by Margaretta Noonan, Masterminding Panel Member
Dear Masterminds:
I live in Ukraine. I have a good foundation of Hospitality and Tourism industries, I possess 3 language degrees in this subject. I am educated in the Switzerland – the leading country for preparing professionals in this field. Recently, I have joined Department of International Relations & Protocol at university. While I am being trained on the job, I feel like I don’t get enough knowledge from senior employees regarding 
subject of Diplomatic Protocol, Diplomatic Etiquette etc.. As well as they don’t have fixed procedures within the department. Everything is explain by words and I am not being able to go and look up somewhere in case I forgot about certain part of procedure of organizing foreign delegation visit. I would like to connect with mentor or someone who has deep knowledge in International Relations, Diplomatic Protocol and Etiquette subjects, as well as, helping me to improve my Business English, as well as, particular English that is being used in Diplomacy. Professionals in Diplomatic Protocol and Etiquette are very rare in Ukraine and there is only few places that are being taught it, like at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and unfortunately not every individual who is interested in this subject have access to it, it is only for employees in Diplomacy. Maybe one day I could become independent consultant of Protocol & Etiquette. If there is someone who might find time to be my mentor, I would be very grateful!
We consulted with the Protocol School of Washington on how to learn some of the nuances of protocol, etiquette and international relations. This is a complex area with many subtleties and cultural norms that vary from country to country. The United Nations offers an online course on protocol (via their Multilateral Diplomacy Programme) and the Protocol School of Washington has an intensive, 5-day Protocol Officer Training Course. Mastering business English is best done through practice. Find proficient English speakers and engage them in conversation. Use LinkedIn to practice reading and writing in English. The more you work at it, the better – and more confident you’ll get.”
Editor’s Note: We have also separately referred you to business professional within your Region whom not only has been focused on this very topic, but would be delighted to have an expanded discussion with you to explore options including and beyond the above.
“Mentoring Matters” is an exclusive ongoing series of Articles featuring select questions received from our readers via our @MENTORING Channel, with responses provided by our @Masterminds Panel. If you’d like your business or career challenge considered for publication, please visit our @Need A Mentor? Page today! And please don’t forget to join our new mentoring community on Linkedin, committed to giving back by paying it forward: BIZMENTORING 360°.
