Survey Says

Training & Development, Feb, 2001 by Haidee E. Allerton

Here are some stats on business travel from Homewood Suites Hotels:

* Sixty-nine percent of respondents said they travel at least five times a year on business.

* Almost 70 percent said at least two annual business trips require them to stay five consecutive nights or longer.

* An equal number--37 percent--said what they like about being on the road is either the excitement of their jobs or traveling to a new town.

* The three things business travelers miss most while away from home (other than family) are

1. their computers, 34 percent

2. the camaraderie of coworkers, 23 percent

3. their administrative support, 22 percent.

* The most important hotel room amenity respondents want is a comfortable bed (38 percent), followed by Internet access and a space to relax.

* The six things that business travelers want to see in their rooms most (in descending order of importance) are

1. a large work desk

2. voicemail

3. a data port

4. a two-line phone

5. an ergonomic chair

6. a VCR.

Respondents named the most frequently visited U.S. cities for business as Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, and New York.

Here are some key findings from New Horizons Computer Learning Centers Y2000 IT Training Trends Survey:

Most students taking computer training outside of work are mid-career professionals seeking higher salaries and advancement, and

* are male, 75 percent

* make $35,000 (61 percent) to $65,000 (6 percent) a year

* expect up to a 20 percent pay increase upon completion of training.

More findings show that of all respondents,

* 49 percent plan to change careers after completing training

* 45 percent have college degrees; 40 percent graduated from high school

* 71 percent are younger than 40 years old

* 22 percent are unemployed.

With certification, students can earn $10,000 to $15,000 more than the typical college graduate. Certification takes a year, while a B.A. takes four years.