Texans Stay Resilient in the Face of Recession

Optimism Prevails Despite a Weak Economy, According to Everest College Texas
Independence Day Survey
DALLAS & FORT WORTH, Texas--(Business Wire)--
As Texas Independence Day approaches on March 2, a survey about recession
perceptions shows the resounding majority of Texans still feel the indomitable
spirit that inspired the Alamo. Ninety-five percent of those who participated in
the Everest College survey said they consider themselves independent despite the
difficult economic outlook.

Texans are also showing Texas is a state of mind by being proactive to meet the
effects of the downturn head on. More than half (55 percent) indicate they`ve
considered a new job, a career change or additional schooling to counteract
recession effects.

"Texans have always been known for having an independent spirit, meeting the
challenges of difficult times with courage and resourcefulness," said Hershell
Ernest Jr., a career and education expert with Everest College. "Those who can
use that spirit to adapt to the times, leveraging and increasing their
marketability in occupations faring well despite the tough economy, position
themselves to come out on top."

Texans also feel they`re doing better than the rest of the country, with more
than half (54 percent) saying they feel less affected by the recession living in
Texas. They also feel positive about their job prospects, with 64 percent
feeling some degree of optimism about finding a new job.

"Fortunately it`s not all doom and gloom out there," said Ernest. "Every day I
see students find new positions in fields best suited to weather a recession,
including healthcare, sales and customer service, accounting, and heating and
air conditioning. The key is not necessarily to get a high-level degree, but to
specialize and seek a job in an area that sees demand even in hard times, and
most importantly, makes you happy."

Although the state has seen an increase in unemployment figures, Texan optimism
is not entirely unfounded. According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the most
recently available unemployment figures were at 6.0 percent in December, more
than a full percentage point below the nationwide rate of 7.2 percent.

Select fields even added positions, including healthcare and social assistance,
which added more than 28,000 jobs in Texas during the 12-month period ending in
December. Other fields that have added jobs in the last year are automotive,
electronics, and commercial repair and maintenance.

The statewide survey was conducted by Promark Research Corporation, a public
opinion research firm, on behalf of Everest College in honor of Texas
Independence Day, which is an official state holiday each Mar. 2. The
celebration is in honor of the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence
on March 2, 1836.

About Everest College

Everest Colleges and Institutes provide career-oriented diploma and degree
programs in healthcare, criminal justice, skilled trades, business, paralegal,
and information technology. Everest has eight Texas locations in Austin,
Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio and more than 100 schools in the U.S.
and Canada. Everest Colleges and Institutes are owned by Corinthian Colleges,
Inc., one of the largest post-secondary education companies in North America.
For more information, visit www.everest.edu.

EDITOR`S NOTE:

Everest career and education experts are available for interviews to discuss the
survey and provide tips on recession-proofing your career. To schedule an
interview or for more information on the Everest College Texas Independence Day
survey, please contact Jef Tingley at The Powell Group at 469-235-6396 or
jt@powellgroup.net.

The Powell Group
Jef Tingley, 469-235-6396
jt@powellgroup.net

Copyright Business Wire 2009