LCS Grad Fellow
You are attending Holiday Parties and you will want to make sure that you are there to enjoy yourself and strengthen your professional network. While you are thinking about which events to attend, you should also be thinking about how you will present yourself. This applies for organizational holiday events, as well as an office party.
There are still holiday events going on that you can attend. Please click here for the list.
- Find out if you need to RSVP to the event. If you do respond that you are going to the event, you need to go. Also make sure if this is an event where you can bring others, (for example a spouse or date.) Do not bring a guest if it’s not that kind of party. If you are going to bring someone make sure you know how they are going to act because they are a reflection of you.
- Remember this is a professional event and dress appropriately. You want to be remembered for all of the right reasons. If you need help with something you can wear to work and then the party afterwards - search “From Desk to Dinner.” Also, check the event information and it might say if you need a jacket, or other attire.
- Mind your cocktails. Alcohol is the biggest problem at holiday events. Many suggest a 2 drink maximum for an event. This is still a professional event and alcohol has a tendency to make it difficult to control conduct, inappropriate behavior should be avoided even if you are not drinking. (i.e., gossip, inappropriate jokes, etc.)
- Eat before you go. The food should not be your focal point at the event. It’s important to be mingling and talking with others. Also, keep in mind if you haven’t eaten, alcoholic beverages will affect you differently and could lead to non-professional behavior.
- Be Festive and Mingle. Keep the conversation light and casual. Ask open-ended questions, like “what are your plans for the holiday season?” Show everyone why it’s so great to have you around. Stay away from conversations that you don’t want to be associated with, like gossip or inappropriate jokes.
- Introduce yourself. This is a great way to get recognition. Avoid extended conversations, and don’t come off as strangely over-eager. People want to do business with people they like. Build your friendship base.
- Pay attention to the time you arrive and when you leave. “Making an appearance” can be insulting at some functions. You also want to avoid staying too late and keeping the party going.
- Say thank you. This is a good way for recognition. Send a thank you to those who coordinated the party and let them know their effort in the party planning was appreciated.
