Mumbai: Google, the most popular internet search engine, is now also the most popular place to work for MBA students.

Google, which catapulted from its 129th place in 2005 to 2nd in 2006 and to number one this year, has thus ended a 12-year reign by McKinsey & Company.

Google also appears in the top ten in all industry rankings (from investment banking to healthcare) in the `Universum IDEAL(TM) Employer Survey — MBA Edition 2007'', conducted by Universum.

Universum, a global leader in employer branding, helps companies - through research and consulting - understand and develop their employer brand image and employer value proposition.

The survey participated 5,451 MBA students, making it the largest of its kind. Students were asked to rank their `IDEAL'' employers as well as to answer questions about their career expectations, including `IDEAL'' employer characteristics, preferred location, salary expectations, top industries and best internships communications preferences.

Goldman Sachs held firm at number three, and remains the most desirable investment bank to work for, followed by Morgan Stanley and Lehman Brothers.

Google''s closest rival, search engine Yahoo! was ranked 22.

Based in Mountain View, California, Google has offices all over the world - its UK headquarters, GooglePlex, is based in Victoria, London. The global staff headcount at the end of last year was 10,674.

In a list of ''reasons to work'' at Google, the company says it gives its employees a free lunch every day "made with love", and motivates its staff by providing a fun and inspiring workspace, which includes on-site doctor and dentist, massage and yoga, on-site day care, and snacks. The company''s website claims: "You''ll find Google a place where you can aspire to outsized accomplishments."

Despite Google''s new strength as the overall IDEAL(TM) employer, McKinsey is still the number 1 employer among men MBAs. Goldman Sachs (3) maintained its position in the top 10. Bain & Co. (4), BCG (5), Apple (6), Microsoft (7), GE (8), Nike (9) and Bank of America (10) round out the list.