UL Careers Early Careers Employer Survey 2026

Early Career Skills in Demand Ranked by Employers

There is very little movement in the overall hierarchy of employability skills compared with last year, which reinforces a fairly consistent message from employers about what really matters when graduates enter the workplace. Teamwork now ranks as the most valued attribute, followed closely by communication and self motivation. Together, these skills highlight the importance employers place on graduates who can collaborate effectively, contribute positively to teams, and take initiative without constant supervision. Attention to detail and problem solving remain highly ranked, reflecting the expectation that graduates can work accurately while also navigating challenges and learning quickly in professional environments.

Interpersonal skills and adaptability also appear strongly in the rankings. This suggests employers continue to prioritise graduates who can work well with others, manage change, and integrate into organisational culture. Time management and resilience sit in the middle of the table, indicating that reliability and the ability to handle pressure remain essential qualities for early career success. Towards the lower end of the ranking are emotional intelligence, creativity, decision making and commercial awareness. These skills are still valued but are often expected to develop further once graduates gain workplace experience or move into a more specialised role. Insight Overall, the results reinforce a clear message: employers continue to prioritise strong foundational workplace behaviours over highly specialised capabilities when recruiting graduates.

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