Google and A*Star are top choice employers for fresh grads

Google is the business students' choice employer, while A*STAR secured the top spot among engineering students.

A total of 6,012 students, a majority from Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore and Singapore Management University, took part in Universum's 2013 student survey.

Their top career goals remain consistent with last year's, which include having a work/life balance and job security.

A friendly, as well as creative and dynamic work environment contribute the most to employer's attractiveness.

The survey also revealed that students from business schools are beginning to lean towards the Auditing and Accounting industry over banking.

Rachele Focardi, Senior Vice President of Employer Branding and Talent Strategy, APAC explained, "The banking industry at large - particularly influenced by the European institutions - was plagued with negativity in 2012, so we are not surprised that it is deemed less favourable to work in, especially when the desire for job security among the talent is high."

Meanwhile, one of Singapore's biggest banks, DBS, climbed 35 positions to become the 25th favourite employer amongst engineering students.

However, starting salary expectations between the groups of students this year are slightly different from that of last year's.

Business students are expecting to draw a starting salary of S$3,320, 8 per cent lesser than last year, but engineering students have maintained their expected monthly salary at S$3,354.