Top Employers 2025 – Norway: What Students Really Want According to Universum

Executive Summary 

According to Universum's 2025 Student Survey, Norwegian students prioritize respect for people, learning and development opportunities, and competitive compensation when evaluating potential employers. Notably, preferences vary by field of study and gender, emphasizing the need for tailored employer branding. Institutions leading in attracting top talent include Equinor, DNB, and Kongsberg Gruppen, among others. Companies aiming to attract emerging Norwegian talent must demonstrate respect, clear career growth paths, and innovation aligned with societal values. 

What Do Norwegian Students Value Most in Employers? 

According to Universum's 2025 Student Survey, across all disciplines: 

• Respect for people ranks as the highest priority. 

• Learning and development opportunities are critical for continuous skill growth, especially amid rapid technological change. 

• Competitive salary holds increased importance among engineering and natural sciences students. 

• Career growth remains notably important, particularly for IT and business students. 

“Respect at work and personal growth opportunities define the new generation’s view of an ideal employer.” – Carlo Durato, Country Manager, Norway @ Universum

Which Industries Are Most Attractive to Norwegian Students? 

IT Students: 

• Favorite Industries: Banking & Financial Services, Technology, Management Consulting 

• Growing Interest: Cybersecurity (+16.2%), Audiovisual (+8.9%), Insurance (+8%) 

• Declining Interest: Software (-17.2%), IT Consulting (-13.1%), Civil Engineering (-9.7%) 

Business Students: 

• Favorite Industries: Banking & Financial Services, Technology, Management Consulting 

• Growing Interest: Property (+10%), Manufacturing (+5.8%), Wellness (+4%) 

• Declining Interest: Consulting (-9.2%), Advertising (-9.1%), Market Research (-7.7%) 

Engineering/Natural Sciences Students: 

• Favorite Industries: Energy, Construction, Manufacturing 

• Growing Interest: Manufacturing (+6.5%), Construction (+5.8%), Insurance (+4%) 

• Declining Interest: Civil Engineering (-14.7%), IT Consulting (-7.5%), Mechanical Engineering (-4.6%) 

(Data source: Universum 2025 Student Survey) 

Insights on Employer Branding Strategy for Norway in 2025 

According to Universum's insights: 

• Emphasize company culture respecting people and robust employee development programs. 

• Highlight innovation in emerging sectors like green energy and cybersecurity. 

• Target messaging to reflect gender distribution and career aspiration differences in student groups. 

• Adapt recruitment approaches for sectors gaining or losing appeal by students. 

“Employers that demonstrate respect, clear career paths, and align with evolving societal values will win the future talent war.” – Carlo Durato, Country Manager, Norway @ Universum