For soon-to-be or recent graduates, applying for jobs and interviewing with companies can carry a lot of pressure. After all, one may be young, but good health insurance benefits are important. And since everyone needs a little time off, vacation packages are important, too. The same can be said for maternity/paternity leave, retirement plans, and work/life balance. Because starting out on the right foot career-wise is important, we went on the hunt for the best employers for recent graduates. Methodology To come up with our list of the 10 best employers for recent grads, we consulted Statista, a great resource for data statistics and analysis. Statista polled 10,000 young professionals currently working in companies with more than 1,000 employees. The young professionals were asked to rank their company on topics such as salary, public image, workplace conditions, diversity, etc. The results revealed that young professionals value more than just a high salary. Rather, the companies offering stability, flexibility, and workplace perks were the most appealing and appreciated.
1. Adobe Systems
San Jose, California
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Adobe Systems found massive success creating multimedia and creativity software products. More recently, Adobe has become known for its digital marketing software. Popular products include Adobe Flash, Photoshop, Acrobat Reader, and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Adobe employees report quite a few employee perks and benefits. The company promises “generous time off” and enhanced leave for “moments that matter.” After five years of employment, employees may enjoy a four-week sabbatical on top of normal accrued vacation time and two shut-down weeks per year. Employees may also purchase Adobe stock at 15% below market value.
2. Nintendo
Redmond, Washington
Kyoto, Japan-based Nintendo has an American subsidiary in Redmond, Washington. As one of the largest video game companies in the world, Nintendo has created some of the best-known game franchises of all time, including Mario, Donkey Kong, Pokémon, and The Legend of Zelda, to name but a few.
New college graduates who grew up playing Nintendo can feel good about working for the company. According to Glassdoor reviews, 57% of Nintendo’s American-based employees would recommend the company to a friend, and a whopping 95% approve of Nintendo’s CEO, Tatsumi Kimishima. Many employees report that Nintendo’s work/life balance is one of the best, and employees feel valued at work. Some benefits include:
-
- a subsidized gym membership at a luxury gym
- perks like free parking and free coffee
- on-site cafeteria
- on-site soccer field
- incentives such as lotteries for dug-out seats at Seattle Mariners’ games
3. Aon
London, United Kingdom
Though headquartered in London, Aon has subsidiaries and job opportunities throughout the United States, including in Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco. Aon provides risk, health, and retirement consulting. It’s the largest insurance broker in the world (based on revenue).
Sixty-eight percent of current and former Aon employees would recommend the company to a friend, according to Glassdoor. The same career review site reports that 86% of Aon employees approve of Greg Case, the company’s CEO. Reported perks and benefits include a good work/life balance, health and retirement benefits, and a great culture.
Vienna, Virginia
With more than 8.4 million members and $103.2 billion in assets, Navy Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in the United States. The company deals with savings and checking accounts, consumer loans, mortgages, investments, and more for clients all over the country.
Current and former employees have a lot of good things to say about Navy Federal Credit Union. Most notably, this “awesome place to work” provides employees with excellence health insurance plans, 401K matching up to 7%, and generous bonuses. Health and wellness is a priority. Employees have free or nearly-free access to nutrition counseling, a large fitness center, professional development, and more. Eighty-two percent of Navy Federal Credit Union employees would recommend the company to a friend, and 88% approve of the current CEO, Mary McDuffie.
5. United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
San Antonio, Texas
The United Services Automobile Association, or USAA, is a financial services group offering banking, insurance, and investing services to families who have served, or are currently serving, in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is the 100th largest corporation in the United States, as ranked by total revenue.
According to the company, “USAA believes in taking care of the people who take care of our members.” It would seem current and former employees agree. Employees report that USAA provides excellent health insurance plans, an 8% match on 401K plans, and tuition assistance. There is also a very flexible program for paid time off, and both maternity and paternity leave. A company store and a Starbucks are onsite.
6. Google
Mountain View, California
Google is often ranked as one of the most desirable places to work, and our list of employers for new grads is no exception. Most people know that Google, a Big Four tech company, is most people’s go-to search engine. It also specializes in online advertising technologies, software, hardware, and cloud computing.
Google’s employee benefits and perks-laden campus are practically things of legend. Some of the most appealing benefits and perks include:
-
- several healthcare options
- free lunch and snacks
- maternity/paternity leave
- commuter reimbursements
- free on-campus gym and subsidized massages
- great vacation benefits
7. Michelin North America
Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville, South Carolina is the U.S. base for the Michelin Group, a French company. The company produces and markets tires for anything that needs them, from vehicles and bicycles, to airplanes and farm equipment. Additionally, the company runs the Via Michelin website and app, and publishes road atlases and guides to cities and restaurants.
According to Michelin North America, the company’s goal “is to provide a comprehensive selection of options that employees can use to enhance their wellness, improve financial security and meet a wide variety of personal and professional goals.”
This “Total Rewards Program” includes a recently extended maternity leave, excellent health insurance options, and a Vanguard managed 401K plan that is matched by the company.
8. Aspen Skiing Company
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado is a mecca for snow sports, and the town has Aspen Skiing Company to thank for that. Ski Co, as it’s known locally, manages the Aspen/Snowmass resort complex, which includes:
- the Aspen Mountain
- Aspen Highlands
- Snowmass
- Buttermilk ski areas.
9. Providence Health & Services
Renton, Washington
Though headquartered in Renton, Washington, Providence Health & Services manages 27 hospitals and nearly 40 urgent care centers in five states. These include Alaska, California, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Besides healthcare, the non-profit Catholic organization provides supportive housing and educational services in the above states.
According to Glassdoor, 59% of Providence Health & Services employees would recommend the company to a friend as a place to work. Employees report that the company values a work/life balance, and offers generous vacation and paid time off. Health insurance, supplemental insurance, and retirement plans are offered to employees with multiple options. Employees also get discounts at the pharmacy. Additional incentives include a free TriMet pass and free parking.
10. jetBlue Airways
Long Island City, New York, New York
jetBlue is a low cost airline that ranks as the sixth largest in the U.S. (by passengers carried). Based out of John F. Kennedy International Airport, jetBlue operates more than 1,000 flights each day, and serves more than 100 routes.
When asked about employee perks and benefits, most jetBlue employees mention the flight benefits, which allows jetBlue workers and their families to fly free or at a steep discount. The company offers multiple options for healthcare. It matches contributions made to a 401k up to a certain percentage.
Related Resources:
Featured Programs
5 Study Tips for Engineering Students