for Employers & Universities
How Recent Grads Are Securing Jobs Before the Year Ends
Here’s what the numbers reveal about the job market for undergrads, MBAs, and law students—and why the end of the year is prime time to act.
The end of the year is crunch time—not just for students finishing their degrees but also for employers looking to lock in the best early-career talent. With job-hunting strategies shifting year over year, it’s crucial to understand what’s working now. The 12twenty Jobs Report provides a data-driven look at how students are finding opportunities—and how you can connect with top talent before the calendar flips.
Here’s what the numbers reveal about the job market for undergrads, MBAs, and law students—and why the end of the year is prime time to act.
If there’s one clear takeaway for undergrads, it’s this: personal connections matter more than anything else. According to the 12twenty Jobs Report, 39.4% of job placements for undergrads come from personal contacts. That makes networking events, alumni referrals, and mentorship programs the most impactful tools for job seekers.
For employers, the data is a call to action:
• Host year-end meet-and-greet events.
• Double down on referral programs.
• Partner with universities to connect directly with students.
If you’re not leaning into relationship-driven hiring, you’re leaving top talent on the table.
For MBA students, internships remain the golden ticket to full-time roles. The data shows that 23.4% of MBA hires come from converting internships into full-time offers. This isn’t just a stepping stone—it’s the bridge connecting top talent to long-term opportunities.
For employers, the takeaway is clear:
• Create internship programs that challenge and engage students.
• Use internships as a talent pipeline for leadership roles.
• Offer meaningful experiences that make students want to stay.
Career services teams can also make a huge impact by guiding MBA students to internships that align with their career aspirations. The data shows that internships aren’t just about gaining experience—they’re shaping futures.
The legal field is seeing a major shift in how jobs are found. 26% of law graduate hires now come from online job postings—a sharp contrast to the traditional reliance on personal networks. This trend highlights the increasing importance of platforms that simplify the hiring process for both students and employers.
For law firms and legal recruiters:
• Ensure your job postings are optimized and visible on relevant platforms.
• Highlight clear benefits and pathways for growth in your listings.
• Act quickly—top law grads are scooped up fast in the digital era.
With the end of the year approaching, these insights come at the perfect time to refine your hiring strategies. Students are eager to secure opportunities before the holiday season, and employers can use this momentum to build strong talent pipelines for 2024.
Here’s what works:
• For employers: Align your strategies with the pathways students are already using. Invest in personal connections, strengthen your internship programs, and maximize your digital presence.
• For career services: Leverage these insights to help students focus their job search efforts on what works—and guide them toward opportunities that fit their goals.
Want the full picture? The 12twenty Jobs Report is packed with actionable data and insights into how students across industries are securing jobs. From undergrad networking trends to the role of internships for MBAs to the digital shift in legal hiring, this report is your go-to resource for understanding today’s job market.
Finish the year strong—explore the report today and refine your strategy for the future of hiring.
