UL Careers Early Careers Employer Survey 2026

Foreword

The University of Limerick’s Cooperative Education & Careers Division is delighted to present the findings of the 2026 Early Careers Employer Survey, the largest survey of its kind nationally. Context is key in building a picture of today’s dynamic graduate labour market and its key stakeholders. The survey reflects the views and experiences of 269 employers who hired graduates or student interns in 2025 and 2026. The employers represent a broad range of sectors, organisation types, and regions. Their responses reveal valuable insights into trends, challenges, and priorities in graduate recruitment and selection. The student voice was captured through a survey of over 1,500 students nationally, focusing on their career-related motivations, expectations, and decision-making. This year, for the first time, we drew on the perspectives of our national higher education careers experts who play such a pivotal role in in preparing graduates for the future world of work, and in supporting employer partners in their graduate recruitment endeavours. The report’s 360° design offers a comprehensive, multi-sourced, and well-evidenced picture of the early careers landscape. I encourage you to use the findings to support decision-making and to drive informed conversations around graduate recruitment + selection and work placement activities. Finally, I would like to extend very sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the report.

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

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