This article is sponsored by Talentbank
Image via Odua Images; Edited by MIX
Remember when we first graduated? Filled with excitement, eager to land any job and start gaining experience – no questions asked.
But times have changed. Today’s graduates know exactly what they want, and they’re not shy about choosing their preferred employers.
So who are the employers that graduates prefer?
During the Talentbank’s Graduates’ Choice Award (GCA) 2025, over 597,000 votes were received from students across 100 universities.
While this list is voted by grads, it’s also a handy guide for seasoned professionals thinking about their next career move!
The top 1% that are winning hearts
Image via Talentbank
Champions for 5 years in a row:
Image via Talentbank
Top employers across various industries:
Image via Talentbank
Image via Talentbank
The winners cover a wide range of industries, including international corporations, local enterprises, fashion, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), healthcare, telco and tech, natural resource as well as social media and e-commerce platforms.
The selected organisations stand out for offering competitive pay, career growth opportunities, leadership development and prioritising wellbeing.
Many of them also offer a conducive working environment, with good ergonomics and practical amenities that make the office a productive and inclusive place to be.
What graduates want today
The survey shows that today’s grads, often called “Zoomers”, are looking for 4 main things when job-hunting:
- More than money: Most grads expect RM2,500 to RM3,500, but some companies now offer RM5,000+. Still, it’s not just about pay; they want job security, growth, and meaningful work too.
- Flexibility is a must: They value autonomy, remote options, and time for life outside work. For them, work-life balance isn’t a perk — it’s non-negotiable.
- Room to grow: Graduates look for employers who invest in them through training, mentorship, and clear career paths.
- Wellbeing at work: Health benefits, mental wellness support, and holistic care matter more than ever.
But here’s the catch: employers have requirements too
Unfortunately, employers think that our graduates’ career readiness is only a 6 out of 10.
That’s a gap that needs bridging — with universities ensuring courses stay industry-relevant, while employers step up with internships, mentorship, and real-world training.
Talentbank is launching a tool to help graduates
To further support graduates, Talentbank is launching a Career Playbook – a practical guide offering career strategies, real-world examples, and advice to help graduates tackle early career challenges.
Available in both print and digital formats, it aims to be a toolkit every graduate can rely on as they take their first step into the working world.
Who do YOU think is a good employer? Cast your vote!
GCA 2026 is now open for voting!
If you’ve got kids, nieces, or nephews graduating soon (or maybe you’re the one graduating!), now’s the time to vote. Voters stand a chance to win an Apple MacBook Air or Apple iPhone 17!
Visit Talentbank’s website or follow its Facebook and Instagram for latest updates.
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