2011 Job Survival Survey: 39% of Americans Say Experience, Education are Top Factors...
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2011 Job Survival Survey: 39% of Americans Say Experience, Education are Top
Factors for Staying Employed
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 24, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With high unemployment continuing
to grip the nation, 39% of Americans say experience or education are the two
most important factors for keeping a job, according to data released today in
the 2011 Job Survival Survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of
Everest College.
The survey of nearly 1,200 adults found experience (24%) and education (15%)
rank highest for staying employed in a volatile job market, compared with
working longer hours (9%) and more interaction with the boss (3%). At the same
time, 8% of Americans say training and professional development are most helpful
for ensuring job security, followed by networking (7%), a better relationship
with coworkers (7%), taking less pay (6%), and a better attitude at work (6%).
"In an economy plagued by uncertainty for the past three years, staying employed
in America has been like an episode of 'Survivor'," said John Andrews, regional
vice president for Everest College. "While interaction with your boss and
colleagues, and toiling longer hours are necessary, the bottom line is that
nothing can match the importance of education, training and experience to
survive the job market and stay on the island."
With the nation's unemployment rate continuing to register unsettling levels,
Andrews said it is crucial to understand the factors that are helping people
stay employed -- education and training. The nation's unemployment rate was at
9.1% in July 2011, compared with 5.8% in July of 2008, according to the U.S
Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Men, Women at Odds Over What's Most Important
More men (29%) than women (19%) found work experience more important for keeping
their job. On the other hand, more women (18%) than men (11%) ranked education
as the single most important factor for job security. Meanwhile, men and women
ranked taking less pay, a better attitude at work, and networking as equally
important when it comes to job survival.
Americans whose households (20%) make more than $100,000 annually ranked
education significantly higher than those in lower income brackets when it comes
to helping maintain job security. High school graduates ranked working longer
hours (14%) as the most significant attribute for keeping a job, compared with
college graduates (6%).
"Being unemployed is always a daunting prospect, but there are certain things
Americans can do to ensure they hold onto their jobs," Andrews said. "The survey
makes it crystal clear that quality education is fundamental to helping
Americans weather a gloomy job market."
Careers For Stability
The following occupations will continue to see high demand through 2018,
according to the U.S. Department of Labor's 2010-11 Occupational Outlook
Handbook [link: http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco2003.htm]
-- Medical Assistant [link: http://medicalassistant.everestcollege.edu/]
-- Pharmacy Technician [link: http://pharmacytechnician.everestcollege.edu]
-- Legal and Accounting Administrative Assistant
-- Network Systems Administration
-- Dental Assistant [link: http://dentalassistant.everestcollege.edu]
By the Numbers: 2011 Job Survival Survey Fast Facts
-- Americans under 35 years old (12%) compared with those 35-54 years old
(4%) say a better relationship with coworkers is the most helpful for
keeping their job.
-- Americans in the West (9%) compared with Northeast (3%) say a better
attitude at work is the most helpful reason for staying employed.
About the Survey
Everest College's 2011 Job Survival Survey was conducted by Harris Interactive
using the Harris Poll National Quorum from Aug. 3 to 14, 2011. A total of 1,156
employed U.S. adults (aged 18 and over) were surveyed by telephone. Results are
considered accurate +/- 2.9% 19 times out of 20.
About Everest College
Everest College is part of Corinthian Colleges, Inc., one of the largest
post-secondary education companies in North America. Its mission is to prepare
students for careers in demand or for advancement in their chosen field. It
offers diploma programs and associate, bachelor's and master's degrees in a
variety of high-demand occupational areas, including healthcare, transportation
technology and maintenance, criminal justice, business, information technology
and construction trades. Programs vary by campus. For more information, please
visit www.everest.edu. For more information about our graduation rates, the
median debt of students who completed the program, and other important
information, please visit our website at www.everest.edu/disclosures.
The Everest College logo is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=10156
About Harris Interactive
Harris Interactive is one of the world's leading custom market research firms,
leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform relevant
insight into actionable foresight. Known widely for the Harris Poll and for
pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers expertise in a wide
range of industries including healthcare, technology, public affairs, energy,
telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant,
and consumer package goods. Serving clients in over 215 countries and
territories through our North American, European, and Asian offices and a
network of independent market research firms, Harris specializes in delivering
research solutions that help us -- and our clients -- stay ahead of what's next.
For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.
EDITOR'S NOTE: John Andrews, regional vice president for Everest College, is
available for interviews to discuss the survey. To schedule an interview or for
more information on the 2011 Job Survival Survey, please contact Ron Neal or
Evan Pondel at PondelWilkinson Inc.: Tel: 310-279-5980; Email: rneal@pondel.com
and/or epondel@pondel.com.
CONTACT: Ron Neal or Evan Pondel at PondelWilkinson Inc.
Tel: 310-279-5980;
Email: rneal@pondel.com and/or epondel@pondel.com
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