Going to college or university isn’t just about preparing you for a career, but choosing the right institution and course can certainly impact on your graduate prospects.
A global employability ranking, designed by HR consultancy Emerging and published exclusively by Times Higher Education, reveals which universities the recruiters at top companies think are the best at preparing students for the workplace.
These 150 universities span 34 different countries, from the US to Japan. Employers voted both for institutions in their own country and universities around the world if they recruit internationally.
In some countries, graduate jobs are not easy to come by, but in European countries such as France, Switzerland and Germany, professional experience is built into degree programmes.
Unsurprisingly, then, France, Germany and Switzerland are among the best represented countries in the employability ranking, along with the United Kingdom and the United States.
Both Germany and Japan have an institution in the top 10, with Chinese and Canadian universities also appearing high in the ranking.
Employability rankings by country
- Top universities in the United States for employability
- Top universities in the UK for employability
- Top universities in Canada for employability
- Top universities in Australia for employability
- Top universities in the Netherlands for employability
- Top universities in France for employability
Top universities for employability 2016
1. California Institute of Technology
It’s no surprise that Caltech – regarded as one of the best universities in the world – is also a favourite among international employers. All students are admitted on the basis of strong maths, science and engineering skills and interest, which seems to serve them well in their future careers.
Not only do students learn the fundamentals across a range of science and engineering subjects, they also get to grips with the most innovative tools to address some of society’s most pressing challenges.
The student population is tiny compared with other colleges – one of the smallest in the world with just over 1,000 undergraduates and 1,200 postgraduates. This close community allows for excellent relationships between tutors and staff.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
In addition to its world-leading courses, MIT also offers career-enhancing programmes, both for undergraduates, industry leaders and the general public.
Many companies have significant involvement with college courses and research, often spanning different disciplines and lasting for a number of years.
MIT students, alumni and faculty members play key roles in entrepreneurial innovations, including developing advanced computer networks, securing venture capital transactions and biotechnology.
3. Harvard University
Harvard is the oldest and arguably the most prestigious university in the United States. There’s hardly a company in the world that has not heard of its reputation for admitting and producing highly intelligent and skilled students.
More than 30 heads of state are Harvard alumni and the university also boasts 48 Nobel prizewinners and 48 Pulitzer prizewinners.
Like many schools favoured by employers, Harvard also has a long history of groundbreaking research and innovation.
Many students undertake community projects while studying, from sports activities to entrepreneurial endeavours – all extracurricular activities that endow them with essential skills to succeed.
4. University of Cambridge
Around the world, Cambridge is known as the home of one of the best and most elite universities.
Its history stretches back to the 13th century, when the university was founded by Oxford scholars taking refuge after conflicts with townspeople.
Now, its graduates are some of the most sought-after in the world, valued particularly for their specialist knowledge, which comes as a consequence of personal tuition that is unique to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge in the UK.
5. Stanford University
When it comes to industry connections and entrepreneurship, Stanford has a far more impressive track record than most.
The university is credited as a key driver in the development of Silicon Valley, which is next door to its campus in Palo Alto. In return, Silicon Valley companies have since provided university students with plenty of professional opportunities.
Stanford faculty and alumni have together founded companies valuing more than $2.7 trillion, which would make it the 10th-largest economy in the world.
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