11. The Blackstone Group
% of MBAs who want to work there*: 7.98%
Headquarters: New York, NY
Hiring plans: The firm hires just 15 to 18 new MBA grads a year, says Karen Beyer, head of recruiting.
What they're looking for: "As well as academic achievement, Blackstone looks for MBAs who are creative self-starters and are passionate about what they do," Beyer says.
The first and only private equity firm to make the most desirable MBA employers list, Blackstone primarily recruits at top schools like Harvard, Wharton, Kellogg and Columbia.
Competition is stiff for those few openings, but candidates who get in the door can gain valuable experience working side by side with senior-level executives on high-level projects.
"I've seen 23-year-olds debating with a CEO," says president and COO Tony James. "That's exhilarating."
NEXT: Microsoft
Last updated May 27 2009: 10:13 AM ET
Source: Universum
* Based on survey respondents who selected as one of their top 5 ideal employers. Methodology
* Based on survey respondents who selected as one of their top 5 ideal employers. Methodology
