UL Careers Early Careers Employer Survey 2026

Graduate Integration and Workplace Expectations Employer Plans vs Student Preferences

Employers indicate that graduates typically require time to become fully effective in their roles. Only 16% believe graduates add value within the first three months, while 30% estimate this occurs within three to six months. The largest group, 39%, say it takes between six and twelve months, highlighting the importance of structured onboarding, training, and mentoring. Around 15% suggest it can take more than a year for graduates to reach full productivity. Workplace expectations also reveal a clear difference between employer plans and student preferences. While 79% of employers expect graduates to be primarily based on company sites (with 22% offering hybrid options), students show a strong preference for hybrid work (56%), with only 37% favouring fully on-site roles. This highlights an ongoing adjustment between operational needs and graduate expectations.

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