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We all know 2020 was an unprecedented year – and college recruitment teams had to adapt their strategies through it all.
From planning remote summer internships in a matter of weeks to pivoting to virtual recruitment strategies, university teams had to rethink and reshape their approach to finding and connecting with early-career talent. With determination, creativity, and flexibility, these teams went above and beyond to support the next generation of talent.
The innovation and hard work of these teams this past year has laid the blueprint for the future of college recruiting – and RippleMatch is proud to recognize these accomplishments in our inaugural Campus Forward Awards.
INTRODUCING
The college recruitment teams within each of these companies exhibited an outstanding commitment to early career talent through their internship programs, their approach to virtual recruitment, candidate experience, and their prioritization of diversity & inclusion.
Learn more below about how each of our 2021 Campus Forward Honorees went above and beyond in college recruitment as they navigated an unprecedented year.
Campus Forward Honorees
1000+ early career hires annually
American Express
This year, American Express pivoted to a virtual program – a result of hard work, new technology, and creativity. An engaging candidate experience and D&I remained a top priority for their university recruitment team as they implemented virtual recruiting strategies that would guide their year. Learn more about American Express' standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Capital One
Capital One successfully hosted a fully virtual summer internship experience for over 700 incoming students that left participants raving upon completion of the program. Going into the 2020 fall recruiting season, the team was able to create a candidate-centric experience complete with personal touches and access to intimate virtual events and opportunities. Learn more about Capital One's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Dell Technologies
Dell Technologies implemented a robust virtual internship program and virtual recruitment strategy to attract entry-level talent. Throughout the recruitment process, Dell Technologies made sure to offer direct support to students through webinars, one-on-one calls, and video conferences. Learn more about Dell's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Deloitte
The success of Deloitte’s early career recruitment team this year was fueled by creativity and innovation. The team embraced new technologies such as text-based recruiting and put on a diverse range of virtual events, allowing them to connect with top talent and provide a personalized candidate experience.
Epic
This year, Epic was able to preserve their in-person internship experience for interns while also taking their fall recruitment strategy fully virtual for the first time. With a virtual strategy, they have been able to attend over 100 virtual career fairs and recruiting events this fall at dozens of universities, and participated in several national events focused on diversity. Learn more about Epic's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
EY
With the onset of COVID-19 in the spring, EY was quick to decide to maintain their internship program in a new virtual format. Around the same time in the spring, they began preparing for the possibility of virtual fall recruitment. Their preparation allowed them to maintain a strategy where candidate interests were at the forefront of all decision making. Learn more about EY's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Salesforce
In 2020, Futureforce – the Salesforce university recruiting team – embraced the opportunity to put on innovative and creative programming in our new virtual world. From hosting 700 interns in a successful virtual internship program to participating in more than 200 virtual events, Salesforce rose to the occasion to connect with talented students. Learn more about Salesforce's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
SAP
This year, the SAP campus team had to constantly reinvent and reassess strategies – but never lost sight of the need to connect on a human basis. Whether that meant creating direct access to mentors for virtual interns or hosting 100+ virtual recruiting sessions for candidates, SAP always put the candidate experience first. Learn more about SAP's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Textron
Even in the middle of a pandemic, the campus team at Textron was able to prioritize candidate experience and increase employer brand awareness on their target campuses and among underrepresented groups. Learn more about Textron's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
UnitedHealth Group
This year, UnitedHealth Group launched an expanded virtual internship program and kept their commitment to providing students the best possible experience at the forefront of their virtual recruitment strategy. The result was an enhanced recruiting experience for students, grounded in transparency and honest communication. Learn more about UnitedHealth Group's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Campus Forward Honorees
501 - 1000 early career hires annually
BMO
BMO expanded their student reach this year through their virtual roadshow ‘BMO Days,’ which enabled the team to connect with 64 campuses and reach over 1,600 students. The team also continued to share information with students authentically through their Campus Influencer program, which was made up of 70% BIPOC students this year. Learn more about BMO's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Burns & McDonnell
Throughout 2020, Burns & McDonnell hosted a virtual internship program for more than 300 interns, participated in more than 100 virtual recruitment events, and strengthened their D&I initiatives. Learn more about Burns & McDonnell's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Credit Suisse
Credit Suisse hosted over 350 students this summer for their virtual internship program, formed new relationships with college campuses, hosted innovative events, and invested in mentorship programs to provide students with an engaging and informative recruiting experience from start to finish. Learn more about Credit Suisse's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Eaton
Eaton switched to a virtual internship and recruiting process this year, utilizing new technologies and integrating new events. Their hard work and creativity contributed to the company’s best-ever intern-to-full-time offer acceptance ratio of 97%. Learn more about Eaton's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Lenovo
Lenovo hosted their first-ever 100% virtual recruiting season this year. Globally, the company has received a record-breaking number of applications for both university openings and virtual event participation. Lenovo now has the most diverse and most qualified applicant pool the company has ever had. Learn more about Lenovo's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile held a fully virtual program this summer that was so successful the company plans on offering both a virtual and hybrid internship option for 2021. Additionally, innovation in the recruiting process has allowed T-Mobile recruiters to increase their campus reach by over 100%. Learn more about T-Mobile's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Travelers
Travelers employees are anchored to what they refer to as The Travelers Promise: a commitment of care towards their customers, their communities and each other. These values were extremely evident this year as the Travelers' team planned a virtual internship program for over 400 interns and maintained an engaging recruiting experience all year long. Learn more about Travelers' standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Verizon
Verizon’s success was built on communication and connection this year, as the V-Team launched new events, partnerships, and processes for interns and candidates. A few accomplishments include hosting over 300 interns, attending over 80 fall events, and launching an Executive Engagement and Brand Ambassador Program. Learn more about Verizon's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Campus Forward Honorees
251 - 500 early career hires annually
ALKU
ALKU made the most of the shift to virtual, putting on a standout remote internship program and attending 168 events including virtual Career Fairs, Guest Speaking Events, and Sales Competitions. D&I was also a priority, and ALKU was proud to form a new Diversity & Council. Learn more about ALKU's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
AlphaSights
AlphaSights’ early career team established a robust and engaging virtual recruiting strategy this year that included events like virtual info sessions, project workshops, and coffee chats. Additionally, the team provided a standout candidate experience that placed an emphasis on personalization, communication, and support. Learn more about AlphaSights' standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Anheuser-Busch
Anheuser-Busch's immersive 8-week summer program was adjusted to provide interns with the opportunity to work remotely while gaining real-world experience through projects, mentorship, and on-the-job learning and networking opportunities. Anheuser-Busch’s early career team also introduced a new recruiting program this year, integrating more interactive events that reached over 70,000 students across 49 states. Learn more about Anheuser-Busch's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Applied Materials
Applied Materials implemented a virtual internship program this year, and pivoted quickly to virtual recruiting in the spring. The company remained committed to their university partnerships and continued investing in diverse student organizations to expand student reach. Learn more about Applied Materials' standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Arcadis
Arcadis’ early career team successfully launched a virtual recruiting and internship program this year. New engaging events like virtual lunch-and-learns and product updates kept candidates in the loop about life at Arcadis, and bolstered engagement. Learn more about Arcadis' standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Arrive Logistics
By acting quickly and being resourceful, Arrive Logistics was able to successfully adapt their program to a virtual format that received rave reviews from their interns. The Arrive team also found success with virtual recruiting as they implemented new events and expanded their student reach. Learn more about Arrive Logistics' standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Echo Global Logistics
Echo Global Logistics pivoted both its internship program and its recruitment strategy to an entirely virtual model, with a deep focus on ensuring that both recruiters and candidates felt prepared for this unexpected shift. Learn more about Echo Global Logistics' standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Gallagher
Gallagher successfully shifted its internship program and recruitment strategy to virtual. Gallagher drew upon its existing relationships with universities, partnerships with national diversity organizations, and participation in talent development competitions to reach candidates of various backgrounds. Learn more about Gallagher's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
General Mills
The General Mills team placed an emphasis on transparency, empathy, and personalization during the recruitment process. The team successfully transitioned its internship program to a virtual environment and continued to strengthen its partnerships with universities, organizations, and technology platforms to connect with talented candidates. Learn more about General Mills standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Hormel Foods
The Hormel Foods talent acquisition team developed a highly interactive internship program using virtual tools, while quickly adapting their recruitment strategies for a new virtual world. Learn more about Hormel Foods standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks created a standout experience for their interns this summer, notable for its emphasis on inclusion and innovative approach to remote work. In addition, the team continues to prioritize candidate experience in their recruiting efforts, from targeted events to clear communications. Learn more about Palo Alto Networks' standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation remained committed to their interns and entry-level employees this year, focusing on students’ growth and development even during the unprecedented shift to remote work. Learn more about Rockwell Automation's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
SAS
SAS stood out this year for their commitment to students, from putting on a successful virtual internship program to hosting creative recruitment events to investing in a supportive candidate experience. Learn more about SAS' standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Siemens
Siemens’ team integrated seamlessly to virtual recruiting this season, utilizing new tools and platforms to reach a wide range of candidates and keep students engaged. They also continued to prioritize D&I in their approach, strengthening connections with diverse institutions and organizations. Learn more about Siemens' standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Viasat
Viasat’s early career team has continued to thrive by relying on the company’s pillars – operating as one team, adapting to new and ambiguous circumstances, and taking on the challenge of an almost completely remote workforce. Learn more about Viasat's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Campus Forward Honorees
100 - 250 early career hires annually
Aramark
From revamping their social media presence to developing closer partnerships with diversity-focused organizations at partnering colleges and universities, the Aramark team worked hard to better reach and engage candidates during unprecedented times. Learn more about Aramark's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Avanade
Avanade’s early career team went above and beyond this year with a hyper-personal approach towards virtual recruiting and their internship program, and approached university recruitment with an intentionality around inclusion and belonging. Learn more about Avanade's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Credera
Credera’s ability to create a hyper-personal virtual recruitment strategy and pull off a virtual internship set the team apart this year. Candidate experience remained at the heart of their decisions and shaped all interactions with candidates, from first introduction to the end of their process. Learn more about Credera's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Dick's Sporting Goods
The transition to virtual recruitment during COVID-19, especially through virtual events and marketing materials like video testimonials, enabled Dick's Sporting Goods to broaden its reach to new candidates while further expanding its D&I initiatives. Learn more about Dick's Sporting Goods' standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Estée Lauder
The campus team at The Estée Lauder Companies used the transition to a virtual recruitment strategy as an opportunity to strengthen its employer brand and broaden its reach beyond its usual target schools, hosting multiple virtual information sessions and corporate presentations at various colleges, including SUNY schools, HBCUs, and HSIs. Learn more about Estée Lauder's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
IMC
IMC embraced virtual technology in all aspects of its recruitment strategy, from hosting interactive events via Zoom, to sourcing underrepresented candidates through platforms like RippleMatch to sending VR headsets to summer interns to take them on a virtual tour of Chicago, their headquarter city. Learn more about IMC's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
MetLife
As MetLife adapted to a virtual environment this year, the early career team remained committed to its values of reaching diverse candidates, providing immersive learning programs, and fostering philanthropic partnerships. Learn more about MetLife's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
PSEG
PSEG’s early career team successfully implemented new intern events and recruiting strategies with help from different parts of the company. The result was a fulfilling internship and great candidate experience. Learn more about PSEG's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Qualtrics
Qualtrics embraced new tools and technologies this year to quickly adapt to a virtual world. The team’s agility proved a major advantage as they hosted a remote internship, engaged with more students, and continued supporting diverse talent. Learn more about Qualtrics' standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Robinhood
Robinhood’s early career team focused on student engagement this year through new recruiting events and an educational internship program, giving students insight into life at Robinhood. Learn more about Robinhood's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Stanley Black & Decker
Stanley Black & Decker’s tight-knit team worked closely to successfully transition to a virtual recruiting strategy this year, implementing new technologies and new outreach methods to engage with students. Learn more about Stanley Black & Decker's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
TD Bank
TD Bank built new recruiting events and intern programs this year as they shifted to a virtual format, allowing the team to interact with more candidates and create a streamlined virtual recruiting process all while hosting an engaging internship. Learn more about TD Bank's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Thomson Reuters
This year, had a packed calendar of virtual events for interns and prospective candidates, all of which showcased life at Thomson Reuters and helped students gain valuable professional skills. Learn more about Thomson Reuters' standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Twilio
Twilio was quick to pivot to a virtual internship and always kept their interns top of mind when adjusting the program, even creating a playbook to ensure all team members were properly equipped to create a best-in-class internship experience. Learn more about Twilio's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Venture For America
Venture for America leaned in to a fully virtual recruitment strategy, exploring different ways to make their process accessible and professionally fulfilling. They also continued to prioritize D&I, sourcing Fellows from diverse backgrounds that have been systematically challenged within the startup and technology spaces. Learn more about Venture For America's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
XPO Logistics
XPO Logistics displayed tremendous grit and agility this year as they built new recruiting processes. By utilizing new tools and providing development opportunities for students, the company was able to reach more candidates and increase brand awareness. Learn more about XPO Logistics' standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Zillow
The Zillow team used the new virtual world to their advantage, expanding their school reach and connecting with more diverse talent than ever before. The team also tapped into student networks and referrals from summer interns, making the most of a successful virtual program. Learn more about Zillow's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Campus Forward Honorees
Less than 100 early career hires annually
Ancestry
Ancestry’s early career team was able to maintain a quality internship program this summer and put forth an educational and informed approach to virtual recruiting. Learn more about Ancestry's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Crestron
Crestron’s early career team was able to plan a remote internship program that accommodated 76 interns, and from there was able to revamp recruiting events and leverage virtual platforms to engage with more students than ever before. Learn more about Crestron's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Horizon Media
Horizon Media worked hard to provide students with valuable educational events throughout the year, such as “Navigating Uncharted Territory” and the Campus Summer Series. Learn more about Horizon Media's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions Group
LexisNexis Risk Solutions Group hosted several successful panels to allow candidates to hear from industry experts and past interns, ensuring candidates fully understood what life at the company would be like. Learn more about LexisNexis Risk Solutions Group's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr created a virtual experience for candidates that was thorough, interesting, and catered to their interests. From their successful virtual internship program to their standout candidate experience, McMaster-Carr continues to build great relationships with early career talent. Learn more about McMaster-Carr's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
PEAK6
From their recruiting processes to their internship program, PEAK6 built out an engaging virtual experience this year. These experiences included a high-touch virtual superdays, exciting virtual recruitment events, and a fulfilling remote internship program. Learn more about PEAK6's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
PFM
In addition to hosting an engaging internship program, PFM released free training videos for applicants as an educational opportunity, and launched a new formal mentorship program for rising talent at the company. Learn more about PFM's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
PURE Insurance
PURE Insurance pushed themselves to adapt their processes and created an experience that is intentional and empathetic towards all candidates. Through their virtual recruiting strategies and personalized interview processes, PURE has created a standout hiring experience for early career candidates during challenging times.. Learn more about PURE Insurance's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Samsara
Samsara leveraged new platforms and engaging content to provide candidates with a seamless recruiting process and interns with a fulfilling experience. Learn more about Samsara's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
SurveyMonkey
The SurveyMonkey team went above and beyond this year in creating a virtual internship experience and recruiting process, achieved through virtual events like game nights and company Hackathons. Learn more about SurveyMonkey's standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
Trinity Property Consultants
Trinity Property Consultants hosted a virtual internship this year and expanded their reach by embracing virtual recruiting, hosting online events and creating innovative employer branding content. Learn more about Trinity Property Consultants' standout approach to college recruitment by clicking here.
RippleMatch is proud to recognize and support the college recruitment community through our 2021 Campus Forward Awards and our comprehensive platform that makes it easy to build diverse teams and hire the right students virtually.
With a network of 500,000+ students and access to 1,200+ colleges, RippleMatch can power your virtual recruitment strategies, increase representation, and connect you with the most talented students on every campus. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help you embrace the future of college recruiting.