Time to insert an obligatory "life isn't fair" speech

There are times in life when the most technically-skilled individual isn't going to get the job, promotion or recognition he or she may deserve. Whether that lack of recognition comes from a lower score on a test because someone else wrote a better essay, opportunities that are closed off because the professor would rather advise another student or a myriad of other examples, it's bound to happen at some point.

As college students, before we enter the "real world," we have an opportunity to hone and practice the etiquette skills that are necessary for handling situations where we feel unfairly treated. Students need to learn now how to handle such situations with grace rather than with temper tantrums. It would be most unfortunate to burn bridges by exiting a job rudely or by treating a professor poorly, even if they seem to deserve such treatment.

If students are having trouble with job burnout and are seeking an exit, it's important to leave with grace. According to etiquetteplus.net, employees should focus on the positives of the job and express gratitude for the experience. Even if it was the job from hell, students should resist the urge to express such emotions and make an effort to maintain professionalism and cordiality. Students' current employers are likely going to be called by potential future employers, and leaving a bad final memory for bosses now will imprint a lasting, negative impression.

With upcoming summer internships, many students may find they won't quite enjoy their internship opportunity. According to collegeview.com, students should work any menial tasks with an agreeable attitude. If students' bosses see them working diligently without complaint, student interns may get more challenging or satisfying work. As many employers require some proof from the employee that they can do a job competently, it may be incorrect to assume that the internship is only going to involve making coffee and filing for all four months. There's no point in killing an opportunity before it starts by being disagreeable or bitter.

Behaving mannerly should extend to Internet interactions as well. According to an Oct. 25, 2009 column by Judith "Miss Manners" Martin in the Buffalo News, professors should be addressed with respect. This means starting off e-mail communications with the appropriate title (not "Hey, Lisa!") and stating the question or concern in a respectful manner. Often, jobs and graduate schools will want letters of recommendation from professors and ruining a relationship because of a grade on a recent paper certainly won't be beneficial in getting help now or in the future.

While etiquette may seem to be a dying art that is no longer applicable, it's important for every student, regardless of his or her future field, to have a basic understanding of etiquette rules. According to the National Academic Advising Association, practicing basic etiquette skills, such as how to conduct a lunch interview or how to hold a professional conversation, can help students feel poised and self-assured. Such confidence will communicate  responsibility to potential and current employers and professors and can serve students well in the social, professional and academic aspects of life.

For more tips on etiquette, including dining, social conversations and office etiquette, visit the University of Northern Iowa's business etiquette Web site located at www.cba.uni.edu/Buscomm/businessetiquette/businessetiquette.html.