2026 ECES Publication

The latest Early Careers Employer Survey publication is now live and available to view online or download via HEAnet. The report explores graduate recruitment trends, salaries, work placement, AI in recruitment, student expectations, employer challenges, and emerging developments shaping the early careers market. 

2025 Early Careers Employer Survey

Research results compiled by AHECS represent an annual snapshot of graduate recruitment across Ireland. Participants of this survey are graduate employers who have engaged with AHECS members. These include local, national and global companies, multinationals and SMEs, not-for-profit, from all sectors and disciplines. Three hundred and two graduate employers participated in this year’s survey (2021), the second year of the survey. AHECS surveyed graduate employers between April and May 2021. Feedback from the organisations proves to be highly beneficial in preparing our graduates for their future careers.

The 2021 survey captures placement and graduate recruitment trends, including

• Employment by sector
• Employment by location
• Job vacancies
• Average Salaries
• Recruitment levels
• Disciplines in demand
• Recruitment processes
• Top technical and soft skills, ranked by employers
• Recruiter challenges
• Covid-19 impact
• Employment sectors – overview of top five

The Graduate Market Survey 2021 provides employers, students, and AHECS invaluable insights into the placement and graduate recruitment market

The most recent surveys are available below to download. If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please contact chair@ahecs.ie

AHECS – Graduate Market Survey – 2021