Two state universities emerged as the top choices of employers hiring young Filipino talent.

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines retained its top spot – with over 23% of employers favouring PUP graduates for their teamwork skills, according to a recent survey by online job portal JobStreet on the preferred universities of employers.

The University of the Philippines ranked second, with employers valuing the university’s reputation for academic excellence and graduates’ perceived ability to make a mark in their chosen industries.

Private institution De La Salle University (DLSU) secured the third position, also recognised for its reputation and industry alignment.

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Mapúa University rounded out the top choices at ranks 4 and 5, respectively.

Other universities on the list include the Batangas State University, University of Mindanao, University of Cebu, Technological Institute of the Philippines, and STI College.

The survey encompassed 42 industries and over 700 companies of various sizes. The report aimed to provide employers with insights into jobseekers’ strengths and to guide them in tailoring recruitment strategies.

Industry-specific preferences

The data also revealed industry-specific preferences. PUP and UP graduates were highly sought after by companies in the IT, human resources, and BPO sectors.

DLSU graduates were favoured by employers in health care, IT, and real estate. UST graduates were preferred in BPO, business consulting, and hospitality, while Mapúa graduates were popular in construction, IT, and telecommunications.

Meanwhile, the University of Mindanao remained a preferred talent pool for HR management; Batangas State for manufacturing; and Technological University for construction.

When selecting candidates, employers prioritised factors such as the school’s alignment with their industry, the candidate’s work ethic, and the school’s reputation. Other considerations included the candidate’s confidence, location, and alumni status.