Top schools for recruiting students for management interns and recent grads for other early career jobs

When you’re recruiting students for internships or recent grads for early career management jobs, which are your favorite schools to recruit from and why? Here is what 6 thought leaders have to say.

• Prefer UVA and Boston College Graduates
• Skill Sets Over School Prestige
• Recruit From Virginia Beach Area Schools
• Top Picks: Carnegie Mellon, Stanford, MIT
• Duke Fuqua Grads for Global Insight
• UK Grads from Bristol and Bath Universities

Prefer UVA and Boston College Graduates

When it comes to recruiting students for internships or recent grads for those entry-level management gigs, I definitely have some go-to schools that have treated me really well over the years.

One of my personal favorites is the University of Virginia. I swear, the kids coming out of UVA’s business school are just so buttoned-up and polished – you can tell they’re the cream of the crop. But it’s not just good grades; they’ve got this amazing drive and hunger to really prove themselves. A lot of them were big fish in small ponds, with clubs like running student investment funds and startups, so they’ve got that hustle mentality.

I’m also a big fan of Boston College students. The management program there just churns out incredibly well-rounded grads. They’ve got the technical smarts but can also think critically, communicate like pros, and have that emotional intelligence that’s so key for management roles. Not to mention, BC kids tend to be super socially savvy team players.

When it comes to big state schools, I always keep my eye on the University of Texas. Their McCombs School is legit, and you get students from all kinds of backgrounds with this awesome diverse perspective. What I really dig about UT grads is their entrepreneurial spirit and creative problem-solving approach. They’re not afraid to think outside the box.

I’ve got to give props to schools with strong alumni networks at my company too. Having those built-in mentors and paths upward is huge for recent grads. Makes that transition to the working world so much smoother when you’ve got people showing you the ropes.

Rahul Mittal, Technical Team Lead, Gleexa

Skill Sets Over School Prestige

I do not have a favorite school to recruit from. I cast a very wide net when it comes to my efforts and typically look for skill sets over educational background.

Micah Johnson, Talent Acquisition Specialist

Recruit From Virginia Beach Area Schools

Virginia Beach area schools, such as Old Dominion University and Virginia Wesleyan, are top choices for recruiting. Their strong focus on real-world skills and innovative programs produce graduates who are not only well-prepared but also driven and adaptable. 

These qualities align perfectly with Rubix Agency’s dynamic environment and the entrepreneurial spirit we foster at Taxfluence. Their students consistently bring fresh perspectives and a strong work ethic.

Trevor Bailey, Co-Founder, Taxfluence

Top Picks: Carnegie Mellon, Stanford, MIT

My favorite schools to recruit from include Carnegie Mellon University, Stanford University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Carnegie Mellon is renowned for its rigorous computer science program, with specific emphasis on cybersecurity, which ensures graduates are well-versed in theoretical knowledge and practical applications.

Stanford’s interdisciplinary approach fosters innovative thinking and problem-solving skills, vital traits in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity. MIT’s emphasis on cutting-edge research and its strong collaboration with industry partners produce highly skilled and adaptable graduates. These institutions not only provide a solid educational foundation but also offer extensive internship and project opportunities, ensuring that students enter the workforce with hands-on experience and a readiness to tackle real-world challenges.

Amit Doshi, Founder and CEO, MyTurn

Duke Fuqua Grads for Global Insight

For internships and entry-level management positions, I frequently recruit from Duke University, particularly from the Fuqua School of Business.

Fuqua’s strong emphasis on a global business education and its internationally diverse student body provide graduates with a well-rounded perspective on global market dynamics. This global approach is crucial for our company as we operate on an international scale and deal with a diverse client base.

Duke graduates are prepared to tackle global business challenges with cultural sensitivity and strategic insight, making them well-suited for roles that require navigating complex international markets and managing diverse teams. Their adaptability and global outlook have greatly benefited our international projects and expansions.

Tom Golubovich, Head of Marketing, Ninja Transfers

UK Grads from Bristol and Bath Universities

In the UK, as our company is based in Bristol, we often recruit graduates from institutions like the University of Bristol and the University of Bath. These schools are recognized for their programs and cutting-edge research facilities, especially in areas pertinent to our industry such as management, design, and information technology.

Moreover, I truly appreciate the work of our recruits from these universities. Their eagerness to learn and readiness to take on challenges align perfectly with what we seek in our team members. This motivation not only fosters a dynamic work atmosphere but also fuels creativity and advancement within our organization!

David Rubie-Todd, Co-Founder and Marketing Head, Sticker It