Swiss students vote CERN to top 5 most desirable employers

In a 2015 survey, Swiss students put CERN in the top five most desirable places to work in the IT, Engineering and Natural Science sectors

Swiss students vote CERN to top 5 most desirable employers

The Summer Student Programme is one of the many opportunities for students at CERN. Here, the 2014 cohort pose by the Globe of Science and Innovation on CERN's Meyrin campus in Switzerland (Image: Maximilien Brice/CERN)

In a 2015 survey by independent consultancy firm Universum, 6.3% of the student population of Switzerland – some 12,000 people – voted for the most desirable employers. CERN was among the top five in the IT (5th place), Engineering (4th), and Natural Sciences (3rd) sectors, alongside as the likes of Google, Microsoft and Siemens.

Google topped the lists for both IT and business, ABB took Engineering, Novartis Natural Sciences, and Die Bundesverwaltung was the most popular for Swiss Law students.

"We’re really pleased with this ranking, it shows that CERN is becoming more and more visible as an employer of choice for graduates and students – particularly in the engineering field” says James Purvis of the CERN Human Resources Department.

“This news is important for us to attract more talented students and graduates to CERN, and to share their experience. CERN has so much to offer, and it is fantastic to see this recognized. I can only say one thing to students and graduates still hesitating to apply for CERN’s great programmes, don’t think twice, take part!" says Anna Cook of the HR department.

CERN offers many opportunities for students and graduates, including the CERN Summer Student Programme, Administrative and Technical Student Programmes, as well as summer studentships and short-term internships.

Find about more about the Universum survey