As many students at the University of Nevada, Reno take more full course loads this semester, they are still taking time to attend some extra seminars and workshops that do not count toward their formal degrees. University counselors and administrators are hoping that these workshops, such as "Conducting a Job Search During Difficult Times," and webinars like "Seven Secrets of the Hidden Job Market," will help students, as well as alumni, find employment in challenging economic times.

"We've always offered some workshops on things like resume writing and interviewing, for example, but now, we simply have to do more," said Judy Carrico, coordinator of career opportunities at the University's Career Development department.

The University is applying new technology to inexpensively connect acclaimed speakers such as Donald Asher, a top national author and consultant on the hidden job market, to its students. Asher will be featured this Thursday, Feb. 26 at a webinar at the University's Crowley Student Union, Room 402. Admission to the 10 a.m. event is free, and alumni are welcome to attend.

There are several career-related events planned at the University this spring. All except the student Etiquette Dinner are open to both students and alumni:

Emergency Resume Critique Day, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., March 26, Crowley Student Union, fourth floor. Career Development encourages students to drop by with their resumes for on-the-spot resume critiques by employers and recruiters.

Workshops, all held in the University's Thompson Building, Room 200: Conducting a Job Search During Difficult Times: 2 p.m., March 9; noon, March 19; 3 p.m., April 1; Resume Writing (all at noon): Feb. 26; March 9 and 24; April 1 and 6; Interviewing Skills: 3 p.m., Feb. 25; noon, March 11 and 23; noon, April 2 and April 10.

Etiquette Dinner, 5 - 9 p.m., April 1, Crowley Student Union, Great Room. Sponsored by the student union, Career Development and the Northern Nevada Young Lawyers Association, this event not only provides students with a chance to learn proper etiquette for fine dining and business dinners, but also provides them an opportunity to network with area attorneys.

Networking Reception, 4 - 6 p.m., April 8, Crowley Student Union, Great Room. Students get a chance to network one-on-one with local, regional and national employers who will be at the campus' Career Fair the following day.

Career and Internship Fair, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., April 9, Crowley Student Union, fourth floor. Students can talk with and gather information from representatives of an estimated 50 local, regional and national employers. Visit the Career Navigator web site for more information.