Understanding UPS’s Recruitment Process for New Graduates

Are you curious about what universities United Parcel Service (UPS) recruits new grads from? How do they determine the majors they are looking for? Discover the surprising truth about what really matters to UPS and how they hire candidates, regardless of their educational background or degree.

Why Does UPS Recruit from Specific Universities?

Unlike many companies, UPS doesn’t have a strict policy of recruiting from particular universities. Instead, they value a candidate’s skills, experience, and attitude more than their academic background. This means that any student, whether from a prestigious institution like Harvard or a lesser-known college, can apply for a job at UPS.

Example: According to a UPS employee, a graduate from Nowhere State College could be better than a Harvard graduate because the former would work harder. This unique perspective challenges the traditional notion that a degree from a top-tier university guarantees employment.

Majors That UPS Seeks

When it comes to specific majors, UPS is open-minded and flexible. The company believes that potential employees can develop the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles through training and on-the-job experience. This is why they don't focus on specialized degrees. Instead, they look for candidates from a wide range of majors, including:

Aerospace engineering Information technology Business administration Human resources Law Aviation mechanics (such as aircraft mechanics) Industrial mechanics Driving and logistics management

A UPS employee noted that the majority of engineering graduates they work with came from the University of Louisville (U of L) simply because it was close to the facility. However, the importance of proximity does not override the company's commitment to hiring the best candidates, regardless of their alma mater.

Additional Factors Influencing UPS Recruitment

Other factors beyond academic qualifications and majors contribute to the selection process. Here are a few additional points to consider:

Military experience: UPS highly values candidates with military experience, especially if they are applying for driving positions. The structured and disciplined nature of military service aligns well with the demanding and time-sensitive nature of UPS’ operations. Driving experience: For roles involving driving, UPS seeks candidates who can work under pressure and have a strong ‘do or die’ attitude. Quickness and efficiency in delivering packages are critical. Technical skills: Even for positions that don't require a degree, UPS places significant emphasis on technical skills. For instance, aviation mechanics can earn a salary of $55 per hour, and industrial mechanics can earn $38 per hour, making position-specific skills highly valued.

Conclusion

UPS’s recruitment process prioritizes skills, experience, and attitude over traditional educational credentials. While Ivy League universities provide robust academic training, they are not the only pathway to success at UPS. The company's diverse hiring practices ensure that they can attract a wide range of talent, leading to a more dynamic and capable workforce.

In summary, if you are interested in joining UPS, focus on developing the right skills, gaining relevant experience, and maintaining a positive attitude. Whether you are a recent graduate or someone seeking a new opportunity, your journey to success at UPS begins with applying online and presenting your strongest attributes.