The QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020 includes 84 top US universities amongst the 500 institutions featured in the rankings, with 29 of these featuring in the top 100. The rankings are designed to help students compare universities in terms of their graduate employability prospects. Institutions are scored based on five indicators; employer reputation, alumni outcomes, partnerships with employers, employer-student connections and graduate employment rate.

Read on for the 10 highest ranked US universities for graduate employability, as revealed by the 2020 rankings.

10. University of Pennsylvania

Up four places this year and coming in at 10^th in the US and 20^th in the world in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020 is the University of Pennsylvania; which is new to the top 10 in the US this year.

The university earns its highest ranking in the alumni outcomes indicator, where it ranks third in the world, and counts 64 billionaires, three US Supreme Court Judges and two US presidents in its alumni, including current US president, Donald Trump. The University of Pennsylvania is also part of the prestigious Ivy League group.

9. Princeton University

Princeton University comes ninth in the US for graduate employability, and 15^th overall. The university is known for its beautiful architecture and for being one of the oldest universities in the US, being established in 1746. It is also part of the Ivy League group.

Princeton’s top ranking is earned for the alumni outcomes indicator, where it comes in 12^th place, thanks to an array of impressive alumni that includes Michelle Obama, John F. Kennedy and the CEO of Amazon, Jeff Bezos.

8. University of Chicago

Up an impressive eight places from last year and coming in at an impressive 14^th place in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020, is the University of Chicago, which earns its best score in the graduate employment rate indicator, at fourth – the highest of all the ranked US universities.

The University of Chicago also scores well in the partnerships with employers indicator at seventh in the world, which takes into account how successful the university is in collaborating with global companies to produce quality research, as well as work placement related partnerships.

7. Yale University

Established in 1701, Yale University is the second-oldest university in the US to be featured in the graduate employability rankings. Yale University rises one place this year, to rank 13^th in the world but remains strong in seventh place in the US.

Yale scores well in both the alumni outcomes and employer reputation indicators at seventh and ninth in the world respectively. With notable alumni including George H W Bush, Bill and Hillary Clinton, actress and director Jodie Foster, this is hardly surprising.

6. Cornell University

The QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020 see Cornell University rise nine places to reach 12^th  worldwide and sixth among the top universities in the US. Like many of the top US universities featured in the rankings, Cornell University earns its highest score in the alumni outcomes indicator, in 11^th place worldwide.

The university’s most famous alumni include Bill Nye (‘The Science Guy’), Christopher Reeve, Henry Heimlich, Irene Rosenfield and Toni Morrison. It is also part of the respected Ivy League group.

5. New York University (NYU)

Staying firmly in 11^th place in the world for graduate employability is New York University (NYU), which earns its highest score for alumni outcomes but also scores well in the partnerships with employers indicator, most likely a result of the university’s on campus recruitment program, in which a wide range of organizations come to campus and interview current students for full-time roles after graduation.

4. Harvard University

Down one place this year to rank fifth in the world for graduate employability this year, Harvard University is the oldest university in the US and was established in 1636. Harvard boasts first place for both the employer reputation and alumni outcomes indicators, which is reflected in the fact that over 500 employers recruit directly on campus each year, as well as the fact that the university is part of the highly reputable Ivy League group. The university also has very impressive array of alumni, including Barack and Michelle Obama, Mark Zuckerburg, Bill Gates, John F Kennedy and George W. Bush.

3. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) drops one place this year to rank third in the world for graduate employability. UCLA scores highly in the alumni outcomes and the employer reputation indicators, both ranking within the top 20 worldwide.

UCLA also has links to many top employers, as well as an annual career week which allows students to engage with industry experts on campus, and there are also many career workshops available for students.

2. Stanford University

In second place both among the top US universities and worldwide for graduate employability, is Stanford University.

Stanford places highest in the world for the partnerships with employers indicator, and offers many career fairs each academic year, helping students increase their graduate employment prospects by allowing them to connect to a large network of employers.

Stanford also performs well in all the other graduate employability indicators, particularly alumni outcomes and employer reputation, with an alumni including Herbert Hoover, Tiger Woods, Reese Witherspoon, John F. Kennedy and Elon Musk.

1.      Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

For another year running, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) takes top place among the top US universities, coming first in the world in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020, as well as first in the world university rankings.

As expected, MIT scores well in all the graduate employability indicators, but gains its highest scores for the employer reputation and alumni outcomes. The university has a Global Education and Career Development Center, which helps to support student careers and also offers advice on going abroad for work or study.

Discover some of MIT’s most successful graduates.

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Sponsored by University College of Hospitality Management Sant Pol de Mar

With the opportunity to travel and work worldwide, it’s no wonder the travel and tourism industry is an attractive career path for today’s graduates. Plus, there are plenty of career opportunities. The industry supports 319 million jobs around the world, making up 10 percent of global employment in 2018, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

This booming and dynamic industry has fruitful career opportunities in abundance, from working in hotels and transport, to working in food, beverages and events, the possibilities are endless.

Does this sound like something you’d be interested in? Read on to find out what you can do to boost your chances of breaking into this competitive – albeit rewarding – industry.

Master your soft skillset

Although your technical skills can get you noticed, it’s your soft skills that will be relied on time after time should you want to succeed in the industry.

The hospitality industry is fast paced, which, naturally requiring individuals who are adaptable, resilient, and able to use their initiative. Working in hospitality is, of course, both a team-orientated and customer-facing role, where lines of communication should always be clear, positive and professional, with enthusiasm always sky high.

Remember – it’s all about service with a smile, and knowing the customer is always right (especially in the hospitality industry)!

In fact, a survey conducted by the University College of Hospitality Management Sant Pol de Mar (EUHT StPOL), a pioneer in hospitality management education for over 50 years, agrees and suggests “there’s more importance on soft skills, such as attitude, ambition and flexibility, rather than hard skills,” according to Mr Lluís Serra, Managing Director at EUHT StPOL.

“This survey points out an interesting change in the skillset that hotels are looking for in a candidate.”

Respondents to the survey consisted of recruiters and HR representatives of international hotel chains, including Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Meliá Hotels International, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, the Ritz-Carlton Luxury Hotels and Resorts, and Hilton Worldwide.

Consider enrolling in further education…

There are many ways you can get your foot on the hospitality industry ladder, but having a relevant qualification can give you the upper hand.

For example, the Master in Hospitality Management at EUHT StPOL, provides you with the key skills necessary for a career in the industry, as well as an in-depth understanding of the industry itself. It’s the ideal master’s program for those who want to fast-track their career into hotel management, marketing and sales, lodging, food and beverages, events, and so on. 

In fact, why not consider studying a postgraduate degree abroad while you’re at it?

It’s more than about a change of scenery. Studying abroad is a great way to tap into the various global hospitality markets, giving you exposure and experience in more than just one market.

In fact, why not study hospitality management in the gastronomic and tourism capital of the Mediterranean?

The University College of Hospitality Management Sant Pol de Mar is just over a 30-minute drive away from Barcelona, a city that’s home to 30 Michelin-starred restaurants, and a tourism industry that’s hard to rival, thanks to the millions of tourists that visit each year.

Know what you want to specialize in

There are two sides to working in the hospitality industry – the operational side and the corporate side.

With such enormous scope and opportunities galore for progression, the sooner you know which niche area you want to specialize in, the better. In fact, the Master in Hospitality Management at EUHT StPOL allows students to specialize in hotel management or food & beverage and restaurant management.

So, whether you aspire to manage a five-star hotel resort or run your own team in a Michelin-star restaurant, you might also want to consider getting some experience to help you get ahead. Speaking of which…

Undertake an industry-specific internship

Having relevant industry experience is key and especially helpful if you have a specialist area in mind. Even if you don’t, it’s a great way of establishing what you do enjoy (and what you don’t), while picking up vital skills and expertise you can carry with you into the world of work after graduating.

During your internship, make sure you’re given access to all areas of the business and show your enthusiasm as you go. An employer who sees an enthusiastic and willing to learn employee is likely to reward them with increased responsibilities, which will only bode well for you later down the line.

The EUHT StPOL survey also suggested that employers in the hospitality industry consider any form of formal training completed during your degree program, such as internships, to be highly valuable.

Learn how to network

No matter which industry you aspire to work in, building your network is vital as your connections have the potential to take you far and wide. Although it may be a challenge to start with, the only way to improve is to get yourself out there and start practicing!

Networking can be done practically anywhere. Whether it’s during class with your peers, while undertaking an internship, or attending events, such as career fairs and education tours.

As much as networking is about building valuable contacts which can help you access other opportunities, you can also learn from them and further your knowledge of the industry. 

Students at the University College of Hospitality Management Sant Pol de Mar have the opportunity to attend a Career Day, where hiring managers attend and offer advice to students about the specific skills and knowledge they’ll need to get into the industry.

The QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020 includes 16 of the best universities in Canada, all included among the world’s best institutions for promoting the employability of their graduates. The ranking is compiled based on a methodology which considers each university’s employer reputation, alumni outcomes, partnerships with employers, employer-student connections and graduate employment rate.

Read on as we count down 10 of the best Canadian universities for graduate employability in 2020.

=10. Carleton University

Carleton University, based in capital city Ottawa, features in the 301-500 range of the QS Graduate Employability Rankings in 2020, achieving its highest score in the alumni outcomes indicator at 168^th in the world. Among its alumni are three Nobel Prize winners, as well as many notable figures in politics, entertainment, business, journalism and more.

The university plays an active role in supporting its students’ employment prospects, with its career service offering a number of co-op programs, careers fairs, networking events, workshops and support with finding part-time and volunteer work.

Six more Canadian universities are ranked 301-500 for graduate employability this year: Concordia University, Dalhousie University, Université Laval, Simon Fraser University, University of Guelph, and York University.  

9. University of Victoria

The 2020 results see the University of Victoria (UVic) climb from the 301-500 range to now rank 251-300 for graduate employability. It achieves its best score in the partnerships with employers indicator (ranked 143^rd), with its students completing more than 4,200 co-op terms each year with over 1,350 employers across Canada and around the world. Co-ops therefore play a key role in the university experience at UVic, with 43 percent of eligible students taking part.

8. Université de Montréal

Ranked 171-180 for graduate employability in 2020, the Francophone Université de Montréal receives its best score in the employer reputation indicator (112^th). One of the largest universities in Canada (with 67,400 students), its notable alumni includes the 15^th prime minister of Canada, Pierre-Elliott Trudeau, computer scientist Yoshua Bengio, Louise Arbour, (the fifth United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights) amongst many others.

7. University of Calgary

Next in our look at the top universities in Canada for graduate employability is the University of Calgary, which appears in the 131-140 range of this year’s ranking. It achieves its strongest score in the partnerships with employers indicator at 99^th, and is itself one of the top employers in the province of Alberta. Its alumni includes Java inventor James Gosling, former prime minister Stephen Harper and astronaut Robert Thirsk.

6. Western University

The 2020 results of the graduate employability rankings see Western University climb from 141-150 to now place in the 121-130 range, thanks to an improved score in the alumni outcomes indicator. The university’s Student Success Centre helps students enhance their employability and get ready for the workplace via internships, co-ops, volunteering, global experiences, job shadowing and Community Engaged Learning (CEL) programs such as Alternative Spring Break.

5. Queen’s University

Ranked 101-110 for graduate employability in 2020, Queen’s University, located in Kingston, Ontario, earns its best score in the alumni outcomes indicator at 75^th. An example of the high level of employability enjoyed by its graduates can be seen in the university’s law department, where 95.4 of the class of 2018 were in law-related placements by the September after graduation.

4. McMaster University

McMaster University is ranked 98^th in the world for graduate employability, down slightly on last year but nonetheless in the five top universities in Canada. It gets its best score in the partnerships with employers indicator and runs The Forge, an on-campus start-up accelerator, as well as the award-winning McMaster Innovation Park, which aims to “transform ideas from vision to commercial reality”.

3. University of Alberta

The University of Alberta retains its position of 87^th in the world for graduate employability in 2020, and is another of the top universities in Canada to earn its highest score for partnerships with employers, as well as boasting one of the best graduate employment rates in the country. Its careers center offers career mentoring, job shadowing, internship and work experience opportunities, grants and funding and more.

2. University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo retains its position of 25^th in the world for graduate employability in 2020, with its best score for the partnerships with employers indicator at 19^th. It also claims the best score among the top universities in Canada for its graduate employment rate (just a few spots above the University of Alberta). The university is known for operating the world's largest post-secondary co-operative education program, allowing students to apply what they’ve learnt in the classroom to real-life settings.

1. University of Toronto

Concluding our look at the top 10 universities in Canada for graduate employability, the University of Toronto is down slightly to 16^th place but nonetheless is first in the country for promoting the employability of its graduates. It gained the highest score in Canada for three of the five indicators: employer reputation, alumni outcomes, and partnerships with employers (for which it ranks fifth).

There are four Canadian prime ministers among the University of Toronto’s alumni, amongst other successful figures such as actor Donald Sutherland and the country’s first female astronaut and first neurologist in space, Roberta Bondar.

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Plastic waste takes 1,000 years to decompose fully. While recycling can help mitigate this, it’s still an unavoidable fact that every plastic takeaway container, milk bottle, straw and shopping bag currently in existence will still be here in some form in a millennium’s time (if the world lasts that long!)

The only real solution to our growing plastic crisis, which is blighting the environment and damaging fragile ecosystems, is to find alternative products to use. Hence the rise of reusable tote bags, metal straws and ‘bulk buy’ shops where you can bring reusable containers for your groceries.

Natalia Kuznetsova witnessed the damage plastic and mankind can do to the environment first-hand in her hometown of Krasnoyarsk in Siberia, Russia. Once judged the most beautiful city in Siberia by author Anton Chekhov, the city is now a major industrial base – particularly for the production of aluminum.

Determined to do her part to make the world a better, cleaner, eco-friendlier place, Natalia’s graduate thesis project at NUST MISIS involved the creation of a new biodegradable alternative to plastic made out of nettle fiber. This material – which is intended for use in packaging goods – has now been chosen for further development by one of Europe’s largest chemical hubs. With any luck, packages and products in shops near you might one day use her nettle fiber composite.

“I entered The National University of Science and Technology MISIS with an idea,” said Natalia. “From the theoretical side of the issue, it was clear that the nettle had a very strong fiber, much stronger than plastic, but I needed knowledge in material science to make sure that nettle plastic is really possible to produce.

“I knew about nettle fiber from childhood, because my grandmother was making threads out of it. So, I came up with the idea to make material from cheap raw materials available in Russia. It turned out that a cheap and replicable solution in the field of environmentally friendly materials is needed around the world.”

Natalia’s potentially world-changing invention sees her following in her father’s footsteps. A man she describes as a “real inventor”, her father worked on sensors to be used in space and had several patents.

However, it looked unlikely Natalia would embrace science in the same way when she initially built a successful career in management.

She told us: “Four years ago, I realized that I didn’t see the results of my career. I work hard, I am successful, but I don’t contribute to the development of the society around me. Then I looked around and realized that it was time to do something. I have been looking for ‘my project’ for a long time.”

Whether or not this project goes on to have the impact Natalia hopes it will, demand for alternatives to plastic is only going to increase. Particularly if shoppers make an effort to prioritize more sustainable and environmentally friendly products.

“Anyone can opt for eco-friendly products,” said Natalia. “If everyone adheres to the concept of conscious consumption, then producing items that are harmful to the environment won’t be profitable.”

Next time the sun comes out and you’re making a beeline for your local beer garden, why not go the extra mile and visit one of Birmingham’s hidden rooftop bars?

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed pub vibe or somewhere a little more upmarket, Birmingham has a rooftop bar to suit you.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best rooftop bars in the city, so all you have to do is turn up, get yourself a drink and soak in the city’s most impressive views.

The Wellington, City Center

It is easy enough to walk past this award-winning pub on your adventures through Birmingham’s city center. However, located just minutes from New Street Station, The Wellington, or ‘The Welly’ if you’re a regular, is the perfect spot for a post-lecture pint.

As well as serving up some of Birmingham’s best real ales and European bottled beers, this classically British pub has a rooftop garden hidden out the back, which is an ideal spot for basking in the warm afternoon sunshine.

Although The Wellington doesn’t serve any food, they are more than happy for you to have a takeaway delivered to the pub, and will even provide with some cutlery if you ask nicely.

Hotel Indigo, Brindley Place 

As one of Birmingham’s more classy establishments, Hotel Indigo is probably most well known as being part of the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar and Grill.

Recently acknowledged as one of the best rooftop bars in the UK, you’ll need to put on your best shoes to visit this glamorous bar. Sitting on the 25th floor of The Cube, Hotel Indigo offers unrivalled panoramic views over Birmingham that make the hefty drinks prices seem worth it.

Additionally, with a sheltered and fully heated seating area, you can even visit during the winter when the bar is considerably less crowded, and views are just as spectacular.

The Church Inn, Jewelry Quarter 

Although a short walk out of the city center, the Jewelry Quarter is brimming with hidden eateries and secret bars waiting to be discovered.

The Church Inn is located just five minutes down the road from The Lord Clifden, a Jewelry Quarter favorite. Inside, The Church Inn is a classic English boozer, decked out with mahogany bar tops and brass detailing.

Grab a cocktail or craft ale from the bar and walk through the main room to a set of stairs at the back that lead to the rooftop area. Laden with brightly colored deckchairs and a variety of sweet-smelling fruit trees, the looming skyline of the city will serve as the only reminder you’re in the industrial heart of the West Midlands. 

Button Factory, Jewelry Quarter 

Another hidden gem in Birmingham’s Jewelry Quarter is the aptly named Button Factory. Housed in a disused factory that once made, you guessed it, buttons – this bar is one of the city’s trendiest watering holes.

Its bare brick walls and original wooden beams nod to the building's heritage while its all-day bar menu boasts the perfect excuse for a boozy brunch. Currently, the rooftop is only open seasonally and serves as the perfect place to enjoy an alfresco tipple during the summer months.

Don’t forget to check out their food menu that focuses on locally grown, beautifully seasonal produce.

Sky by the Water, Birmingham International 

A newcomer to Birmingham’s rooftop bar scene, Sky by the Water is located a little further out of the city center. Fortunately, it’s just minutes from Birmingham International Train Station and part of a large shopping complex so you can stop in here after a busy day hitting the sales.

Situated on the fifth floor, Sky by the Water offers visitors a view of the city’s skyline from afar. Whether you want to enjoy a classic cocktail made with love or enjoy a quintessentially British afternoon tea, the view from the top makes every experience truly special.

Visit during sunset for some of the most spectacular views, but don’t forget to book a table in advance! 

The Bureau Bar, City Center 

Situated in the heart of Colmore Row, the long-standing Bureau Bar has been a favorite haunt amongst city workers for years. To the untrained eye, this classy establishment may look like your ordinary city cocktail bar.

However, dare to climb the spiral staircase and you will be rewarded with a secret rooftop terrace, still undiscovered by so many. Cocktail lovers can opt for a well-made traditional concoction or let the skilled bartenders create something out of your favorite liquors.

Why not order something off their simple and affordable deli menu to soak up some of the booze? The duck Scotch egg and classic club sandwich are the bar’s much-loved favorites.

The Malt House, Brindley Place

Packed with popular eateries and tourist hotspots, it can often be hard to escape the bustling crowds of Brindley Place. Overlooking the canal, The Malt House offers a break from the crowds as well as a fantastic selection of real ales and well-made pub food classics.

Why not trace the footsteps of Bill Clinton who once sank a pint on the pub's balcony while enjoying a rare summer’s day in Birmingham, or simply grab a refreshing fruit cocktail and relax while the barges pass by in front of you.

Book a table on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy a cracking roast dinner with the sounds of a smooth jazz band in the background.