World's Top Employers for New Grads

For tech-focused new grads, Microsoft offers a chance to use their skills at a company that can offer more security than many of its startup competitors.

Since CEO Satya Nadella took over two years ago, the company has made a concerted effort to encourage collaboration and innovation. An example of that push is Oneweek, a weeklong hackathon held each summer where employees work in groups to develop new ideas, which they can then pitch to company executives.

"Even interns and new hires jump into it," says senior recruiting manager Gabrielle Mellon. "It's a way to make your idea come to life, even if you've only been at the company for a few months."

There are plenty of opportunities for STEM majors to apply and improve their coding skills, but non-tech workers also can enjoy career development offerings. The Microsoft Academy for College Hires is a two-year training program for entry-level employees in marketing, sales, services, IT, and operations. --B.B.