The West Virginia University College of Business and Economics is looking for businesses to participate in a seminar to introduce students to networking in an informal business settingin other words, to learn to schmooze.

The seminar,Business Etiquette After-hours: Networking or Not Working,will be 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the Clarion Hotel Morgan.

Social events that take place out of the traditional office setting are part of every business in the world today,said John Andrews, director of the colleges Center for Career Development.We are holding an event that recreates this setting and hope that local business will participate, both to learn more and to help our students gain the social skills they will soon need.

Andrews said many major companies carry employment interviews beyond the traditional office meeting. When an individual has interviewed exceptionally well at the initial screening, the second interview will likely include an invitation to a business luncheon, dinner or other social event.

Susan Robison, B&E internship coordinator who has organized events of this type for several years, said skills taught at the seminar are critical.

The negative effects of inappropriate attire, improper conversation and poor social skills can cause students more than an embarrassment,she explained.It can cost them the job. This seminar is designed to prepare them for the job interviews to come.

The event will be led by Susan Lawrence, founder of Class Advantage Inc. Lawrence specializes in creating nonverbal communication strategies for a professional image, focusing on wardrobe, grooming, body language and etiquette. She is a member of the New York Chapter of the Association of Image Consultants International.

Businesses and students who would like to participate should contact Susan Robison at 293-7818 or at Susan.Robison@mail.wvu.edu .