The X2020 First Job Survey, a Reflection of a Versatile Scientific Training

The employment prospects for École Polytechnique graduates remain strong, even in a tighter job market. Among graduates who have found jobs in the private sector, 93% secured employment within six months of completing their studies, and nearly three-quarters were hired even before graduating.

Only 4% were looking for work as of January 1, 2026—about six months after graduation. This rapid transition into the workforce is accompanied by a high level of satisfaction: 94% of recent graduates say they are satisfied with their first job.

Public service: a commitment that spans generations

This context highlights the full significance of the career paths taken by Polytechnique graduates: it reflects the quality of the education at Polytechnique and its ability to prepare students for a variety of professional environments, both in France and abroad.

Nearly a quarter of the X2020 graduating class joins the civil service or a government agency, demonstrating the desire of Polytech graduates to contribute to major public policies, national sovereignty, the ecological and energy transitions, national defense, and the transformation of the government.

Recent graduates who make this choice highlight the appeal of the assignments offered, how well they align with their career goals, the opportunities for advancement, and the values upheld by the institutions they join.

Research at the heart of the Polytechnique curriculum

Another key finding of this survey is that 28% of graduates go on to pursue a doctoral degree, either in France or abroad; mathematics, physics, and computer science remain the three most common fields of doctoral study.

This approach is the result of an educational model that closely integrates high-quality science instruction, hands-on laboratory experience, and engagement with major technological, industrial, and societal challenges. Students thus develop a strong research background while gaining an understanding of the practical applications of their work.

This integration of basic research, innovation, and industrial applications is one of the strengths of the School’s educational model. It prepares graduates for both academic careers and leadership roles in the most innovative companies.

40% of graduates are hired by companies, ranging from startups to major corporations 

Graduates who choose to enter the workforce join organizations of all sizes, from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large international corporations. Among those employed in the private sector, 40% work at an SME or microenterprise, 24% at a mid-sized company, and more than one-third at a large company with over 5,000 employees.

The industries are also diverse: energy, manufacturing, digital technology, finance, health technology, and consulting—all fields in which graduates contribute to major economic and technological transformations.

In addition, nearly one-third of graduates are hired by a company where they had previously completed an internship or a gap year, illustrating the importance of professional experiences integrated into the curriculum. The vast majority of graduates entering the workforce are employed in France six months after graduation: This is true for 88% of engineering students who are French nationals and 80% of international engineering students. At the European level, 97% of graduates choose Europe for their first job, confirming the decline in non-European destinations.

The average annual gross starting salary in France is 57,000 euros excluding bonuses and 68,000 euros including bonuses for these graduates working in companies. When graduates working abroad are included, the average annual gross compensation rises to 65,000 euros excluding bonuses and 81,000 euros including bonuses.

Recent graduates who choose to join a company prioritize the job description, how well the role aligns with their career goals, the company’s industry, and opportunities for advancement within the company.

Career paths that make an impact

Beyond first jobs, the survey highlights the impact of the work carried out by young graduates. Many of them report contributing directly to several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of innovation, energy transition, climate, and health.

Whether they choose research, public service, corporate careers, or entrepreneurship, the graduates of the Class of X2020 exemplify the diversity of paths opened up by a Polytechnique education. This diversity is one of the School’s greatest assets and fully aligns with its mission: to train scientists and engineers capable of applying their skills to address society’s most pressing challenges.