STUDENT ENRICHMENT WORKSHOP FORCHRIST BUSINESS SCHOOL, MALUR

DATE: 20TH AUGUST 2025

The BGS Institute of Hotel Management hosted a One-Day Student Enrichment Workshop on 20th August 2025 for the Second Semester MBA Students of Christ Business School, Malur, designed to enhance the professional, social, and personal skills. The program featured expert-led sessions focusing on etiquette, grooming, communication, and motivation – essential competencies for budding management professionals. The program aimed to equip MBA students with vital professional, social, and personal skills essential for their academic and career growth.

The event commenced at with the Welcome Address by Chef Eabin Mathew, Principal, BGS Institute of Hotel Management, who highlighted the importance of holistic personality development in shaping future leaders. Chef Eabin opened the workshop by stressing the importance of all-round personality development in shaping successful management professionals. He spoke about the role of etiquette, grooming, and interpersonal skills as “silent differentiators” in the competitive business world. He encouraged students to embrace continuous learning, adapt to evolving workplace demands, and develop a strong professional presence.

Session 1 was conducted by Prof. Rajesh Kumar, Faculty Accommodation Operations, on Business, Office, and Phone Etiquette. This interactive session covered professional communication, workplace behaviour, and telephonic courtesy, enabling students to project a polished image in corporate environments. Prof. Rajesh provided a deep dive into corporate etiquette essentials:

• Business Etiquette: Understanding the nuances of professional introductions, handshakes, and the art of remembering names.
• Office Etiquette: Maintaining a respectful and productive workplace environment, including punctuality, workspace organization, and collaborative behaviour.
• Phone Etiquette: Professional call answering techniques, voicemail usage, and the right tone and pace for business conversations. He used role-play demonstrations to illustrate both correct and incorrect behaviours, ensuring students could translate theory into practice.

Following a short Tea/Coffee Break at the BGS Stadium Pavilion, Session 2 on Technology Etiquette was led by Prof. Drishya Prabhakar, who emphasized the responsible and effective use of digital tools, email protocols, and online meeting decorum. Prof. Drishya highlighted the significance of digital professionalism in a tech-driven workplace:

• Email Etiquette: Crafting concise, respectful, and error-free messages, including subject line clarity and proper salutations.
• Virtual Meeting Conduct: Camera positioning, background management, dress code, and active participation in online platforms.
• Social Media Awareness: Building a professional online brand while avoiding posts or interactions that could damage credibility. She also discussed cybersecurity basics for professionals, emphasizing the importance of data privacy and responsible device use in corporate settings.

Session 3 with Prof. Praveen Francis, Faculty, Food & Beverage Management,focussed on Dining and Party Etiquette. Students gained hands-on insights into formal dining settings, social etiquette, and networking in professional gatherings. Prof. Praveen delivered an engaging, hands-on session covering:

• Table Settings: Understanding cutlery placement, glassware, and napkin etiquette.
• Dining Protocol: The correct way to eat various courses, pass dishes, and excuse oneself politely.
• Social Etiquette in Corporate Parties: Balancing networking with moderation in food and drink, introducing oneself to groups, and making meaningful small talk.
  Students practiced with sample table layouts and discussed cultural variations in dining etiquette, preparing them for international business scenarios.

After a Lunch Break at the Training Restaurant, Session 4 was presented by Chef Jasmeet Kaur on Dressing Right: Office Wear & Personal Grooming, guiding students on appropriate corporate attire, grooming standards, and first impressions. Chef Jasmeet’s session focused on first impressions through appearance:

• Corporate Attire Guidelines: Differentiating between business formal, business casual, and smart casual.
• Colour Psychology in Dressing: Selecting attire colours to project confidence, trust, or approachability.
• Personal Grooming Standards: Hair care, skin care, oral hygiene, and minimal, appropriate accessories. She also discussed how attire reflects company culture and offered tips for maintaining a polished look even during long workdays or travel.

Session 5 was a Motivational Talk by Chef Eabin Mathew, inspiring students to embrace resilience, continuous learning, and adaptability in their professional journey. Chef Eabin conducted an inspiring session on mindset and career growth:

• Overcoming Self-Doubt: Turning challenges into opportunities through persistence and self-belief.
• Workplace Resilience: Strategies to handle stress, criticism, and change positively.
• Lifelong Learning: Staying relevant by continuously updating skills and embracing innovation.
  The session included real-life anecdotes from his professional journey, reinforcing the message that success is built through attitude, adaptability, and consistent effort.

The final segment, Session 6 by Prof. Sujith Bharadwaj, covered Meeting Etiquette & Mannerisms, focusing on conducting and participating effectively in meetings with professionalism and courtesy. Prof. Sujith outlined the importance of effective meeting participation:

• Preparation: Reviewing agendas, bringing relevant documents, and arriving early.
• Active Engagement: Listening attentively, avoiding interruptions, and making concise contributions.
• Body Language: Maintaining eye contact, nodding to show attentiveness, and adopting an open posture.
• Post-Meeting Follow-Up: Summarizing action points and delivering on commitments.
  He concluded with tips on cross-cultural meeting etiquette for international collaborations.

The workshop concluded with the Closing Remarks delivered by Dr. S. Edwin Christopher, Academic Director, MBA Program, who praised the enthusiasm of the participants and thanked the resource persons for their valuable contributions and their expertise. He reiterated that professionalism is not just about technical competence but also about interpersonal skills, respect for others, and adaptability.

The Student Enrichment Workshop proved to be an engaging and insightful platform, equipping the participating MBA students with essential etiquette, communication, and personal branding skills. The sessions blended theory with practical tips, leaving participants better prepared to navigate the demands of the corporate world. The Workshop provided an in-depth exploration of corporate etiquette, personal grooming, and workplace soft skills. Hosted by BGS Institute of Hotel Management, the program empowered MBA students of Christ Business School with actionable strategies to excel in professional settings. The blend of practical exercises, real-world examples, and expert guidance ensured that the learning was both relevant and memorable.