Survey shows top employers target Exeter graduates

The University of Exeter has improved its standing in an annual list of most targeted institutions by top graduate employers.

Exeter is the 8th most targeted university nationwide by the Times Top 100 Graduate Employers, according to ‘The Graduate Market 2025’. This marks a rise of two places from last year’s position, and continues a consistent upward trajectory over the past five years.

The list ranks UK universities most targeted by leading UK national and multi-national graduate employers, and is compiled by independent research company High Fliers.

High Fliers conducts surveys of student finalists to collate career planning and job-hunting behaviours on behalf of graduate recruiters, who are looking to determine which universities best prepare their students for the labour market.

Analysis includes engagement by students with university career and employability services including university careers fairs, skills workshops, place-based learning, on-campus and virtual employer presentations and wider career development provision.

Paul Blackmore, Divisional Head for Student Employability & Academic Success (SEAS), said: “This is another significant milestone that shows how well we support students in pursuing their career choices, as well as indicating how top employers are continuously targeting universities whose students are career ready.

“The positioning reflects the level of student satisfaction voiced for our services, including levels of student engagement in extra- and in-curricular, levels of skills acquisition, careers events attendance, job applications and progress with offers of employment.

“As such, the survey result is testament to the quality and advice of careers and employability support provided by colleagues in Student Employability and Academic Success, the Career Zone and activity delivered through our various partnerships with colleagues across the institution.”

This result follows other recent achievements for the university with significant improved Graduate Outcomes, a Top 3 Careers Service ranking and associated global awards and recognition from our employer partners.