Swedish
French
GermanWe are the leading provider of employer branding expertise
We are the most recognized employer branding specialist in the world providing talent research and branding advisory services to our customers. We are part of the StepStone Group and Axel Springer family. Our diverse workforce is physically present in over 15 countries. On an annual basis we work with over 1000 universities, alumni groups, and professional organizations across 20 markets to gather insights from students and professionals.
Our Mission
We help ambitious employers attract the right talent for their business success.
We contribute to our clients' success by helping them attract talent and create an environment where employees excel. We empower employers to build a community of highly motivated employees who share values and goals. We don't think of top talent, but rather the right talent for any organization.
Our Story
Universum was founded in 1988 in Stockholm, Sweden by aspiring MBA student, Lars-Henrik Friis Molin. It started as a class project to improve communication between students and the companies that wanted to recruit them.
The results of the very first survey were eye opening enough to be published by the national press. After that, numerous employers reached out to inquire whether additional questions could be asked in the future. And so, Universum was born!
For over 35 years, Universum has been the trusted advisor to many of the world’s best known employers with its expertise and insights from its annual talent research across many countries. We are also a corporate member of Universum is a corporate member of ESOMAR, the global voice of data, research and insights community.
1988
Universum was founded in Stockholm, Sweden by Lars-Henrik Friis Molin who was a student at the Stockholm School of Economics
1999
Our student barometers had already launched in multiple countries including the US, resulting in Universum establishing itself as a leader in shaping the future of student and employer connections worldwide.
2005
Universum started consulting on Employer Value Propositions, marking a key moment that continues to shape organizational strategies and enhance employer branding efforts for our clients.
2009
Universum launched the World’s Most Attractive Employers. This annual ranking recognizes top employers globally and offers critical insights into evolving talent preferences worldwide.
2014
The Employer Branding Academy was born. The first training of its kind, the Employer Branding Academy trains and certifies professionals in Employer Branding.
2015
For the first time, Universum's surveys reached more than 1 million respondents worldwide.
2018
Universum was acquired by the StepStone Group and Axel Springer Company.
2020
Universum became a corporate member of ESOMAR which is a membership organization for market, social, opinion, and data analytics professionals and researchers.
