Early Careers Employer Survey Publication 2025

Foreword

The University of Limerick is delighted to present the 2025 Early Careers Employer Survey results. The report and its findings reflect the views and experiences of employers who hired graduates or hosted work placements in 2024 and 2025. We are very grateful to the 318 employers who contributed to this year’s survey. Their insights represent a broad and diverse cross-section of sectors, industries, and organisation sizes. We are also pleased to introduce a new dimension to this year’s publication—The Voice of the Student—capturing the views of 1,780 students on the graduate recruitment process, their motivations, and expectations. New to this year’s report is an exploration of how employers are beginning to integrate AI into early career recruitment. This emerging theme offers insight into how technology shapes candidate sourcing, screening, and selection.

The report addresses a wide range of early career topics, including:

• Graduate Recruitment Trends • Recruitment Channels • Application and Selection • Remuneration • Recruitment Challenges

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion • Work Placement Trends • Skills in Demand

• The Role of AI in Graduate Recruitment • Student Perspectives on Graduate Careers

For higher education institutions, this survey plays a vital role in shaping how we prepare our students for the future world of work. For employers, it provides an evidence base to benchmark recruitment practices and navigate the ever-evolving graduate talent landscape.

Many thanks again to everyone who responded to the survey.

Patrice Twomey Dr Patrice Twomey, Director, Cooperative Education and Careers Division, University of Limerick

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