The secret to landing the best jobs in 2025 | Case study: FRANCE
Employability trends in France: a data-driven approach
The evolving landscape of higher education and employability continues to reshape the expectations of both students and recruiters. Emerging’s latest ranking on university-business collaboration has provided fresh insights into the intersection between education and workforce readiness. Announced during the Think Education & Research event, this ranking highlights the institutions most effectively preparing students for professional integration.
Inspired by these findings, this analysis explores the key trends shaping employability in France. These insights illustrate the adaptability and depth of Emerging’s data, offering valuable perspectives for stakeholders worldwide. By examining how academic institutions align with recruiters' expectations, this research provides a data-driven perspective on strategies that enhance graduate success in an increasingly competitive job market.
With employer demands constantly evolving and the job landscape shifting rapidly, how can students ensure their education equips them with the skills recruiters truly seek?
Ranking of French institutions most valued by recruiters
This ranking is based exclusively on employer evaluations. A total of 13,240 recruiters across 33 countries, including 1,433 in France, participated in this study, providing insight into the institutions that best prepare students for the job market.
What truly sets an institution apart?
- Alignment of skills taught with job market needs
- Strong connections with companies
Although there are exceptions, the color gradient does support the idea that less-recognized institutions often lean into stronger collaboration as a strategic move, whereas well-established ones can sometimes depend on their legacy reputation to sustain employability, at least to a certain extent. Future students should be cautious when selecting an institution that doesn’t teach in-demand skills nor partner with companies.
Does prestige equal employability?
The belief that the most prestigious schools automatically provide the best opportunities is challenged by the data showing a nuanced picture:
- Prestigious institutions maintain their standing: HEC Paris, École Polytechnique, and Sciences Po Paris continue to rank high in both reputation and employability.
- Universities with strong industry ties excel: Institutions like Université Paris-Saclay, UTC, and UTT outperform traditional reputation rankings due to their close collaborations with businesses.
- Reputation vs. job market reality: Some institutions like Université de Lille, Université de Bordeaux, and ESCP Business School have strong reputations but do not rank as highly in employability, highlighting a gap between perception and job market success.
- Institutions marked in green outperform their reputation, while those in red have a reputation exceeding their employability ranking.
Higher education is still marked by elitism
Despite universities gaining ground, 75% of the top 20 institutions for employability remain Grandes Écoles or selective hybrid institutions. While these schools provide strong career prospects, alternative paths exist for students seeking employability without ultra-competitive admissions. These institutions, identifiable in the University category, provide strong career opportunities through close industry partnerships and programs tailored to job market needs.
The most in-demand sectors
The sectors and fields of study offered by the top 20 French institutions reveal the most in-demand and emerging skills of the future.
The most in-demand jobs in 2025 according to LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s latest data, based on millions of profiles, highlights the 25 fastest-growing professions in France. The findings confirm that the job market is evolving towards four dominant career paths:
- Industry & Engineering Careers
- Tech & Digital Careers
- Business & Finance Careers
- Management & Corporate Administration Careers
These fields of study align with those taught by the top 20 French institutions, which is a logical reflection of their academic focus.
The winning formula: hard skills, soft skills, and experience
Employability is no longer just about technical expertise. Our data highlights that recruiters assess candidates based on three key factors:
- Hard skills (technical expertise, certifications, industry knowledge)
- Soft skills (adaptability, teamwork, leadership, decision-making)
- Professional experience (internships, apprenticeships, international exposure)
These findings align with global labor market trends. According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, employers expect that 39% of workers' core skills will change by 2030, underscoring the critical need for continuous skill development (ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and trends).
The fastest-growing skill areas worldwide include AI and big data, resilience and adaptability, leadership, and environmental stewardship. Furthermore, the report highlights the rise of creative thinking, technological literacy, and lifelong learning as crucial competencies, reinforcing the idea that success in the modern workforce depends on agility, innovation, and the ability to improve continuously.
Both worldwide and in France, employers are increasingly prioritizing a combination of technical knowledge, human-centric skills, and industry experience, reinforcing the need for educational models that blend academic learning with hands-on professional exposure. Students who proactively cultivate these competencies will be best positioned for career success in an evolving job market.
What do French recruiters think about online education?
The perception of fully online degrees among employers remains mixed. According to the data, only 4.5% of employers frequently hire graduates who have completed their degrees entirely online, while 43.3% indicate that they do so occasionally. However, a significant portion of respondents remain cautious, with 24.6% rarely hiring such candidates and 27.6% never doing so.
While skepticism persists, the broader perception of online education has evolved over time. A recent survey by Inside Higher Ed found that 73% of adults in 2023 believed online education is the same or better at meeting the needs of traditional students, a significant increase from just 40% in 2017. Additionally, 80% of respondents stated they would consider enrolling in an online program for undergraduate or postgraduate education, demonstrating a growing demand for flexible learning options.
These findings suggest that while online education is increasingly accepted, its credibility among employers still depends on factors such as program quality, accreditation, and the development of practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. Students should value a hybrid approach, combining online learning with real-world experience, to bridge this gap and enhance graduate employability.
Online training is increasingly recognized as an effective way to acquire both technical and transferable skills, particularly in digital fields. 56.9% of respondents view online degrees as essential for career growth and transition, while 45.8% highlight their role in enhancing technical skills. Specialization in AI and machine learning is also a key advantage, cited by 40.7% of respondents.
Beyond technical expertise, online education is valued for broader skill development, with 37.3% recognizing its impact on soft skills and 35.8% emphasizing its role in promoting sustainability skills. Additionally, 32.2% believe it improves employability, and 22% see it as a tool for strengthening leadership skills.
Despite these benefits, challenges remain regarding broader recognition. While 72% of employers express satisfaction with online graduates, online education is still perceived as more effective for upskilling rather than serving as a primary qualification. A small but notable 7.8% of respondents see no significant impact from online degrees, indicating that skepticism persists.
To maximize job market success, a hybrid approach, combining online learning with real-world experience, appears to be the most effective strategy. This balance ensures that graduates gain both theoretical knowledge and practical application, addressing employer concerns while leveraging the flexibility and accessibility of online education.
Conclusion: the roadmap to career success
Emerging's analysis underscores a pivotal shift in employability trends: institutional prestige alone no longer guarantees job market success. The institutions that excel in preparing students are those that align their curricula with evolving employer needs, foster robust industry partnerships, and cultivate both technical and soft skills among graduates.
In France, the employment landscape is adapting accordingly. By 2025, approximately 18.1 million job openings are expected, with high-skilled non-manual occupations accounting for 55% of these opportunities. These roles rely on analytical thinking, problem-solving, and specialized expertise rather than routine manual tasks. The rising demand for such jobs reflects the ongoing digital transformation and the increasing need for highly qualified professionals in knowledge-based industries.
To navigate this dynamic environment, students and professionals should:
- Select institutions with strong industry connections: prioritize schools that offer curricula aligned with market demands and maintain active collaborations with businesses
- Engage in lifelong learning: pursue continuous education to stay abreast of emerging skills and technologies
- Develop a balanced skill set: combine technical expertise with essential soft skills such as adaptability, communication, and problem-solving
- Gain practical experience: seek internships, apprenticeships, and international exposure to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings
By proactively adapting to these strategies, students can enhance their employability and thrive in the competitive job market of 2025 and beyond.
Q&A
How can I choose the right institution?
Prioritize schools that combine industry collaboration, skill development, and strong reputation. Consider universities like Montpellier, Paris-Cité, Strasbourg, Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense, and Toulouse.
What career paths should I consider?
Specialize in high-growth sectors such as engineering, tech, business, and management. Pursue continuous learning, including online certifications, to stay competitive.
What skills should I develop to be more employable?
Master technical skills such as programming, finance, AI, and engineering while strengthening soft skills like leadership, adaptability, stress management and critical thinking.
How important is gaining real-world experience?
Very important. Seek internships, apprenticeships, and international opportunities to enhance your employability and stand out in the job market.
Should I focus on sustainability skills?
Yes. Companies increasingly value corporate social responsibility and ecological transition skills, making them a key differentiator in the job market. Developing expertise in these areas can provide a competitive edge.
