Google Poland and Skanska Group are the most attractive employers this year according to Polish students – according to a ranking by consulting firm Universum Global. Other top-performing Polish companies include LOT Polish Airlines, PKO Bank Polski, and the National Bank of Poland.

Universum Global specializes in employer branding and conducts annual surveys among Polish students to understand their expectations of an ideal employer and workplace. This year, Universum surveyed a record number: nearly 26,000 Polish students from 64 universities. The data formed the ranking of the 100 most attractive employers.

Google and Skanska lead the list

The undisputed leader of this year's ranking is Google Poland, winning in the Business and IT categories. Skanska Group won in the Engineering category. Surprise highlights include TVN (ranked 4th in Business) and National Bank of Poland (ranked 3rd in Business).

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What students expect

When it comes to expectations from the job market, key factors for young Poles include competitive starting salaries, professional development opportunities, and potential for high earnings in the future.

Salary expectations vary by gender

Expected salary levels differ slightly by gender. If the current gender gap in expected salary is small at the student stage, it will remain so as they enter professional life – states Yves Schneuwly, managing director of Universum Switzerland & CEE. Students expect an average starting salary of EUR 860 (about USD 770), while female students expect a salary EUR 120 (about USD 109) lower.

When asked what is most important in a career, students cited "high future earnings" (for both male and female students). Second was "good references." Among female students, third was "respect for employees," and fourth was "job security." Male students ranked "training and development" third and "respect for employees" fourth.

Summary

The Universum Global ranking is based on a survey of nearly 26,000 students from 64 universities who identified their ideal employer. Google Poland (Business and IT) and Skanska Group (Engineering) led the list. TVN, LOT Polish Airlines, PKO Bank Polski, and the National Bank of Poland also ranked highly.

Students expect an average starting salary of EUR 860 (about USD 770), with female students reporting a lower figure by EUR 120 (about USD 109). Top criteria include high future earnings and good references; women more frequently mention respect for employees and job security.