The ideal employers chosen by undergraduates interested mainly in the fashion, retail and apparel sector.
This academic year (2005-2006), an estimated 1.4 million students will earn their bachelors' degrees — and in the strongest job market in five years, companies will compete hard to get the best new recruits. Branding specialist Universum Communications surveyed over 37,000 undergraduate students on their ideal employers; 1,464 students listed retail/fashion/apparel as their area of interest. Those students were asked to select up to five ideal employers — inside and outside the sector. Claudia Tattanelli, chief executive officer of Universum, pointed out the companies' appeal: identifiable ad campaigns, community work, strong recruiting programs and a focus on diversity. "Students like companies that reflect a cool, relaxed atmosphere," she added. "Think Gap, Nike, Google, Starbucks; many top-ranked companies are based on the West Coast."
1. GAP INC.
Percentage of undergraduates interested in fashion, retail and apparel who chose this employer: 19.9
Gap offers extensive training programs for students through its summer internships and the chance to gain career experience in field management, distribution and merchandising. The discounts on Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic merchandise don't hurt, either.
2. L'OREAL
Percentage: 18.8
An international cosmetics powerhouse, L'Oréal recruits on campuses of engineering, business and fine arts schools. L'Oréal USA offers undergraduates scholarships, case studies and business games, day-to-day experience, job training and job placement.
3. WALT DISNEY
Percentage: 17.2
What college-age kids don't remember trips to Walt Disney World when they were young? The company has operations in entertainment, media and retail, and offers scholarship programs, educational reimbursements, complimentary theme park passports and paid internships.
4. NIKE
Percentage: 14
The activewear giant gives its employees and interns access to company fitness centers and a 50 percent discount off merchandise. Undergraduates who head to Beaverton, Ore., have the chance to work in sports marketing and logistics, information technology and product development.
5. LIMITED BRANDS
Percentage: 13.7
The undergraduate population is an ideal target market for this retail group, which owns Express, the Limited, Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works. "This company is all over college campuses these days. They are working to emphasize all their brands, not just ‘Limited Brands,'" said Claudia Tattanelli of Universum.
6. TARGET
Percentage: 13.4
Students want a piece of the successful discount retailer and migrate to its Twin Cities headquarters every summer to take part in department training programs and enjoy the campus-like environment.
7. APPLE COMPUTER
Percentage: 9.5
"Who doesn't have an iPod these days?" asked Tattanelli. "Apple is one company that will fluctuate in the rankings, depending on the products that are coming out. The company also has solid recruiting policies on campuses." Students interested in any realm of design follow the company's products.
8. COCA-COLA
Percentage: 9.5
Coca-Cola, the world's largest beverage company, is not just about soft drinks these days — among its brands are the energy drink Powerade, and Hi-C and Minute Maid. The Web site Vault.com states, "This international company is an empire unto itself, and Coca-Cola employees are fiercely loyal to their employer."
9. BMW
Percentage: 9.1
This is yet another example of a "cool" company that consistently puts out sleekly designed products. BMW, based in Munich, is one of the most exclusive auto brands in the world, has been in existence since the early 1900s. Maybe students are hoping for big discounts on a new set of wheels...
10. STARBUCKS
Percentage: 8.7
Starbucks, based in Seattle, is single-handedly responsible for putting the coolness factor in a cup of coffee. Not too long ago, coffee was a necessity, and the most expensive cup cost less than a dollar. And socially responsible Starbucks backs community building programs and promotes conservation and recycling.
