
In today’s competitive job market, new graduates are always on the lookout for organisations that offer the best environments for career development, employee satisfaction, and long-term stability. Forbes’ list of America’s top five employers for new graduates in 2024 highlights companies that excel in these areas, providing young professionals with excellent opportunities for growth and success.These companies, ranging across different industries, have been recognised for their strong work cultures, benefits, and potential for career advancement.
The 2024 rankings, based on surveys of thousands of employees, reveal a diverse mix of industries, from transportation and hospitality to finance and healthcare. What stands out is the emphasis these companies place on both personal and professional growth. Here’s a closer look at the top five companies that new graduates consider ideal workplaces for launching their careers.
Delta Air Lines: Delta Air Lines is a leader in air transportation services, offering both passenger and cargo transport across the globe. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Delta operates through its Airline and Refinery segments. The company is widely known for fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture, ensuring the well-being of its employees while promoting career advancement opportunities. Delta’s commitment to innovation and sustainability makes it a top choice for new graduates entering the transportation sector.
In-N-Out Burger: Founded in 1948, In-N-Out Burger is a family-owned American fast-food chain that has maintained a strong reputation for quality and service. Headquartered in Irvine, California, it has become one of the best places to work, known for its employee-first policies, competitive pay, and promotion opportunities from within. The company’s ability to cultivate a family atmosphere, despite its expansion, has kept employee retention rates high, making it a standout employer for young talent.
American Express: American Express, a global leader in credit card services, offers its employees a dynamic and rewarding environment. Headquartered in New York, the company’s focus on professional development, combined with its generous benefits package, makes it a prime choice for new graduates. With its strong emphasis on work-life balance, diversity, and inclusion, American Express fosters a culture of innovation and career growth, ensuring new hires thrive in their roles.
America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2024)
(Data as of August 2024)
Dutch Bros Coffee: Dutch Bros Coffee is a drive-through coffee chain known for its upbeat work culture and commitment to employee well-being. Unlike many fast-food brands, Dutch Bros offers internal promotion opportunities, with many of its operators starting as ‘broistas.’ Headquartered in Grants Pass, Oregon, the company’s inclusive culture and focus on employee development have earned it a spot on Forbes’ list, providing new graduates with an unconventional yet rewarding career path.
UCLA Health: UCLA Health is a leading healthcare provider, offering world-class medical services and cutting-edge research. Based in Los Angeles, California, it is one of the top employers in the healthcare industry, thanks to its supportive work environment and numerous opportunities for professional growth. For new graduates entering the healthcare field, UCLA Health stands out with its commitment to mentorship, continued education, and patient-centred care, ensuring employees develop their careers while making a meaningful impact on patient outcomes.
Why These Companies Stand Out for New Graduates
These companies offer more than just a paycheck; they provide an environment where employees can grow both personally and professionally. Delta Air Lines, for example, is lauded for its innovative work practices and inclusive culture. Meanwhile, In-N-Out Burger stands out in the restaurant industry for its focus on employee development and upward mobility. The common thread across all these organisations is their commitment to nurturing talent, offering benefits, and providing opportunities for progression, which is particularly attractive for new graduates eager to start their careers on the right foot.