How is it compiled?
High Fliers Research, an independent market researcher, interviews more than 16,000 finalists from the UK’s leading universities to produce the Top 100 league table. Students are asked “Which employer do you think offers the best opportunities for graduates?” The question is open-ended — there are no lists of organisations to choose from — and this year more than 500 employers were named. The 100 firms with the most votes form the new Top 100.

What makes a top employer?
The research results indicate that students use a range of criteria. Many students base their responses on the quality of graduate training and development that employers offer, the salary and remuneration packages available, or the practical aspects of a first job, such as location or working hours. Others focus on employers’ general reputations — public image, business profile or commercial success — or are influenced by their profile on campus and the calibre of representatives at recruitment events.

Who’s No 1 this year?
PricewaterhouseCoopers, the accounting and professional services firm, is this year’s runaway winner and attracted more than 10 per cent of the total student vote. This was more than double that polled by Deloitte, the runner-up, and is one of the highest votes recorded in the Top 100.

Which are the employers to watch?
Google was a new entry in the Top 100 in 2005 and is this year’s highest climber, jumping more than 30 places. The company’s expansion plans mean that it is likely to be a good bet for graduate jobs in the future. Aldi, the discount retailer, has also had a meteoric rise, from No 65 in 2002 to No 12 this year, helped in part by its £38,000 starting salaries and Audi A4 cars for new graduates.

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