World’s Top Employers for New Grads

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.