In accordance with Brigham Young University Hawaii's mission to prepare students for the next chapters in their lives, a new program entitled International Institute of Professional Protocol (IIPP) has been developed to educate participants about the code of behavior in diverse professional situations. Sponsored by Barbara Barrington Jones and the Hal and Barbara Jones Foundation, long time supporters of the university and its mission, the institute is geared toward students developing job-seeking skills and other qualities that will help participants stand out in the interview process and the work place. Scheduled for the week of March 9, just after the Center for International Entrepreneurship's Business Plan Competition, IIPP offers a set of four core classes, one optional class, and an etiquette banquet and other gifts as a reward for completion of the program.
Jones, businesswoman, author, professional speaker, and international image consultant, strives to help students "develop the polish and refinement" needed for the work world. "This is the most difficult time I've ever seen in my life to get a job...you have to stand out! It's all about the interview. It's all about polish and professionalism."
President Steven C. Wheelwright also encouraged the principles that the students will learn through IIPP. "A professional presentation is vital in a competitive job market. Skills and tips you'll learn in this training will help you find good jobs and succeed throughout your career.
IIPP is not solely for aspiring businessmen and women but for students of all disciplines. Geared toward the development of refinement and professional polish that every hopeful employee needs, IIPP's goal is "to give students the confidence and refinement needed to venture out into the workplace" no matter what profession each student seeks for. "Students have the opportunity to learn skills that will help them to be successful in the job market no matter what their major," says White.
Jones and the HBJ Foundation's undertakings have previously been hosted by BYU–Hawaii including last year's "A New You" curriculum as part of a Student Mentoring Program . "The International Institute of Professional Protocol is a very different program," says Jones. Though employing some of the same faculty and topics, the institute focuses on "polish in professionalism and making yourself stand out in the career field. It only takes thirty seconds to make an impression. Make it count!"
Also unlike Jones' past initiatives, IIPP has been developed for both men and women. With certain gender specific subjects, such as dress and protocol, the institute offers two sections, one for women and one for men. Class topics will include professional protocol (for men and women), dress for success (for men and women), organizational skills (co-ed), professional interview skills (co-ed), and an optional career appropriate makeup class.
Despite being a new program, IIPP has drawn quite a list of supporters. Most prominent in this list are the BYU–Hawaii President's Leadership Council and BYU–Hawaii's Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE). SIFE, under the direction of co-presidents Ashlin White and Alex Thorson, will be generating awareness of the institute at this week's Career Fair, held Thursday, February 26, in the Cannon Activities Center, as well as running the registration booth in the Aloha Center from February 26 to March 10 where those interested in enrolling can receive registration materials and pay the five dollar registration fee. The committee chair responsible for the program, Charlene Ignacio, and her committee have worked closely with Jones to assure a successful institute.
White, senior in International Business Management, explains, "The skills taught from the International Institute of Professional Protocol will help BYUH students stand out from others when trying to get a job. Imagine waiting outside of an interview and knowing there is only one position available and a whole line of people going in and out of the interview room. What do you do? The IIPP teaches students skills so that they can be the ones who get the jobs."