Three Arkansas employers ranked among best for new grads, according to Forbes

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Three employers based in the Natural State were ranked among the best for new grads, according to a new report from Forbes .

Forbes’ rankings were created in partnership with Statista, a market research firm. The list is the product of a survey of more than 100,000 young professionals, which Forbes defines as those with less than 10 years of work experience, working for U.S.-based companies with at least 1,000 employees.

Those surveyed were asked whether they would recommend their employer to others and rate it in areas including compensation, benefits, advancement opportunities, working conditions, flexibility, company image, and inclusion. Participants were also asked if they recommended any previous employers.

400 employers were included in the rankings.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield was the highest-ranked Arkansas-based employer on the list at #67. The Little Rock-based insurance company was founded in 1929 and employs 3,200.

The employer was also ranked among the best midsize employers in America at #167 in rankings released in February.

Arvest Bank, based in Lowell, came in at 229th in the rankings. Arvest Chief People Officer Laura Andress said in a statement that it was an honor to be in the ranking as a top employer for new professionals.

“This accomplishment is a testament to our commitment to nurturing talent, fostering growth and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive,” Andress said.

Simmons Foods was the last Arkansas employer to be featured, ranked 260th. Headquartered in Siloam Springs, Simmons employs 8,000 and was founded in 1949.

Here are the top five employers, all outside of Arkansas:

1. Delta Air Lines
2. In-N-Out Burger
3. American Express
4. Dutch Bros. Coffee
5. UCLA Health

To see the full list, visit Forbes’ website .

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