DOWNERS GROVE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- According to a recent survey of the Inc. 500 (a group of the fastest-growing companies in the United States), 96 percent said they plan to add employees in 2012. Additionally, 41 percent of the companies surveyed indicated that they expect to hire more than 20 people in the next year.¹ Yet, 40 percent of these companies report the biggest impediment to growing their companies was “finding qualified people.”

These findings echo an earlier ManpowerGroup Annual Talent Shortage Survey revealing that 52 percent of US employers were having difficulty filling mission-critical positions within their companies, up from 14 percent in 2010, an all-time high for the survey.² When asked why they were having trouble filling positions, two of the most popular answers employers gave were "lack of 'hard' job skills or technical skills" (47 percent) and "lack of experience" (35 percent).

On Feb. 4, ninety-eight DeVry University locations will host National Open House events with a mission to assist those looking to start or advance a career in the in-demand employment fields of the 21^st century. National Open House attendees will have the opportunity, both onsite and online through a virtual open house, to learn about emerging professions and degree programs highly sought-after by today’s top employers. Events will feature presentations on in-demand careers, financing your education, panel discussions, and the opportunity to meet with an admissions representative.

“With so many employers willing to hire qualified candidates at respectable salaries, leading higher education institutions should be fully focused on finding dynamic solutions to real employment needs,” said David J. Pauldine, president of DeVry University. “It is clear to us that effectively educating today’s workforce requires market-driven curricula that provide students with requisite hard and technical skills as well as a competent level of hands-on experience prior to graduation.”

DeVry University’s academic programs are focused on student outcomes and many are designed in partnership with Fortune 500-level companies to provide real-world knowledge. As a result, DeVry University graduates from the last 10 years have worked at over 95 of the Fortune 100 companies.³

DeVry University’s National Open House Events will take place nationwide on Feb. 4. Visit www.devry.edu for more information, timing and locations.

For comprehensive consumer information, visit devry.edu/studentconsumerinfo.

About DeVry University

Founded in 1931, DeVry University is one of the largest, private sector universities in North America, with more than 90,000 students enrolled in the United States and Canada. The university’s mission is to foster student learning through high-quality, career-oriented education integrating technology, business, science and the arts. With more than 95 locations, DeVry University delivers practitioner-oriented undergraduate and graduate degree programs onsite and online that meet the needs of a diverse and geographically dispersed student population. Home to five colleges of study, including Business & Management, Engineering & Information Sciences, Health Sciences, Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Media Arts & Technology, DeVry University’s outstanding faculty members, work in the fields that they teach, providing students with real-world experiences that prepare them for high-growth careers.

DeVry University is institutionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, www.ncahlc.org. DeVry University, a part of DeVry Inc. (NYSE: DV), is based in Downers Grove, Ill. For more information about DeVry University, find us on Twitter @DeVryUniv, Facebook /DEVRYUNIVERSITY or visit newsroom.devry.edu.

¹Kauffman Foundation Survey: "High-Growth Entrepreneurs Plan to Continue Growing”
(http://www.kauffman.org/newsroom/high-growth-entrepreneurs-plan-to-continue-growing.aspx)

²ManpowerGroup Annual Talent Shortage Survey
(http://press.manpower.com/portal-home-page-video/2011/2011-talent-shortage-survey-result/)

³ DeVry University graduates from Feb 2001 to Oct 2010 in the active job market. Active job market includes those employed prior to graduation. Fortune 500 ranking, 2011.