Schools employers love when recruiting students for internships or early career administrative jobs

When you’re recruiting students for internships or early career administrative jobs, which are your favorite schools to recruit from? Here is what 8 thought leaders have to say:

• Prefer Disciplined Auckland Graduates
• Choose Communication Program Graduates
• Assess University’s Digital Presence
• Favor Strong Communication and Drive
• Focus on Skills Over Prestige
• Select NTU for Market Acumen
• Recruit from Diverse State Universities
• Target Top Business School Students

Prefer Disciplined Auckland Graduates

When hiring students for internships, I look for discipline and consistency because skills can be taught, but consistency can’t be taught.

I always look for students who are more willing and passionate to learn. If you ask for my recommendations on what schools to hire students from in Auckland, New Zealand, then that would be the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), and Massey University graduates, as students from these universities always have great people skills along with other soft skills.

Daniel Bunn, Managing Director, Innovate

Choose Communication Program Graduates

When recruiting for internships or entry-level roles at Caption Easy, I prioritize schools with robust programs in communication and media studies. Institutions like Northwestern University and Syracuse University consistently produce top-notch candidates. 

For instance, last year, 60% of our interns hailed from these institutions, and they significantly contributed to our social media engagement growth by 40%.

Khurram Suhrwardy, CEO, Caption Easy

Assess University’s Digital Presence

As a recruiter for an SEO agency, I don’t prioritize a college degree as much as one might expect. However, I do take a peek at a candidate’s education, paying particular attention to their university’s website and online presence.

In the SEO industry, we understand that practical experience and tangible results carry more weight than mere academic qualifications. SEO expertise is honed through hands-on practice. Simply holding a degree in marketing or SEO doesn’t necessarily translate to effective application of that knowledge. Furthermore, it’s no secret that some universities offer courses in trendy topics solely to attract students, often lacking depth in the subject matter.

So, how do I determine if a candidate’s education matters? My go-to method is conducting a quick assessment of a university’s website. While I don’t have time for an extensive SEO audit, I do take a brief look at basic website metrics and overall appearance. I also browse through their social media presence to gauge their alignment with current trends in online marketing and the digital sphere.

A university that excels in the digital realm sends a positive signal to me about the caliber of its students. It suggests that they’re likely being exposed to contemporary industry practices and knowledge, which is a significant factor in my candidate assessment.

Karolina Górska, Senior HR Coordinator, Delante

Favor Strong Communication and Drive

Certain schools tend to produce particularly promising candidates that are a great fit for ThriveAgency. One of my perennial favorites is the University of Michigan—their business school and liberal arts programs both do an excellent job preparing students with strong communication skills, technological proficiency, and a driven mindset that aligns well with our fast-paced marketing agency environment.

I’m also consistently impressed by the caliber of students coming out of schools like Boston College, Georgetown, and the University of Virginia. Their well-rounded curricula seem to instill students with intellectual curiosity, diligent work ethics, and polished interpersonal skills that make them stand out. That said, I always make sure to keep an open mind—I’ve found gems from a variety of institutions over the years.

Ultimately, while the academic pedigree can be a useful initial filter, I put the most weight on each candidate’s individual drive, creativity, and cultural fit when making hiring decisions for ThriveAgency’s internship and entry-level admin roles. A stellar attitude and willingness to roll up one’s sleeves can sometimes outweigh a fancy university name.

Tristan Harris, Demand Generation Senior Marketing Manager, Thrive Digital Marketing Agency

Focus on Skills Over Prestige

When considering candidates for internships, I prioritize various factors beyond their alma mater’s reputation. I value individuals who exhibit relevant skills, experience, and a strong work ethic, regardless of the institution they attended.

While many employers often favor prestigious institutions like Stanford, MIT, Harvard, or UC Berkeley, I advocate for recruiters to prioritize assessing candidates based on their competencies and alignment with the company’s culture. This entails looking beyond the prestige of a candidate’s educational background and focusing on their potential to contribute positively to the organizational goals.

In a nutshell, the most suitable candidates can emerge from any educational institution. Therefore, maintaining an open-minded approach and identifying the right fit for the team and organization is crucial.

Peter Bryla, Community Manager, ResumeLab

Select NTU for Market Acumen

In my recruitment efforts for internships and early-career administrative positions, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) – Nanyang Business School stands out as a top choice. The reason is clear: Students from NTU exhibit a blend of academic excellence and practical skills essential for the fast-paced forex trading industry. 

My personal interactions with interns and new hires from NTU have been outstanding, with many displaying innovative thinking and a strong understanding of market dynamics, making them valuable additions to our team. This direct experience has solidified my preference for NTU, recognizing it as a fertile ground for nurturing future leaders in our field.

Ace Zhuo, Business Development Director (Sales and Marketing), Tech and Finance Expert, Cheap Forex VPS

Recruit from Diverse State Universities

My typical choice for recruiting students is state universities, since I’ve had experience with graduates from these schools. They bring a mix of knowledge, a willingness to learn, and adaptability, which I find very valuable in interns and early-career professionals. 

The diverse student body allows us to tap into skills and viewpoints, boosting our team’s creativity and problem-solving abilities. For instance, I once brought on board an intern from California State University who turned out to be incredibly hardworking and quick at grasping concepts. 

His commitment to his role and his willingness to go the extra mile in assigned tasks greatly contributed to the success of our projects. This particular experience reinforced my belief in the caliber of students from such institutions; they appear prepared not only academically but also in terms of their work ethic and ability to adapt in fast-paced settings.

David Rubie-Todd, Co-Founder and Marketing Head, Sticker It

Target Top Business School Students

Our platform strategically focuses on universities known for their outstanding business and administration programs. Top choices include the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard Business School, and Stanford Graduate School of Business.

We find that students from these institutions not only possess a solid academic foundation but also demonstrate remarkable leadership qualities, innovation, and the ability to adapt to dynamic business environments. 

Additionally, we value the diverse and global perspective students from these schools bring to internships and early-career positions, aligning with the increasingly interconnected nature of modern businesses.

Amit Doshi, Founder and CEO, MyTurn