumental in making the event a success.
“The event was incredible!” said Logan Akers, a representative from AbbVie. “Our AbbVie team was unanimously impressed by the students and the event. I’ve already received a few connections on LinkedIn – their profiles look great! It was truly a touching and impressive experience.”
We extend our sincere thanks to AbbVie for their continued support and for investing in the future of Kelley students. Events like the ACE etiquette dinner are vital to bridging the gap be tween academic learning and professional success—helping students gain the confidence and skills needed to thrive as future business leaders.
