For future MBAs, a job at Google is the goal.
The tech giant was the top-mentioned company among business-school students when asked where they'd most like to work, according to a new survey from Universum, a research and consulting firm.
Google may be an obvious dream employer for techies and engineers -- but what gives it such appeal among up and coming businesspeople?
There are three big draws, says Dustin Clinard, Universum America's managing director. The company has a much-loved brand, pursues diverse and ambitious projects, and offers a quirky and innovative workplace, Clinard says.
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Google's moonshot projects, like self-driving cars and super-speed internet, give it "an inspiring purpose" that's key for attracting young business talent, adds Clinard.
Beyond Google (GOOG), MBA students favored four prestigious consulting firms -- McKinsey & Company, The Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company and Deloitte.
The major consultancies tend to maintain a big recruiting presence at top business schools, according to Clinard.
McKinsey, for example, spends "a good amount of time on campus to make sure students are well-acquainted" with the firm, its work and people, company spokesperson DJ Carella told CNNMoney.
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Big-name consulting firms are often held in high regard at business schools, says Clinard, because they're known for hiring the best people and for focusing on solving the world's hardest problems.
Rank | Company |
|---|---|
1 | |
2 | McKinsey & Company |
3 | The Boston Consulting Group |
4 | Bain & Company |
5 | Deloitte |
Indeed, the survey found 93% of MBA students are looking to "be competitively or intellectually challenged" at their first jobs.
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But they're not necessarily looking to make huge sums of money right away. Only 13% of the MBA students cited becoming wealthy as an initial career goal. Still, they're not expecting to be broke either. Survey respondents expect a starting salary of about $115,730 on average.
They're also not interested in following the path of Donald Trump or Carly Fiorina going from business to politics. About 77% of respondents said running for public office is not a career move they want to take on.
