STOCKHOLM, December 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Based on the preferences of over 85,000 career seekers with a business or engineering background, Universum has released the first ever European talent attraction index: "Europe's Most Attractive Employers 2012". The index, split in the business category - preferences from business career seekers - and engineering category - preferences from engineering career seekers - reveals the current level of attractiveness that companies have as employers - and therefore their potential to lead the world of tomorrow.

In the business category, Google takes the first position, followed by L´Oréal and Ernst & Young. BMW wins the engineering category, followed by IBM and Siemens respectively. "BMW and L´Oréal attract the students with exciting products and market success. Beyond the power of the consumer brand, the students value the innovation and the international career possibilities," says Jörgen Gullbrandson, Universum's Head of EMEA.

The Top 10 ideal employers segmented by main field of study:

Europe's Top 10 - Business

1. Google
2. L´Oréal
3. Ernst & Young
4. Procter & Gamble
5. KPMG
6. BMW
7. McKinsey & Company
8. Unilever
9. PwC
10. Microsoft

Europe's Top 10 - Engineering

1. BMW
2. IBM
3. Siemens
4. Google
5. Microsoft
6. EADS
7. Bosch
8. General Electric
9. McKinsey & Company
10. Philips

Click here for the full ranking: http://www.universumglobal.com/IDEAL-Employer-Rankings/Europe-Top-50

The study reveals new findings:

1. Professional Services are on top

Featuring companies such as Ernst & Young, KPMG, PwC and Deloitte, this industry is becoming more attractive in the major European markets.

2. Mixed feelings for the Software and Computer Services industry

When engineers are asked, Software and Computer Services is the most attractive industry, ranked before the core engineering industries. Business students, on the other hand, are not attracted by the industry in itself but some of the most attractive employers in the business index come from this industry.

3. Europeans seek professional training and development

"There are high expectations among students to work for companies that help them with their development. Unfortunately, most employers are not perceived to meet these expectations," says Mr. Gullbrandson.

4. Secure employment and an international dimension are important

In Poland, Russia and Germany, 'secure employment' is one of the main criteria for employer attractiveness. In France, Italy, and Spain, the international dimension and possibilities to travel abroad with work plays a key role.

For more information, go to http://www.universumglobal.com