Forbes’ America’s Dream Employers Survey found that many companies in the United States are expected to hire in 2025, including those in the technology, healthcare, and aerospace industries. Some of the key trends in 2025 include: the integration of AI and automation; a focus on employee well-being and engagement; the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); and the rise of gig work and alternative employment models.
Statista recently surveyed more than 10,000 college students in the United States and more than 140,000 U.S.-based employees at companies across all sectors that employ at least 1,000 people in the country. The employee respondents were asked not only about their dream employers but also whether they would recommend their current employer or previous employer (within the past two years). Current workers were also asked to evaluate their employers based on such criteria as: salary, professional development opportunities, workplace flexibility and the ability of employees to express ideas openly.
Each employer was then given a score, and the 500 companies with the highest scores made Forbes’ list of America’s Dream Employers 2025. The top dream employers were primarily in three sectors: technology, healthcare, and aerospace.
Technology
- Microsoft: An IT software and services company
- Google: An IT software and services company
- Apple: A technology hardware and equipment company
- IBM: An IT software and services company
- Nintendo: An IT software and services company
Healthcare
- Mayo Clinic: A healthcare and social services company
- University Hospitals: A healthcare and social services company
- UCLA Health: A healthcare and social services company
Aerospace
- SpaceX: An aerospace and defense company
- NASA: An aerospace and defense company
- Lockheed Martin: An aerospace and defense company
Some of these companies listed as American Dream Companies also hire international students with the exception of the aerospace and defense companies. Built-in recently listed 22 companies that sponsor students with H1-B visas. The top 10 companies that hired were: Accenture, Apple, Cisco, Deloitte, Google, Intel, IBM, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon.
International students can use resources like Handshake, Interstride, Myvisajobs.com, and H-1B Employer Data Hub to find jobs in the US.
According to United OPT, international students can better prepare for roles in these fortune 500 companies by showing cultural fluency and adaptability as well as building transferable skills such as strong communication skills, both verbal and written, as well as relevant technical skills.
Furthermore, students should network and build relationships with employers by actively participating in industry events, connecting with alumni and employers on LinkedIn, and conducting informational interviews. Students can also connect with alumni on MentorMatch.