A recent extensive survey unveils a notable transformation in employer preferences when it comes to evaluating university graduates. The 2022 Global University Employability Ranking, conducted by Paris-based HR consultancy Emerging and published by Times Higher Education, captures this shifting employability landscape.
In its 12th edition, the survey gathered input from over 10,000 respondents involved in graduate recruitment worldwide between August and September.
Each respondent could assign up to 15 votes to rate graduates from over 1,000 universities, while also revealing the factors guiding their choices. The standout discovery underscores that employers now prioritise graduate skills, including soft skills and digital literacy, over the academic reputation of the educational institution.
Furthermore, the GEURS (Global Employability University Ranking and Survey) by Emerging evaluates and ranks the top 250 global universities solely from the perspective of international employers, offering unique insights into employability worldwide.
Here are the top 10 universities of the top 250 universities by GEURS:
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT is renowned for its cutting-edge research and emphasis on innovation. Undergraduates and postgraduates benefit from a strong technical foundation and access to a vast network of industry connections, making them highly sought after in the global job market.
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Programmes: Offers a wide range of programmes in science, engineering, technology, and business
- Notable Alumni: Notable alumni include Kofi Annan, Buzz Aldrin, and Richard Feynman
2. California Institute of Technology (Caltech): Caltech offers rigorous scientific and engineering programmes. Undergraduates and postgraduates have the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research, setting them apart as experts in their respective fields, which is attractive to employers.
- Location: Pasadena, California, USA
- Programmes: Strong focus on science and engineering
- Notable Alumni: Notable alumni include Linus Pauling, Richard Feynman, and Frank Capra
3. Harvard University: Harvard’s reputation for academic excellence and diverse programmes creates a rich environment for undergraduates and postgraduates to hone their intellectual and leadership skills. This global recognition opens doors to a wide array of employment opportunities.
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Programmes: Offers a diverse array of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
- Notable Alumni: Notable alumni include Barack Obama, Mark Zuckerberg, and Malala Yousafzai
4. University of Cambridge: Cambridge’s tradition of academic excellence and world-class faculty provide undergraduates and postgraduates with a comprehensive education. The university’s global prestige ensures its graduates are highly regarded in the job market.
- Location: Cambridge, England, UK
- Programmes: Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various disciplines.
- Notable Alumni: Notable alumni include Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking.
5. Stanford University: Stanford’s location in Silicon Valley offers unparalleled opportunities for undergraduates and postgraduates in technology and entrepreneurship. Graduates are well-positioned to excel in the global employment arena, particularly in tech-related fields.
- Location: Stanford, California, USA
- Programmes: Known for its excellence in technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation
- Notable Alumni: Notable alumni include Elon Musk, Larry Page, and Susan Wojcicki
6. University of Oxford: Oxford’s centuries-old legacy and scholarly environment offer undergraduates and postgraduates a chance to excel academically. Graduates of Oxford are often regarded as top-tier candidates by employers worldwide.
- Location: Oxford, England, UK
- Programmes: Offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
- Notable Alumni: Notable alumni include JRR Tolkien, Emma Watson, and Stephen Hawking
7. The University of Tokyo: With a strong focus on research and innovation, the University of Tokyo equips undergraduates and postgraduates with valuable skills and knowledge. Graduates are well-prepared to compete in the global job market.
- Location: Tokyo, Japan
- Programmes: Offers programmes in various fields with a strong emphasis on research
- Notable Alumni: Notable alumni include Yasunari Kawabata and Akira Yoshino
8. The National University of Singapore (NUS): NUS provides a comprehensive educational experience with a strong emphasis on research. Undergraduates and postgraduates benefit from a diverse, international environment, making them competitive in the global employment landscape.
- Location: Singapore
- Programmes: Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in a multicultural setting
- Notable Alumni: Notable alumni include Tony Tan Keng Yam and ES Srinivasan
9. Princeton University: Princeton’s small class sizes and close faculty-student interactions create a conducive learning environment. Undergraduates and postgraduates are groomed to excel academically, giving them a competitive edge in the global job market.
- Location: Princeton, New Jersey, USA
- Programmes: Offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
- Notable Alumni: Notable alumni include Michelle Obama, Woodrow Wilson, and Jeff Bezos
10. Yale University: Yale’s emphasis on critical thinking and well-rounded education benefits both undergraduates and postgraduates. The university’s reputation and extensive alumni network open doors to diverse global employment opportunities for its graduates.
- Location: New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Programmes: Known for a well-rounded education with various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
- Notable Alumni: Notable alumni include George W Bush, Meryl Streep, and Bill Clinton