Internet search giant Google has emerged as the most sought after company for business as well as engineering graduates, according to two surveys, which term the company as the world's "most attractive employer" followed closely by rival, Microsoft.

According to the surveys compiled by global employer branding firm Universum, Google has been ranked at the top spot in the list of top 50 global businesses and engineering companies.

About Google, the surveys said, "Google's number one position is no surprise. Due to its remarkable brand image, students worldwide see it as a company they would like to work for."

The search giant is followed by Pricewaterhouse where most B-Schools students want to work, while engineering graduates preferred Microsoft as their second choice.

For business students, Microsoft is the third choice, financial services major Goldman Sachs Group is fourth, Ernst & Young (fifth), Procter & Gamble (sixth), J P Morgan (seventh), KPMG (eighth), McKinsey & Company (ninth) and Deloitte (10th).

"The employers that feature in this Top 50 all have one thing in common: they successfully appeal to current and future talent, and they are aware of how scarce talent is," Universum said.