Young professionals know that to get ahead, one must have the skills and the fortitude to cope with any situation that comes with the job. However, those who are truly invested in their careers know that in order to succeed, one must be adept at social graces.
This is why millennials are flocking to Beaumont Etiquette, a Manhattan-based etiquette school which offers training for nannies, hotel and restaurant staff, and professionals who aspiring to rise through certain social or career ranks. The school recently partnered with the Plaza Hotel to craft new finishing courses, and according to The New York Post, the debut class was held on Jan. 18 at the hotel’s Palm Court.
Many believe that in today’s busy world, there has been a decline in good manners and common courtesy towards others. Though some may think that going to an etiquette school is only for the elite, Founder and director Myka Meier believes that anyone can benefit from etiquette lessons at Beaumont Etiquette.
Meier, an etiquette expert who trained under a former member of the royal household of Queen Elizabeth II, said that etiquette is about showing kindness and respect to everyone around you.
“We live in a city where it’s about [being] self-serving—climbing the ladder—and we lose track of simple decency,” she said.
Some millennials who have taken the class believe that etiquette lessons will help them in their careers. Phil Kiselick, 26, who works in newspaper ad sales, says that the skills he learned are valuable in his line of work.
“In ad sales, we’re always taking clients to dinner or for drinks or to basketball games,” Kiselick explained. “I want to know what wine to order if I am having dinner with someone who is high up in a brand.”
So what does one learn at the Plaza Hotel Finishing Program? According to the course description, students can choose from two modules: the two 5-hour Saturday Intensive Courses ($599 each); and seven 2-hour Plaza Proper Etiquette Evening Classes ($75 each).
The Saturday Intensive Social, Business, and Dining Finishing Program will teach students about first impressions, perfect posture and deportment, dining etiquette, social etiquette, refined communication, social graces for events, and business etiquette.
Meanwhile, the two-hour classes focus on different topics, and seats are sold out for certain classes until April 5. However, there are still a few slots open for the Dating Etiquette Course on Feb.1; Engagement and Wedding Etiquette Course on March 1; and Business and Networking Etiquette Course on May 3.
For more information about the Plaza Hotel Finishing Program and other classes, visit Beaumont Etiquette’s official website here.
For more check out Jobs & Hire’s report on the school that teaches you how to be an adult.
