Top schools for hiring interns and other early career candidates for education-related roles

When you’re recruiting students for internships or recent grads for early career teaching and other education-related jobs, which are your favorite schools to recruit from and why? Here is what 10 thought leaders have to say.

• Prefer UW-Madison for Creativity and Expertise
• Value Diverse Skills from Varied Schools
• State College Graduates Embody Community Spirit
• Select Well-Rounded Educators from Top Universities
• Local Talent and Impact from Ohio State
• UT Austin Prepares Diverse and Skilled Educators
• MIT Graduates Excel in Technical Innovation
• Choose Renowned Universities for Education Programs
• Central Washington Grads Offer Community Insights
• Recruit Cybersecurity Experts from UC Berkeley

Prefer UW-Madison for Creativity and Expertise

When recruiting students, I consistently turn to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Their graduates possess a rare blend of creativity and technical expertise that aligns perfectly with our company’s global vision. 

I recall working with a standout intern from UW-Madison, who swiftly adapted to our fast-paced environment and brought a fresh perspective to our onboarding strategies. Her ability to blend innovative thinking with practical application was impressive. 

This kind of talent, honed through the university’s rigorous curriculum and collaborative culture, is why UW-Madison remains my top choice for recruiting bright minds ready to shape the future.

Lucas Botzen, Founder, Rivermate

Value Diverse Skills from Varied Schools

When recruiting recent grads, I consider both traditional and non-traditional sources. While prestigious universities attract attention, it’s important not to overlook smaller institutions or vocational schools.

In my personal experience, students who are not from universities with big names are often more creative, with a diverse range of skills and perspectives. I run a marketing and design agency, so I like to partner with universities that offer relevant programs in marketing, design, and related fields.

Look for discipline and consistency because skills can be taught. Look for candidates who are more willing and passionate to learn. When interviewing potential interns or hires, focus on their passion, adaptability, and growth potential rather than their academic credentials.

By nurturing young talent and providing them with mentorship and hands-on experience, you not only contribute to their professional development but also strengthen your team with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

Coming to my favorite schools to recruit from – well, it mostly depends on the student; however, if you ask for my recommendations from Auckland, then the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), and Massey University grads always have great people skills.

Daniel Bunn, Managing Director, Innovate

State College Graduates Embody Community Spirit

My focus for Aria is on our Provider teams, so I am looking for new graduates with healthcare degrees. My experience has shown that the best candidates for our teams come from state colleges and universities. 

These graduates are already community-minded and typically have a fantastic team spirit—which are both pillars of our company culture and keys to successful hiring.

Amanda McClain, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Aria Care Partners

Select Well-Rounded Educators from Top Universities

At Montana Capital, leveraging car titles for immediate financial solutions allows clients to maintain mobility while accessing needed funds. Through customized payment plans and committed customer service, the focus is on maximizing the value of clients’ assets responsibly.

When it comes to recruiting students for internships or scouting recent graduates for entry-level educational roles, I have a keen eye for talent from a select few institutions known for their robust education programs. My personal favorites include the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Vanderbilt University. These schools consistently produce well-rounded, innovative, and driven educators—a perfect match for dynamic educational environments.

The reason these institutions stand out is twofold: their comprehensive curriculum and their emphasis on practical teaching experience. At Wisconsin, for example, the integration of technology in classroom management and lesson planning is forward-thinking, preparing candidates who are well-versed in modern educational technologies. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt graduates bring a strong foundational approach to education psychology and student engagement, attributes that are crucial for effective teaching.

Drawing from these talent pools has significantly enriched the educational ventures I support. These graduates not only bring fresh, evidence-based perspectives to their roles but also demonstrate a remarkable adaptability in diverse teaching settings. This makes them invaluable as we navigate the evolving landscapes of education technology and pedagogy.

Shir Amram, COO, Montana Capital

Local Talent and Impact from Ohio State

Ohio State University stands out as one of my favorite schools to engage with. Its proximity to our base of operations makes it convenient to work with local interns, facilitating easier communication and collaboration. 

Additionally, Ohio State consistently produces talented and motivated individuals who bring fresh perspectives and valuable skills to our team. By recruiting from Ohio State, we not only support our local community but also tap into a pool of high-caliber candidates eager to make a meaningful impact in their field.

Brad Cummins, Founder, Fat Agent

UT Austin Prepares Diverse and Skilled Educators

In my experience, one of the top schools from which to recruit career education graduates is the University of Texas at Austin, which is our favorite. At UT Austin, students learn how to educate children from diverse backgrounds and with various abilities. The program emphasizes leadership and gives future teachers nearly 800 hours of practical experience in classrooms over several semesters, which is much more than the state’s required hours.

Graduates are thoroughly prepared to take the teacher certification exams, with more than 95% of them passing these exams. The university also provides non-certification programs that equip students to work with young people in environments such as daycare centers, after-school programs, and more. Students have numerous opportunities to engage in research and experiential learning, including volunteering, internships, and study abroad programs.

Precious Abacan, Marketing Director, Softlist

MIT Graduates Excel in Technical Innovation

MIT is world-renowned for its demanding engineering programs and outstanding research. MIT graduates are noted for their extraordinary technical skills and ability to face tough issues head-on. 

The Institute’s hands-on approach to learning, combined with its collaborative environment, encourages innovation and creates an entrepreneurial spirit among its students. Furthermore, MIT’s robust alumni network guarantees that graduates have access to an abundance of resources and opportunities when they begin their careers.

Timothy Allen, Director, Oberheiden P.C.

Choose Renowned Universities for Education Programs

When recruiting students for internships or recent graduates for early-career education jobs, I often focus on universities known for strong education and teacher preparation programs. Schools like Vanderbilt University, University of Michigan, and Teachers College at Columbia University are typically top choices. 

These institutions are renowned for their rigorous curriculum, comprehensive teaching methods, and emphasis on both theoretical and practical aspects of education. Graduates from these programs tend to be well-prepared, innovative, and passionate about teaching, making them ideal candidates for positions that require high levels of enthusiasm and expertise. 

Additionally, these universities often provide students with extensive hands-on experience through student teaching and internships, ensuring that their graduates are classroom-ready and equipped with the latest educational strategies and technologies.

Omer Lewinsohn, General Manager and Marketing Expert, Management.org

Central Washington Grads Offer Community Insights

While top-tier schools have succeeded in distinguishing themselves for excellence, making their students more attractive in the job and employment marketplace, the truth, however, is that the college community we belong to, and those we associate with, have a significant influence in forming our orientations, worldview, and speaks volumes of a recent grad’s preparedness to take on the new responsibilities that come with the professional world.

When recruiting, Central Washington University is one of my favorite schools to recruit recent graduates from. The thing is, apart from their educational programs, the fact that this school is located in the suburbs gives their students the opportunity to mix and learn not just from fellow students but also from the school’s host community, the people, and the culture.

Andrew Johnson, General Manager, Drughelpline

Recruit Cybersecurity Experts from UC Berkeley

I prefer to recruit from universities known for strong cybersecurity programs. The University of California, Berkeley, for example, stands out due to its comprehensive curriculum that covers both theoretical and practical aspects of cybersecurity. The school’s emphasis on cutting-edge technologies and methodologies ensures students are well-prepared for real-world challenges.

Additionally, schools like Stanford University are also on my preferred list because of their interdisciplinary approach, which blends computer science with ethical and legal perspectives in cybersecurity. This broad approach prepares students to understand the wider implications of cyber threats and defense mechanisms, which is crucial for the holistic security solutions that Parachute provides.

In one case, hiring graduates from these institutions led to a noticeable improvement in our project outcomes. For example, a team of interns from UC Berkeley helped develop a new threat detection algorithm that improved our system’s accuracy by 5%.

Elmo Taddeo, CEO, Parachute