While most of us will be barbecuing and picnicking this Labor Day weekend, the University’s College of Business will be busy preparing for the annual Business Week series of business and career events, Sept. 14 – 19.

“There’s a little bit of something for everyone,” said Jane Bessette, director of career development at Nevada’s College of Business. “We broadened it this year, to include over 30 events. We really want this to be a resource for the community,” she said.

There are many events each day, and a full schedule of events can be seen at the Business Week website. Some events are specifically for students or alumni, but many of them are open to the community and free of charge. A few of these include:

• 7 – 8:30 p.m., Sept. 15, at the University’s Joe Crowley Student Union, Ballroom A: “Global Initiatives in Commerce,” a presentation by Carlos Figueroa, executive director of the Greater San Jose Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Figueroa will talk about how new markets have been opened by a group of entrepreneurs to create jobs and economic development here and abroad. Figueroa has been instrumental in making connections between entrepreneurs in his community and people in a South America community to create profitable businesses and jobs for people in both communities. A reception will be held 6 – 7 p.m., before the presentation, in the same room, catered by Fresh Mex.
• 7 – 8 p.m., Sept. 16, at the University’s Joe Crowley Student Union Theater: “Private Business in an Increasingly Public World – Government at the Business Table,” a presentation by Douglas D. Dirks, president and CEO of Employers Holdings. Dirks will discuss the role of government in business and implications of operating businesses when government has a seat at the table. Dirks formerly led the privatization of Nevada’s workers’ compensation market. A reception will be held 6 – 7 p.m., before the presentation, at the new Cantina del Lobo restaurant on the Third Floor of the Student Union. The reception is sponsored by Silver State Schools Credit Union.
• 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Sept. 17, at the University’s Ansari Business Building, Room 402: MBA Information Session. Attendees can learn about the University’s part-time MBA program, ranked 17th in the country by Business Week. The program’s director, Kambiz Raffiee, and the assistant director, Vicki Krentz, will present information and answer questions on this highly acclaimed program.
• Noon – 2 p.m., Sept. 18, at the University’s Ansari Business Building, Room 208: “Using Assessment to Connect Your Skills, Values & Interests to Occupations.” Attendees can complete a variety of personality, skills and interest assessments, and then explore how the results can assist them in finding career success and fulfillment. (Space is limited, but if there is not room for everyone interested in participating, another session will be scheduled.)
• 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sept. 19, at Hug High School, Hug High School Clean-up. The College of Business invites members of the community to join them in repainting and cleaning up the Hug High campus. Supplies and snacks will be provided. RSVP by 5 p.m., Sept. 16 to Business Week if you would like to participate.