World’s Top Employers for New Grads

For an exclusive CNNMoney list, research firm Universum Global surveyed college students around the world to see where they most want to work.

5 of 50
Microsoft
Microsoft
Rank among business students: 5
Rank (engineering students): 2

Headquarters: Redmond, WA
No. of employees: 94,000

What makes it great: The software giant is hoping to make employees feel like they work at a smaller firm. Its management structure got reorganized this summer in an effort to cut bureaucracy and spur innovation and team-building.

The overhaul doesn't stop there: Microsoft is looking for a new CEO, buying Nokia's phone division (which makes Windows Phone devices) and turning itself into a devices and services company.

Techie perks abound: Employees can play videogames on an Xbox in one of the campus breakrooms, power up their electric car at a nearby charging station, or share their innovations at an annual "techfest."

What they're looking for: New hires are encouraged to bring their energy and ideas. "We seek driven and accomplished individuals" who can solve emerging challenges in tech, says Microsoft college recruiter Hillary Morris.

Opportunities also exist in sales for "entrepreneurial, highly motivated, self-starters," says Morris. One team works with universities, governments, and businesses that use Microsoft products; another is focused solely on improving the user experience.

Top business hires can accelerate their career by participating in the Microsoft Academy for College Hires, which offers extra training and networking opportunities. --L.G.

Is Microsoft a great place for new grads to work, or what?
Top MBA 100

Get the complete lineup of ideal employers for B-school students, in an exclusive CNNMoney.com list.

Think of it as a popularity contest for companies: Every year research firm Universum Global ranks the most desirable employers, based on where undergraduate students around the world say they'd most like to work after graduation. More

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