by David Ross
A recent BusinessWeek article featuring a survey conducted by Universum regarding the Top Employers for Global Business Undergrads is the latest example of another rankings list. Today our lives are filled with lists of “Best of…” – best colleges, best graduate schools, best employers. But this latest list of rankings focuses on another topic of great importance – what actually constitutes a top employer?
Any rankings list is based on specific criteria and methodology used to generate a numerical score or outcome that determines “the best.” Regarding employers, how do we individually determine just who’s the best? In some way, we all have our own criteria for deciding on where to pursue employment. It’s not uncommon for these factors to include name recognition, prestige, and culture. But besides these subjective elements are there other factors important to you? What about intangible metrics such as collegiality among co-workers, geographic location, work/life flexibility and autonomy over projects? Do you contemplate other things when deciding what organizations to consider for employment? I encourage you to think critically about what you really look for in an employer. There’s nothing like going to work at a place where you feel really connected and greatly enjoy the environment. No rankings list can truly measure that.