Amazon, Meta, and the 18 Largest Global Companies Every Business School Student Should Know | Forbes

Many business school students embark on their academic journey with dreams of working for a large and globally recognized brand. They look forward to updating their LinkedIn to announce a role at Microsoft or to celebrate a promotion at Morgan Stanley.

Working for successful global enterprises such as these has clear advantages: enhanced career growth, extensive networking opportunities, and significant learning and development resources. Earning a spot at a large global brand also means benefiting from their financial strength and ability to invest in their employees with great salaries.

If this sounds appealing to you, each year Forbes releases its Global 2000 ranking, which highlights the largest public companies. It's a good way to keep an eye on orgs to target when you graduate or throughout your career. This year, the 2,000 companies on the list account for an impressive $52.9 trillion in annual revenue and $4.9 trillion in profit.

From the top 50, we’ve selected 18 standout companies that every business school student should know about and track in order to maximize their future career opportunities. These are companies that commonly employ b-school alumni because of the knowledge and skills that MBA or business master's grads can offer.

Methodology

Before we dive deep into the 18 companies every MBA and business master’s student should know about, let’s take a look at how Forbes crunched the numbers to rank the world’s largest public companies.

Forbes compiled its Global 2000 list using data from FactSet, screening the biggest public companies in four metrics: sales, profits, assets, and market value.

A composite score was then calculated by ranking companies on each of the four metrics, adding their scores, and then sorting into descending order to determine the final rank.

Forbes Global 2000 Ranking

JPMorganChase

Rank: 1
Industry: Banking
Headquarters: New York, United States

JPMorganChase is a multinational financial firm offering an array of banking and financial services, including investment banking and asset management. The company was officially formed in 2000 following the merger of J.P. Morgan & Co. and The Chase Manhattan Corporation.

Business students looking to start their career in finance should keep an eye on the JPMorganChase careers page, as the company regularly offers pre-internships or internships aimed at MBA students.

For those who have graduated and are looking for full-time work, JPMorganChase also offers several programs suitable for MBA-level candidates, such as the Global Payments Analyst Program, Operations Analyst Program, Chase Digital Development Program, and Business Relationship Manager Trainee Program. These are offered in a range of locations, including Australia, Canada, India, the US, and the UK—and are accessible for business school students across the globe.

Amazon

Rank: 5
Industry: Retail and Wholesale
Headquarters: Washington, United States

Online retailer and global technology company Amazon takes the fifth spot in this year’s Global 2000 ranking.

Amazon offers several programs targeted towards MBA students, including the Pathways Operations Leadership Development Program, which trains MBA graduates to become Amazon’s future managers and directors over the course of three years. It also offers the MBA Leadership Development Program, which helps b-school graduates hone their leadership skills through rotations as senior vendor, product, and supply chain managers.

To apply for any MBA role at Amazon, you need at least three years of relevant work experience between your undergraduate and MBA programs. You will then be required to participate in an online assessment and interview process before (hopefully) receiving an offer.

Bank of America

Rank: 6
Industry: Banking
Headquarters: North Carolina, United States

Bank of America operates in several financial areas: consumer banking, global wealth investment management, global banking, and global markets.

The full-time Analyst and Associate Program at Bank of America is open to MBA graduates, providing them with formal training, development opportunities, mentoring, and networking. These are available in the US, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific.

Microsoft

Rank: 9
Industry: IT Software and Services
Headquarters: Washington, United States

Microsoft is a multinational technology company that develops software, services, and devices.

Working at Microsoft comes with many perks, including access to resource groups, flexible work schedules, generous vacation, and discounts on products. 

Microsoft also offers plenty of pathways for MBA holders. For example, the Microsoft Aspire Program is a two-year learning and development journey designed for new full-time employees from various academic backgrounds, particularly business schools.

Apple

Rank: 11
Industry: Technology, Hardware, and Equipment
Headquarters: California, United States

Apple, a household name across the globe, is best known for products such as the iPhone, iPad, AirPods, MacBook, and, of course, Apple TV. 

Founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Ronald Wayne, and Stephen Wozniak, the company has a long history as a publicly traded company and now employs more than 164,000 people, according to its Forbes profile.

Apple regularly offers opportunities targeted specifically at MBA holders, including its MBA summer internships. These are available in several areas such as AppleCare, Apple Services, manufacturing design, marketing, product operations, strategic sourcing, and supply chain operations. Roles vary across these areas, ranging from supply demand planner to global supply manager.

Bank of China (BOC)

Rank: 12
Industry: Banking
Headquarters: Beijing, China

The Bank of China is one of China’s “Big Four” state-owned commercial banks, alongside the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), China Construction Bank (CCB), and the Agricultural Bank of China (ABC)—the latter two also placed highly in this year’s ranking.

BOC also has a London branch, first established in 1929 as the bank’s first overseas office, making it accessible for UK-based business school students who don’t wish to move abroad.

Careers for business students at the Bank of China are plentiful, with regular openings across departments including operations, accounting, and corporate banking.

Toyota Motor

Rank: 14
Industry: Consumer Durables
Headquarters: Toyota, Japan

Toyota Motor engages in the manufacture and sale of motor vehicles and parts. 

Alongside cars, Toyota is also responsible for a range of vehicles, including boats, robots, buses, and even sewing machines, making it an exciting and innovative company to work for.

The company offers a range of opportunities ideal for business students, spanning leadership development, strategy, operations, and sustainability.

READ: Google, Microsoft, And The 10 Biggest And Best Employers In The US | Forbes Ranking

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HSBC Holdings

Rank: 15
Industry: Banking
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

HSBC Holdings is the parent company of the HSBC Group, a global banking and financial services organization headquartered in London.

The company offers plenty of roles across investment banking, trading, and sales that are perfect for MBA holders, particularly those with a keen interest in finance. 

Business school students joining the company in one of the many available roles will have the chance to put their skillset to the test, often working with high-profile clients from day one.

Wells Fargo

Rank: 16
Industry: Banking
Headquarters: California, United States

Now one of the largest banks in the United States, Wells Fargo started life in 1852, founded by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo to help people do more with their money.

The company is well connected with its historical roots, regularly updating its archive and sharing its 'This Day in Wells Fargo History' feature on its website. As such, Wells Fargo is a great fit for b-schoolers looking to join a company that is well-established and celebrates its origins.

Wells Fargo offers a Corporate and Investment Banking MBA Program. Delivered across one summer, the program introduces students to the crucial financial and analytical skills required to work for an ever-growing investment bank. Participating students should ideally be between their first and second year of business school.

Goldman Sachs

Rank: 20
Industry: Diversified Financials
Headquarters: New York, United States

Goldman Sachs, a leading investment bank and financial services company, is highly desired among business school students.

The firm openly invites MBAs to apply to its Summer Associate Program and Full-Time Associate positions, recognising that business school graduates are highly aligned with the criteria for these openings. The company website even includes an “MBA People Profiles” section, which allows you to see what other business school students have achieved at Goldman Sachs, giving you a possible insight into your future—should you make a successful application.

Meta Platforms

Rank: =20
Industry: IT Software and Services
Headquarters: California, United States

In joint 20th place is Meta, the company behind Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Oculus.

As the name behind these world-leading platforms, Meta offers a wide range of roles for business students in areas such as product management, marketing, data analytics, and finance. These are particularly suited to those with specialized business master’s degrees.

Careers at Meta also come with exciting benefits, including physical and mental health programs, as well as a competitive retirement plan.

Citigroup

Rank: 22
Industry: Banking
Headquarters: New York, United States

Employing more than 229,000 individuals, Citigroup is a diversified financial services holding company that could be a great fit for ambitious business school students looking to embark on a career in banking.

Citigroup offers MBA graduate roles across investment banking, corporate banking, finance, risk management, and technology.

Morgan Stanley

Rank: 24
Industry: Diversified Financials
Headquarters: New York, United States

Morgan Stanley is a global financial services firm providing investment banking, wealth management, and investment management. 

Operating in 42 countries with offices in more than 1,200 locations worldwide, it truly is global, offering b-school graduates the opportunity to launch their careers almost anywhere.

Morgan Stanley offers many roles suitable for early-career professionals, including business school graduates, such as its Investment Banking Summer Associate Program.

Allianz

Rank: 25
Industry: Insurance
Headquarters: Munich, Germany

Primarily known for insurance and asset management, Allianz is another global financial services company to make the Forbes Global 2000 ranking.

Allianz offers MBA roles in areas such as consulting, investment management, data analytics, finance, project management, and strategy, making it suitable for a wide range of business school graduates.

READ: OpenAI, Anthropic & 10 Of The Top AI Companies To Work For | Forbes Ranking

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Johnson & Johnson (J&J)

Rank: 42
Industry: Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Headquarters: New Jersey, United States

Johnson & Johnson is a multinational pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical technology company. It also produces many well-known consumer brands such as Band-Aid and Aveeno, although it is probably most famous for its baby powder.

The company offers a Finance MBA Leadership Development Program where you will be hired as a manager for two rotations across multiple functional areas, from treasury to business development to supply chain.

Alternatively, you can complete the MBA Finance Internship track, which is a 10–12 week summer training program including mentorship and networking opportunities.

NVIDIA

Rank: 47
Industry: Semiconductors
Headquarters: California, United States

Rising fast in the ranking this year was NVIDIA, a multinational technology company pioneering GPU-accelerated computing—processors designed for complex calculations, image rendering, and powering advanced applications such as AI and machine learning.

NVIDIA is considered a desirable employer, with a near five-star rating on Glassdoor in the US, and 95% of employees saying they would recommend the company to a friend.

A career at NVIDIA is well-suited for b-school graduates with a future-focused technical skill set, given its emphasis on AI and emerging technologies.

Nestlé

Rank: 48
Industry: Food, Drink, and Tobacco
Headquarters: Vevey, Switzerland

Nestlé, the food and drink processing conglomerate, offers a variety of roles particularly suited for MBA holders, including positions in sales management, product management, category management, financial analysis, and more.

For eco-minded business school students, the company says it is committed to sustainability measures such as climate action, deforestation-free supply chains, water stewardship, and waste reduction.

While its headquarters is in Switzerland, the company has offices throughout the globe, including several in the UK and Ireland: Gatwick, York, and Dublin.

Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH)

Rank: 49
Industry: Household and Personal Products
Headquarters: Vevey, Switzerland

Sitting just inside the top 50 is Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, more commonly known as LVMH.

Engaged in the sale of luxury goods, including wines and spirits, fashion and leather goods, perfumes and cosmetics, and watches and jewelry, LVMH offers exciting careers for b-schoolers, particularly those with a passion for luxury and brand management.

With its headquarters in Paris, it is within walking distance of several leading business schools, including HEC Paris, Paris School of Business (PSB), and ESCP Business School.

Summary

⇨ The Forbes Global 2000 ranking features many companies that are highly relevant to business school students.

⇨ Across the ranking, there are career paths for business graduates worldwide, spanning the United States, Europe, and Asia.

⇨ Our selection covers a broad sweep of industries, including finance and banking, technology and innovation, consumer and lifestyle, as well as healthcare. These companies give business school students exposure to a wide range of global career options.