Top 10 IT Workplaces for Engineering Graduates

Every engineer like me must have thoughts about the their dream workplace in the future. Recently Employer branding company Universum listed the world’s Top 50 most attractive employers.  The list includes the preferencers of students from US, Japan, China, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain, Canada and India. Some 120,000 students from the world’s top academic institutions were part of the survey to choose their ideal workplace.

Here’s the Top 10 list

1. Google

The Search giant Google. Started by Stanford University students Larry Pages and Sergey Brin in 1997, Google continues to attract over 777,000 applicants a year.

One of the worst recession since Great Depression didn’t leave Google too untouched. The tough times made the company take a harder line on managing expenses. It pulled the plug on as many as nine of its new products, cut many jobs, and also some of its famous perks, including free food and drinks on the campus. The company has been known for its flexible timings and other perks.

2. Microsoft

At No. 2 on the list is world’s top software giant Microsoft. The software giant reigns on more than 90% of the world’s desktops through its popular Windows operating system. The company recently introduced a new OS Windows 7. Windows 7 succeeds Microsoft’s not-so-popular OS Vista.

Like all its IT peers the company too faced slowdown pangs. In a major restructuring, earlier this year Microsoft announced approximately 5000 job cuts.

3. IBM

Next most attractive employer for IT pros is business and technology solutions provider IBM at No. 3. The company has over 4 lakh employees worldwide.

Headquartered in Armonk, USA, the company offers IT infrastructure and BPO services, such as strategic outsourcing, business transformation outsourcing, integrated technology and maintenance.

The company recently announced a slew of layoffs in a bid to rein in expenses.

According to employee group Alliance@IBM, IBM layoffs may touch 16,000 by the year end.

4. Intel

At No. 5 on the overall list is the world’s largest chipmaker Intel. Earlier last month, Intel reaffirmed its outlook of flat to slightly higher PC sales growth in 2009. Four out of every five PCs sold the worldover are powered by an Intel microprocessor.

The company is known to place strong emphasis on family, extra-curricular activities and volunteerism.

5. Sony

Sony figures at No. 7 on the list of Best employer for engineering grads. The Japanese electronics and entertainment giant has been battered by the global slowdown, sliding prices of gadgets and its failure to produce new blockbuster consumer products.

In January this year Tokyo-based Sony Corp announced 8,000 job cuts, or 5 per cent of its global workforce. The layoffs are intended to cut costs by $1.1 billion a year.

The company’s extensive cost-cutting efforts are helping offset continued weak consumer demand and a strong yen, leading to a smaller-than-expected loss for its fiscal second quarter and an improved outlook for its fiscal year.

6. Siemens

At no 8 is Siemens. Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, operating in the industry, energy and healthcare sectors.

The company has around 420,000 employees (in continuing operations) working to develop and manufacture products, design and install complex systems and projects, and tailor a wide range of solutions for individual requirements.

The company claims to be investing heavily in training employees, upgrading their professional qualifications and safeguarding their health.

7. Hewlett-Packard

World’s largest personal-computer maker, Hewlett-Packard is at No 12 on the list of most attractive employers for engineering grads.

The company has special employee volunteering programmes where they can serve the community for various causes. The company has special focus on employee development and training.

At HP, global virtual teams share resources and pool their brain power to solve business issues and meet personal goals.

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However, facing global economic slowdown blues, HP announced a slash in employee compensation and benefits
cross globe. The company said that the move will save up to 20,000 jobs.

8. Cisco

Founded in 1984 by a small group of computer scientists from Stanford University, Cisco’s hardware, software, and service offerings are used to create Internet solutions. With more than 67,647 employees worldwide, the company’s mantra is to motivate employees for innovation.

Networking major Cisco bags the 13th spot on the list. The company has been one of the most aggressive companies on the technology M&A front.

9. Nokia

World’s top cellphone maker Nokia figures at the 19th spot on the list of Best employers. The mobile numero uno has been facing tough competition from companies like Apple in the smartphone market. Nokia also provides health-care services including medical check-ups, counselling and insurance programmes.
The company promises equal opportunities and openness towards all. Nokia is also said to host a variety of training activities through global network of Learning Centers.

10. Accenture

At No. 20 on the list is global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company Accenture.

Earlier this month, Accenture reported a fall in quarterly profit and gave a weaker-than-expected outlook for the fiscal year that began in September.

According to company website, Accenture offers flexi-work timings, maternity returners programmes and women’s mentoring programmes.

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