Like every year, the CGE (Conférence des Grandes Écoles) releases its Insertion survey which looks at the major employment trends for graduates of business schools, engineering schools, political studies institutes or education schools. ‘art. This 32nd survey reveals good resilience among graduates of major schools in the face of current economic challenges. Despite a less favorable economic situation, young graduates quickly find employment, with increasing remuneration and professional integration which remains high. We take stock!
Stable professional integration despite the economic situation
The 32nd integration survey of the Conference of Grandes Écoles demonstrates that graduates of Grandes Écoles maintain an excellent level of professional integration despite economic challenges. The integration rate for the class of 2023 reached 85.8%, with nearly 85% of graduates recruited within two months of obtaining their diploma. Among them, 67% had even found a job before receiving their diploma.
Graduates from major schools are distributed evenly between small (32.3%), medium (29.9%) and large companies (31.6%). Engineers mainly go to consulting companies (25%), ICT services (19.3%) and the transport industry (8.5%). Managers also favor consulting companies (20.6%) as well as the Banking Insurance sector (14.4%). As for graduates of other specialties, they mainly go to consulting companies (16.1%) and state administrations (13.8%).
Rising remuneration
The average salary excluding bonuses of graduates working in France has increased, reaching €39,010 in 2024 compared to €38,184 in 2023. Managers earn on average €40,241, engineers €38,520, and graduates from other specialties 38,029 €. However, a salary gap persists between the sexes: women earn on average €37,835, or 5.2% less than their male counterparts.
Geographic distribution and international mobility
In France, 53.3% of young graduates work in Île-de-France, the others being in the provinces. Managers and graduates from other specialties are mainly in Île-de-France, unlike engineers, 61.3% of whom prefer the province. Internationally, 11.4% of graduates find employment, mainly in Europe. Switzerland (15.4%), Germany (9.4%) and Luxembourg (9.2%) are the favorite destinations. Outside Europe, the United Kingdom (8.3%), Canada (7.8%) and the United States (4.9%) attract the most graduates.
Apprenticeship, a royal road to employment
Among graduates who followed an apprenticeship course, 70.6% are in professional activity, with a net employment rate of 84.3% less than six months after obtaining their diploma. Their average annual gross salary excluding bonuses is €38,419. End-of-study internships and apprenticeships remain the best routes to a first job for 37.4% of graduates. The use of professional social networks has also increased, representing 15.7% of access to employment. Business websites (7.7%), specialized sites (7.5%) and personal relationships (7.4%) follow a long way behind.
Social responsibility on the rise
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) concerns 41.7% of positions occupied by graduates of the 2023 class, up 3.1 points compared to the previous year. In addition, 68.6% of graduates involved in CSR missions with an environmental dimension believe that their training prepared them well for the expectations of their employers. Finally, 84.8% of graduates say they are “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with their first job, and 91% believe that their position corresponds to their level of qualifications.
