World’s Top Employers for New Grads

Rank among business students: 2
Rank (engineering students): 48

Headquarters: London, UK
No. of employees: 167,000

What makes it great: It may date back to the 19th century, but don't call this Big 4 firm stuffy. Aiming to modernize its image, Ernst & Young recently rebranded, renaming itself "EY" (a move that also drew chuckles since "EY!" is the name of a racy Spanish magazine). It developed a sleek mobile app, too, that offers users insights into market trends.

The firm prides itself on working with the companies of tomorrow, and hosts annual awards events to honor leading entrepreneurs around the world, says Shirley Jackson, global lead for recruitment.

What they're looking for: A global mindset is key, says Jackson: Recruiters look for team players who can deliver outstanding client service and work effectively with people who have diverse backgrounds, skills and perspectives.

EY hired more than 24,000 entry-level employees over the last fiscal year -- most of them former interns -- and expects to hire even more this year. Business majors are preferred, and in many countries, EY will help students cover the cost of a degree. In the U.K., students can become trainees right out of secondary school. --L.G.