World’s Top Employers for New Grads

Rank among business students: 20
Rank (engineering students): 13

Headquarters: New Brunswick, NJ
No. of employees: 128,000

What makes it great: When Johnson & Johnson makes a hire, it's with the person's long-term potential in mind. The health-care giant wants people who can reach the top.

Leadership skills are honed through challenging projects and development programs, says Frank Rodriquez, global director of university recruitment. To keep employees growing, managers are encouraged to deliver clear-cut expectations and give regular feedback on performance.

What they're looking for: New grads who have made a tangible, thoughtful difference through organizations they're involved with will stand out, says Rodriguez.

"We are looking for people who partner well, are creative thinkers, and who really challenge the status quo," he adds.

J&J has more than 270 lines of business, ranging from consumer brands like Neutrogena and Band-Aid to prescription medications and medical equipment. So a health care background is a plus, but leadership experience is more important, Rodriquez says. --L.G.