The annual ranking has been published by employer branding agency Universum as part of its Most Attractive Employers Index Ireland.

The index is based on a survey of more than 8,000 third-level students in Ireland across law, business and economics, IT, engineering, natural sciences, humanities and medicine.

The Department of Justice has fallen to fourth place in the law students’ ranking, followed by William Fry, Google, McCann FitzGerald, Apple, Hayes Solicitors and J.P. Morgan.

Steve Ward, UK and Ireland business director at Universum, said: “Every year, the Most Attractive Employers Index offers valuable insights into changing student preferences when it comes to their employer of choice, with these choices often reflecting wider macro-economic trends.

“Last year, with their reputation for innovation and also job security, global technology multinationals dominated the rankings.

“In 2023, however, it looks like headlines around job losses at major tech companies, many of whom have their European headquarters here in Ireland, have begun to impact on student preferences.”