A recent survey conducted by the junior specialist recruitment firm FutureToday reveals that the most desirable employers for senior students at Russian universities are Yandex, VK, and Tinkoff. The study gathered input from final-year and pre-graduate students across Russia, with data collection spanning September to December 2023. The findings were reported by RBC.
Participants came from 238 faculties across 68 universities in 31 cities, resulting in 21.6 thousand questionnaires that helped form candidate profiles for recruitment consideration. The survey sheds light on how employer attractiveness has shifted in the wake of changing market dynamics and the departure of several Western companies from the Russian market.
In 2022, the top five employers were Yandex, Google, Apple, Gazprom, and Sberbank. With some international players retreating from Russia, the ranking evolved to feature Yandex, Gazprom, Sberbank, VK, and Tinkoff at the top. In the updated ranking, Yandex led with an attractiveness score around 32%, VK followed at about 22%, and Tinkoff at roughly 18%. Other companies appearing in the top ten included Sberbank, Gazprom, Ozon, Gazprom Neft, Avito, 2GIS, and Huawei, illustrating a mix of tech, energy, logistics, and consumer platforms that appeal to students.
The survey also indicates salary expectations tied to study and graduation. Working students reported earnings reaching up to 61 thousand rubles per month while studying, a figure up about 9% from the previous year. After graduation, expected salaries rose to as much as 81.9 thousand rubles, an increase of around 6% year over year. Additionally, the proportion of students who work alongside their studies grew to about 53%, with 21% employed in temporary roles and 11% participating in internships or traineeships. The study also highlighted preferred employer characteristics by faculty, with Yandex ranking highest, followed by Rosatom, VK, Sberbank, and Sibur. The list of top ten included Tinkoff, Gazprom Neft, Norilsk Nickel, KEPT (formerly KPMG), and Ozon, reflecting a broad spectrum of sectors that attract student interest.
Beyond the numbers, the research prompts a deeper look at what today’s graduates value in potential employers. Students emphasize opportunities for professional growth, clear pathways to advancement, meaningful projects, and a work environment that supports learning while balancing responsibilities. The findings also underscore the importance of competitive compensation aligned with regional cost of living and market norms, as well as flexible arrangements that accommodate internships, part-time work, and graduate programs. The dynamic observed in the rankings suggests that employers who invest in mentorship, real-world experience, and robust onboarding programs are more likely to attract top candidates across disciplines.
In related policy developments, education authorities have been moving to standardize and elevate the quality of higher education institutions. A recent initiative signals stronger alignment between university offerings and industry needs, with ongoing discussions about how schools can better prepare students for the modern labor market. This broader context helps explain why students may gravitate toward employers known for cutting-edge technology, strong corporate cultures, and clear opportunities for professional development.
Overall, the employer landscape for Russian students appears increasingly technology-driven and diversified, with major tech firms, energy giants, and logistics platforms all competing for talent. As market conditions continue to evolve, it will be interesting to monitor how employer attractiveness shifts in response to economic changes, policy developments, and the evolving needs of the next generation of graduates.