With graduation season in full swing, award-winning Arizona-based companies are preparing to hire 2026 graduates. New grads are getting ready to enter the workforce in May, so many Valley businesses are preparing for an influx of top new talent. These companies boast unique employee benefits that appeal to graduates of all levels, such as tuition reimbursement, career development and mentoring programs, mental and physical wellness support, work-life balance incentives, childcare reimbursement, and employee resource groups.

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Estrella Serrato, a college and postgraduate coach, says Gen Z job candidates tend to be clear and intentional about what they’re looking for. “Companies are seeing a more empowered generation of graduates. They’re asking questions about company values, social impact, and how mental health is supported in the workplace. They’re also prioritizing their long-term career goals. For many, it’s not just about a paycheck, they want purpose-driven work and opportunities for meaningful growth.

”The Class of 2026 has a lot to offer, but entering the workforce as a new graduate isn’t always easy. Many companies hesitate to hire candidates with limited experience, which creates a frustrating cycle: you need experience to get hired, but you need a job to gain experience. Rejection may be redirection, but that doesn’t make it any less difficult.

The good news is that there are companies actively seeking early-career talent and ready to invest in new graduates. Gary Recchion, President, Recchion and Associates, a national career & executive coaching firm based in Phoenix, argues that the key to competing for those new grad positions and countering that limited experience cycle is directly related to how well you tell your Story. The stronger your Story, the stronger your Voice, and the stronger your Market Value, interviewing, networking, negotiations, confidence. Check out Gary’s article below for the 2026 Graduates, “The Story is Your Key to Success.”

A 2025 Forbes list ranked some of America’s best employers for new graduates. We recommend looking into these companies in your search for the perfect fit. 

BestCompaniesAZ Picks for New Graduates

Here are Arizona companies now hiring new grads that BestCompaniesAZ has recognized for embracing the new generation of job seekers in the world:

Fennemore

Fennemore is a leading full-service business law firm known for its innovative approach and strong commitment to client success. For recent graduates interested in legal careers or business operations, Fennemore offers a collaborative environment where professional growth is prioritized. The firm emphasizes mentorship, hands-on experience, and early responsibility.

Fennemore’s, Summer Associate Program offers hands-on experience in a collaborative, inclusive environment where even new voices are encouraged and valued. Participants can expect mentorship, meaningful exposure to different areas of law, and a supportive culture that prioritizes growth, connection, and real career development. New grads can explore roles in legal support, administration, and business services while gaining exposure to high-level client work.

Explore career opportunities at Fennemore

LAVIDGE

LAVIDGE is an integrated marketing and communications agency based in Phoenix.  LAVIDGE offers a variety of marketing and advertising industry internships including Creative, Traditional Media, Public Relations, Technology, and Digital Media, which provide support to their respective team members in day-to-day functions and duties. You’ll have an opportunity to do real-world work and learn from experienced professionals.

Interested in applying?  Share your story and what you can bring to the team by sending your resume and cover letter to careers@lavidge.com.  LAVIDGE accepts internship applications year-round.

Explore career opportunities at LAVIDGE

Freeport-McMoRan

Freeport-McMoRan, a Fortune 200 company headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a leader in the metals industry, with a focus on copper. The company has operations in the southwestern United States, South America, and Indonesia, and supplies responsibly produced copper to create brighter outcomes for our community and the world. Freeport has available positions in health and safety, engineering, IT, and operations/maintenance roles including electricians, mechanics, and welders.

They offer comprehensive benefits, including health and wellness programs, paid time off, and education assistance, to support employee well-being and work/life balance. With a history going back to 1834, Freeport’s North America operations include seven open-pit copper mines in Arizona and New Mexico, and two molybdenum mines in Colorado. The company is committed to creating a better future by producing essential metals that power modern life and drive economies.

Explore career opportunities at Freeport-McMoRan

Donor Network of Arizona

Donor Network of Arizona, a Top Company to Work for in Arizona, has a mission to make the most of life through the gift of organ and tissue donation. Starting in 1986, Donor Network of Arizona has worked with health care and community partners to support donor families and facilitate organ and tissue donation for transplantation. Employees at Donor Network of Arizona use their unique talents to make the most of every situation, every opportunity, and every donation.

Their vision is to challenge themselves and others every day to realize Arizona’s potential to save and improve lives. Donor Network of Arizona has career opportunities for individuals with backgrounds in ICU nursing, social work/counseling, hospital relations, general medical and technical fields, as well as an assortment of positions requiring minimal related experience. If you’re passionate, positive and eager to be a part of impactful work, apply to join the team at Donor Network of Arizona today!

Explore career opportunities at Donor Network of Arizona.

Northern Trust

Want to work for one of Fortune’s 2026 World’s Most Admired Companies? Northern Trust is a 20 consecutive year winner! They are hiring energetic and outgoing individuals to fill positions at all levels within their Tempe Operating Center and Wealth Management offices.

They have opportunities across the Phoenix Metro Area in operations, vendor management, audit, HR, technology, as well as many client servicing roles. Apply for entry level analyst roles to gain operations experience within their Asset Servicing business unit or associate roles within their Wealth Management offices where you will receive a robust onboarding and training program.

As a Northern Trust employee, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company that is committed to strengthening the communities it serves!

Explore career opportunities at Northern Trust.

Raytheon

At Raytheon, we’re committed to developing the next generation of engineering and technology talent through cutting-edge career opportunities tied to meaningful, mission-driven work that makes a difference. Early career professionals work in a dynamic and collaborative environment alongside experienced teams developing advanced technologies that help connect and protect the world. Through mentorship, professional development, meaningful hands-on experience, and programs like our Employer Scholar Program, new graduates have opportunities to continue growing their skills while contributing to impactful work that is shaping the future of aerospace and defense. Learn more: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/campus

Looking to get started with your career? Take a look at all that BestCompaniesAZ has to offer!

Here are some additional resources to help you with your search:

Career Connectors founder talks to 12News about Tips for New College Grads

Your STORY is Key to Your Success, by Recchion & Associates

10 Unique Resume Skills to Include

3 Examples of Short-Term and Long-Term Career Goals for Interviews

5 Job Interview Questions and Answers for Fresh Graduates

Ways to Answer “Why Are You Interested in This Position?”