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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