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Top 4 graduate jobs in STEM for fresh grads in the Philippines

Mary Cameron

Careers Commentator
Looking for the best graduate employers to launch a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)? 

Our research compares the popularity and quality of high-ranking graduate employers. Explore our full methodology.

Here’s an overview of STEM opportunities in the top four companies for Filipino fresh grads.

The givens

A career in STEM can be lucrative, especially with a top graduate employer in the Philippines. The best companies for a STEM career may offer:

  • Comprehensive benefits such as stock discounts
  • Flexible benefits (e.g., cash conversion of vacation days)
  • Up to 14th-month pay for some roles

The good news

The top STEM graduate employers in the Philippines continue to improve their diversity and inclusion efforts. They aim to develop more programs for these groups:

  • People with disabilities
  • LGBT employees
  • Single parents
  • Women in the workplace

Note the numbers, yet trust your gut

The ratings for the best STEM employers in the Philippines range from 3.8 to 4.2 out of 5. However, it pays to be a little skeptical of reviews from past and present employees.

For example, one graduate employer scores 3.9 stars for remuneration, despite having an overall score of 3.8 stars.

1. Shell Philippines

Shell started in the Philippines in 1914. More than 100 years later, the global energy giant operates through three primary Shell companies: 

  • Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC)
  • Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX)
  • Shell Business Operations - Manila (SBO-Manila)

PSPC oversees Shell Philippines’ downstream energy business. SPEX handles oil and gas exploration activities, including the Malampaya Deepwater Gas-to-Power Project on Palawan Island.

SBO-Manila employs over 4,000 people and provides professional support services to Shell’s global operations.

Top 100 ranking

Shell Philippines ranks 6th on our list of the Top 100 Employers for 2022.

Reviews – overall score of 4.3 out of 5 stars

Shell Philippines scores the highest for culture and values, as well as diversity and inclusion (4.6 stars). The high rating reflects the company’s various programs for disabled employees, LGBT inclusion, people from different cultures, and women.

The company scores 4.0 stars for career opportunities. Fresh STEM grads can use a search tool to pick a career path by job area or degree. Shell Philippines gets 3.9 stars for remuneration, and 3.8 stars for senior management and work-life balance.

Top 3 upsides

  • Comprehensive benefits (e.g., allowances, health coverage, stock discounts)
  • Multiple career pathways in 29 job areas for fresh grads
  • Simple four-step application process for graduate programs or internships

The downside

Fresh grads at Shell Philippines may earn as low as Php 240,000 per year, depending on their roles.

Graduate stories

“I started my career in finance as an auditor, followed by several business finance roles before moving to Shell in 2006.”

Raquel Vergara, Global Process Manager

“Good leadership is all about aligning your head, your hand and your heart.”

Ed Payongayong, General Manager

Roles

Entry-level STEM jobs at Shell Philippines include analysts and associates. Fresh grads can apply for the Shell Graduate Program that matches their skills with a specific role. View the company’s latest graduate jobs and internships.

2. Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower)

Aboitiz Group incorporated AboitizPower in 1998 as a holding company in power generation and distribution investments. By 2007, AboitizPower had become a publicly listed company in the Philippine stock market.

The company focuses on energy distribution, power distribution, power generation and retail electricity services as its four key business areas. More than 1,400 people work for AboitizPower. These employees have a median tenure of 3.8 years.

Top 100 ranking

AboitizPower ranks 12th on our list of the Top 100 Employers for 2022.

Reviews – overall score of 4.2 out of 5 stars

AboitizPower scores the highest for diversity and inclusion, indicating employees’ satisfaction with its programs. In mid-2022, a new team will develop diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for LGBT employees, women and ‘special life’ employees (e.g. single parents).

Read insider reviews

Top 3 upsides

  • Above-average starting salaries
  • Flexible benefits and work schedule (e.g. remote work set-up)
  • Friendly and helpful colleagues

The downside

Be ready for potential overtime to meet tight deadlines and generally heavy workloads at AboitizPower.

Graduate story

“Never be afraid to admit what you don't know and ask questions.”

Jeremy Sasis, Solutions Engineer

Roles

AboitizPower may recruit fresh grads with STEM degrees engineering interns or IT specialists. See the company’s latest graduate jobs and internships.

3. Arcadis Philippines

IN 1982, Arcadis Philippines began to expand its global design and engineering consultancy firm’s services in Asia. Since then, it has become a leading construction consultant for built and natural assets.

The company caters to more than 60 corporate clients in various industries. Arcadis Philippines employs over 500 employees, including 300 consultants, who work in Cebu City and Makati City.

Top 100 ranking

Arcadis Philippines ranks 48th on our list of the Top 100 Employers for 2022.

Reviews – overall score of 3.9 out of 5 stars

Arcadis Philippines achieves 4.4 stars for diversity and inclusion. The company’s programs (e.g., #ProudToBeMe campaign) help demonstrate its commitment to an attractive workplace.

Employees rate their work-life balance and the company’s culture and values with 4.1 stars. Arcadis Philippines gets 4.0 stars for career opportunities, and 3.7 stars for senior management and remuneration. 

Top 3 upsides

  • Competitive remuneration (e.g. quarterly bonus based on performance)
  • Flexible benefits such as cash conversion of unused vacation days
  • Remote work set-up for some roles

The downside

STEM employees, particularly engineers, may struggle with deadline-driven work (e.g., compressed project hours) at Arcadis Philippines.

Graduate stories

“Improve your interpersonal skills as much as you are studying.”

Liezel Convento, Associate Engineer – Water

“The exposure to regional counterparts, local business leads and a great group of third parties has allowed me to see the different perspectives from each.”

John Kenneth Medina, Senior Project Manager/Senior Team Leader

“Though there were times that it felt like my job was repetitive, it was how it made me knowledgeable and become familiarized with the applications.”

Adora Tizon- Gabuya, Associate Director

Roles

Arcadis Philippines may recruit fresh grads with STEM degrees as assistant quantity surveyors or IT associates. Click here for the company’s latest graduate jobs and internships.

4. Petron Philippines

Petron Philippines claims to be the country’s largest oil refining and marketing company. Founded in 1933, the company accounts for almost 40% of the Philippines’ energy distribution and supply.

Natural gas, oil, and oil-refining products represent the majority of the company’s business. Petron Philippines employs more than 2,500 people. These employees have a median tenure of 5.8 years.

Top 100 ranking

Petron Philippines ranks 65th on our list of the Top 100 Employers for 2022.

Reviews – overall score of 3.8 out of 5 stars

Petron Philippines scores the highest for benefits and compensation (3.9 stars). According to some employees, the company provides a fixed annual bonus aside from on top of the government-mandated 13th-month pay.

Employees rate their career opportunities with 3.6 stars and work-life balance with 3.2 stars. The work schedule of STEM employees may extend beyond normal hours.

Petron Philippines gets 3.3 stars for its senior management, culture and values, particularly due to its COVID-19 efforts. The company gets 3.4 stars for its diversity and inclusion

Top 3 upsides

  • Competitive salaries including for interns (up to Php6,000 per month)
  • Up to 14th-month bonuses for qualified employees
  • Simple five-step recruitment process

The downside

Petron Philippines may prefer professionals with at least 1 year of experience for entry-level roles.

Roles

STEM graduates may join Petron Philippines as chemists, depot engineers, or supply analysts. View the company’s latest graduate jobs and internships