DBM, a global human resources consulting firm, today released the results of its 2002 study on worldwide career transition trends among human resource professionals.

Throughout the year, DBM worked with approximately 500 human resource professionals who participated in individual career transition programs globally. Participants had a median age of 42 years and reported an average of six years in their prior position, down from eight in 2001. More than 50 percent of the respondents were female.

"As the economy remains tight, we find that HR professionals in particular, are considering other industries and other functions to secure re-employment," said Tom Silveri, President, DBM. "A flexible attitude and realistic salary expectations are realities within the HR function."

Overall Findings:

• Similar to last year, 56 percent of respondents cited networking as the primary source for re-employment in 2002. Six percent found a new job through the Internet, versus four percent in 2001.

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• Job seekers primarily found jobs in the following sectors: the service industry, public administration, government, and nonprofit.

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• Sixty-eight percent of all separations globally were due to reorganizations or reductions in workforce. Six percent of separations were due to mergers or acquisitions and the remaining 25 percent were attributed to career plateau, plant closing, retirement, voluntary separation, performance, or chemistry.

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