Fresh graduates, these are the best tech companies to work for in 2023

Google, Microsoft, Facebook — these might be some of the names that come to mind when you’re thinking about the best tech companies to work for.

In 2023, however, things might look a little doom and gloom as these companies are instead making headlines for cutting jobs with no remorse for the massive loss of human talent. 

Software giant Microsoft recently confirmed more job cuts on top of 10,000 layoffs in January. 

Meta, the owner of Facebook, also slashed jobs across its business and operations units in May as it carried out its last batch of a three-part round of layoffs, part of a plan announced in March to eliminate 10,000 roles.

The moves pile on a wave of tech job layoffs that have swept the industry as an uncertain economy forces companies to get leaner. 

What are some of the worst places to work in tech? 

Approximately 174 tech companies have laid off over 56,000 employees in 2023, according to Forbes. 

Most of these companies are readjusting their priorities and resources for growth — which includes making use of the least number of people to achieve the best outcome for the company. 

But that’s just a small part of the bigger picture. Industry experts from Forbes Technology Council have identified 16 big challenges of working in tech. Failure to address any of them should be seen as a red flag to graduates.

Too many red flags and you’re probably applying to one of the worst places to work in tech.

And one of the easiest to spot is how diverse the people there are.

“A few well-intentioned efforts don’t make real change, and tech leaders need to communicate to all colleagues that diversity is a strategic business goal,” says Anna Frazzetto, former Chief Digital Technology Officer at Tential.

“Start by encouraging company leaders to build more diverse networks and building more women-centric mentoring and training programmes.”

Jeff Wong from EY sees the value of flexible working models and the need to invest in tools for talents to thrive. 

Alex Cresswell of the Thales Group is well aware of the benefits of attracting and keeping the best people in a market with talent shortages. 

“Our people are our most important asset — without them, innovations that make products attractive and deliver profitable growth don’t happen,” says Cresswell. 

“Offer the chance to work on cutting-edge products, invest in their road of continuous learning and give a clear career path that motivates them.” 

NVIDIA is one of the best tech companies to work for computer science graduates. Source: AFP

5 best tech companies to work for 

For our list, we referred to Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For 2023 which ranks the best tech companies to work based on several factors:

• Whether the leaders are accessible, communicate honestly and clearly
• Whether they feel respected as individuals
• Whether they receive training benefits, appreciation, support for their well-being
• Whether the company is fair in terms of pay, profits, and promotions

1. Cisco

While Cisco — like many other tech companies — has let go of its workers, you might be surprised that the tech conglomerate has maintained its top spot on Fortune’s list for the third consecutive year.

Layoffs can hurt even the strongest company cultures, but Cisco does have a solid foundation that helped it weather the recent upheaval, despite letting go of roughly 4,800 workers at the start of 2023. 

Its inclusive workplace culture is ingrained with a strong sense of purpose that is seen in projects like the Purpose Report and ESG Reporting Hub, where the company publicly details progress on its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives — a practice that started in 2005. 

In February, Director of ESG Strategy and Reporting, Insights, and Impact Amanda Cumberland wrote about how proud she was of the difference Cisco makes for people and the world.

NVIDIA employees enjoy quarterly “free days,” where the entire company unplugs for two consecutive days each quarter. Little wonder it tops the list of best tech companies to work for in 2023. Source: AFP

2. NVIDIA

Nvidia prides itself on limiting up to seven layers between its most junior workers and the CEO. 

The multinational tech company matches potential hires with current employees through insider interviews that allow candidates to have informal conversations with future colleagues to learn about the company’s culture. 

Lindsey Duran, the vice president of recruiting for Nvidia, told Business Insider India this practice is the chance for job seekers to get candid answers about “the good, the bad, and the ugly” when working for Nvidia.

What’s more, Nvidia has implemented a new global allyship program and an Inclusive Manager Playbook. 

To address burnout, Nvidia introduced quarterly “free days,” where the entire company unplugs for two consecutive days each quarter so that everyone can rest and recharge. 

3. Atlassian

It’s fitting that Atlassian — a leading provider of collaboration, development, and issue-tracking software for teams — is becoming a role model for employee flexibility in the new era of work. 

Nearly half (47%) of its new hires live more than two hours away from a physical office. 

The company does not have in-office work requirements or expects employees to work a traditional nine-to-five. 

That doesn’t mean Atlassian lacks a strong company culture. 

New employees can share introductory blogs and are assigned new-hire buddies.

There is also a peer-to-peer recognition programme called “Kudos,” where employees can win gifts of up to US$250. 

Salesforce, Inc. is a cloud computing and social enterprise software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider based in San Francisco. SaaS is a software licensing model, which allows access to software on a subscription basis using external servers. It’s one of the best tech companies to work for in 2023. Source: AFP

4. Salesforce

Salesforce has spent US$5.6 million in the past year — and more than US$22 million since 2015 — to address any unexplained differences in pay, according to Fortune. 

Over the past year, the company has also expanded its benefits, which includes introducing “Cleo Teens, “a programme that guides and advises parents with kids aged 13 to 18. 

When states adopted legislation that limited healthcare access, Salesforce offered to help relocate impacted employees and their families — offering financial assistance and temporary housing. 

Working at Salesforce is also a chance to do good work. 

The company offers 56 paid volunteer hours annually and workers have taken 303,000 hours over the past year to volunteer in their local communities. 

The best tech companies to work for, like Intuit, let you decide where you want to work at. Source: AFP

5. Intuit

This financial software giant has been on Fortune’s “Best Companies to Work For” list for more than two decades. 

Here are a few reasons why they managed to maintain their competitive streak:

• When Intuit reopened its offices in May 2022, it hosted programmes with events and experiences to welcome staff back.
• To facilitate its new hybrid work model, Intuit offers managers more training, including a Leading Your Team Into Hybrid module.
• Intuit increased its annual well-being benefit to US$1,300 — employees can use it to cover various expenses, from conventional gym memberships to financial planning services, daycare, and even electric vehicles.

You’ll need to stay on top of your feet if you’re eyeing to get into and thrive in the best tech companies to work for in 2023. Source: AFP

How to secure a role at a top tech company

Knowing the best tech companies to work for is one thing, but it’s another to successfully secure a role in a top tech company. 

Google, for example, was recently found to be more selective than Harvard. It speaks volumes of the high expectations placed on every candidate considered. 

Still, doesn’t mean that getting a job at a top tech company is impossible. Just practice some of these tips: 

• Be well organised: Any ambitious graduate knows that to achieve your goals, you have to not only be motivated and driven, but organised in your approach to get there. This is doubly important if you hope to land an internship at a top tech company.
• Take advantage of networking opportunities: If you are an international student, you’ll be exposed to a host of resources and opportunities granted to you by your university — and this is something you should take full advantage of.  
• Tailor your CV for multiple roles: Not every role will be the same. Because of this, you shouldn’t box yourself into one — it’s important to make sure your CV shows versatility so that you’re always prepared to apply for a role you find interesting, regardless of how different they might be. 
• Stay up to date with your industry: The tech industry is constantly evolving, so you should always stay informed. The best way to do this is by following the social media platforms of the tech companies you’re interested in as they may promote any new vacancies.