LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky has been named one of Forbes’ “Best Employers for New Graduates” for 2022, ranking fifth among the 25 higher education institutions included in the overall list.
“As a higher education institution, we are in a unique position to recruit our talented graduates,” Gina Dugas, acting vice president for UK Human Resources, said. “Employment opportunities while they are in school are a key part of the college experience for many of our students. It is a great way for them to see all the benefits UK has to offer as an employer as they begin their full-time careers.”
Statista surveyed 20,000 Americans with less than 10 years of professional experience working for businesses with at least 1,000 employees to determine the list. All surveys were anonymous, allowing participants to openly share their opinions.
Respondents were asked to rate their employers on a variety of criteria, including the safety of their work environment, competitiveness of compensation, opportunities for advancement, effectiveness of diversity and inclusion efforts and company image. Statista then asked respondents how likely they would be to recommend their employer to others and to nominate organizations outside of their own.
UK provides various professional development programs for college students and recent grads, offering knowledge, training and access to leaders, aimed at empowering employers to be the creators and innovators of tomorrow.
One program, in particular, is the Employee Education Program (EEP). Through this program, employees are eligible for a tuition waiver for classes taken at the university. Through supplemental educational courses and programs of study, the university hopes to encourage self-improvement and career growth.
“This program gives UK a recruiting and retention edge,” Richard Amos, chief benefits officer, said. “For millennial new graduates, professional development opportunities are highly valued, such as pursuing a master’s degree, tuition free. For Gen X, free tuition and UK’s provisions to manage undergraduate student debt is highly valued.”
UK prides itself in being a workplace where new graduates can learn, develop and grow, while making a lasting positive impact on the world. This recognition is a testament to the invaluable work of so many staff, faculty and students who reach across disciplines and units to collaborate and improve the workplace at UK.
Click here for more Kentucky business news.
