Why employers hire Queen's graduates
Our students offer more than just academic excellence
We asked leading employers what stands Queen’s student apart. Read on to hear what they had to say
Employers consistently praise Queen’s graduates for being well-rounded individuals equipped with versatile skills that drive workplace success.
At Queen’s, we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of talent, encouraging them to continuously develop their abilities and embrace lifelong learning.
Queen's University Belfast is ranked in the top 10 for graduate employability in the UK.
(Times Good University Guide 2025)
Queen's University Belfast is ranked in the top 100 in Europe for employer reputation.
(QS Europe Rankings 2025)
Queen's University Belfast increased our employer reputation rank by 42 places from 2024 to 2025.
(QS World University Rankings 2025)
Discover why Queen’s students are making waves in the professional world!
We spoke with top employers to get their insights on what sets these students apart.
Watch the video to hear their inspiring stories and see why Queen’s graduates are in high demand.
Graduate Attributes
A group of 40 employers were asked to sum up Queen’s graduates in one word, revealing several key qualities.
Check out the video to see what these attributes were.
“Employers want to see transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork and leadership that really make a candidate stand out. We are looking for well-rounded individuals who have both the aptitude and the attitude to thrive within their business. Queen’s Careers Service works closely with employers such as Almac, they know what we are looking for and can really provide added value through employability training and support.
The Future-Ready Award provides students with a great opportunity to develop and hone the key skills needed to succeed within the workplace. Queen’s students benefit from exceptional teaching and facilities with the opportunity to undertake industrial placements as part of their degree programmes.”
Kim McAllister, Talent Acquisition Manager, Almac Group
“I always remember students that are outgoing and not afraid to strike up a conversation. I'm always impressed by students that juggled their degree with a part-time job and some extracurricular activities as it shows that they have excellent time management and good life experience. It’s not just about having the grades, transferrable skills are also important. Well-rounded individuals who can adapt to different environments and bring something new to the table are very appealing.
Students make an impact if they go above and beyond to help others. It could be that they offer to help someone who is struggling to get a job finished for a deadline or just something as small as offering to make tea or coffee for your team. Queen's is a prestigious institution with a renowned reputation for producing excellent graduates ... there's a reason it's ranked in the top universities in the world!”
Robbie Barr, Partner, Muldoon + Co