Area residents who want to improve their job and career prospects during the current economic recession can gain valuable insight at a Purdue University Calumet-hosted program, Thursday, June 25 at 6 p.m.

“Working Smarter in Tough Economic Times” is designed to provide valuable information, insights and strategies to individuals searching for a job, others concerned about work force reduction, those who are at a career crossroad, others planning to return to the work force after an extended absence, and those who are exploring the prospect of starting a business.

The 22nd annual Purdue Calumet program will feature fast-paced, mini-sessions intended to help attendees focus on: ways to fit into the current work world, how to improve their resumes, valuable job search web sites to explore, self-assessment for making better job/career decisions, prudent financial strategies to protect their assets, how to develop an effective plan for starting a business, what insiders have to say about job prospects in their career fields, and options for furthering a job-enhancing education.

To qualify for free admission, individuals must register by Tuesday (6/23). Otherwise, at-the-door admission is $20. Individuals may register on line by clicking onto the “Working Smarter in Tough Economic Times” program link at the Purdue Calumet web site: www.calumet.purdue.edu/workingsmarter.

Individuals also may register by phoning Purdue Calumet’s Office of University Relations at 219/989-2217 or toll free at 800/HI-PURDUE, ext. 2217.

All attendees will receive an information packet. Refreshments will be served.

Also sponsored by The Times and Post-Tribune newspapers, the program will be held in Purdue Calumet’s Calumet Conference Center at the south end of the Hammond campus, one-third mile north of Interstate 80/94, three-plus blocks east of Indianapolis Boulevard, south of 173rd Street.

“Working Smarter in the 21st Century is intended for anyone who wants to be more job- and career-marketable in today’s recession-affected workplace,” said Wes Lukoshus, Purdue Calumet program coordinator and assistant vice chancellor for advancement/university relations. “While not a job fair, this program is intended to arm individuals with helpful information for jump starting or redirecting their professional lives.”