Recognized for Excellence
MKS Instruments received a Campus Forward Award for Excellence in Recruitment Strategies, Tech Innovation, Candidate Experience, and Internship Programming.
This reflects MKS Instruments' unwavering excellence and commitment to providing the best experience for the next generation of talent. MKS Instruments invests in multi-faceted recruitment strategies, innovative technology, thoughtful candidate experience, and standout internship programs. See below for the highlights of their strategies in each one of these categories.
Excellence in Recruitment Strategies
MKS executes a dynamic 3-tier school strategy (Active, Targeted, and Passive Engagement) to optimize campus recruitment efforts. This approach broadens the company’s reach to more institutions while respecting team capacity. For Active Engagement schools, MKS launched its inaugural Student Ambassador program, enlisting students to organize recruiting events, participate in intern panels, and support career fairs. This initiative strengthens connections with campus communities while promoting MKS as an employer of choice. For Active and Targeted Engagement schools, MKS hosts tailored events such as student organization collaborations, AMA panels, and campus recruiting activities like resume workshops, enhancing brand recognition among diverse student groups. By Fall, MKS successfully engaged with 879 candidates directly. Additionally, the company expanded programming to include site visits, intern panels, and career fair preparation workshops, enriching the experience for both students and campus partners.
Excellence in Tech Innovation
MKS Instruments combines innovative tools and personalized engagement to attract and retain diverse early-career talent. The company utilizes RippleMatch to source and review candidates, leveraging fit scores to efficiently identify top matches. Partnerships with organizations like NSBE, SHPE, and SWE, along with customized strategies co-created with student groups, ensure meaningful and tailored collaborations. To maintain connections with candidates who have accepted offers, MKS produces a monthly newsletter featuring updates and AI-summarized articles tailored specifically for a student audience, keeping candidates informed and engaged. Recruiters also conduct regular check-ins with current interns to provide ongoing support. Additionally, all interns participate in DE&I-focused programming, including a Q&A with the Global Manager of DE&I, reinforcing MKS’s inclusive and supportive culture. Interns are encouraged to join Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), providing fresh perspectives to the ERGs while creating safe and supportive spaces for the interns.
Excellence in Candidate Experience
Candidate experience is paramount for MKS' interns and early career hires. From the time the requisition is created, the recruiter has a recruitment strategy meeting with the hiring manager, crafting a unique interview process for every position. Managers are encouraged to be mindful of the student's schedule and not over-complicate the interview panel-opting for virtual interviews where possible, and conducting no more than 3 interviews with a given candidate. On the job descriptions, MKS includes compensation information to ensure the job-seeker has all of the relevant information prior to their application. Once an offer is accepted, the new hire receives a customized welcome box from MKS and they will also receive a welcome email from their Manager and buddy. Managers work to craft a detailed onboarding plan for their new hires. The recruiters hold 3 check-ins with the manager and buddy to make sure the intern is performing as expected and that feedback is given in a timely manner. The intern and recruiter also do frequent check-ins asking about their experience so far and any areas of improvement. Finally, the intern receives a customized last day gift to help them commemorate their time with MKS.
Excellence in Internship Programming
At MKS, the internship program thrives on the active engagement of the CEO and senior leadership. Interns participate in monthly virtual events, receive personalized mentorship, and stay informed through tailored newsletters. A standout feature is the opportunity to meet with CEO John Lee for Q&A sessions, an experience interns describe as uniquely valuable. Graduate interns are flown to a central location to present their group and individual projects to the CEO and Executive Vice Presidents, culminating in a networking dinner with leadership and managers. Additionally, the program includes three structured check-ins throughout the summer to ensure interns feel supported and their work remains impactful.
