6 richest companies in the world and the best degrees to get you recruited by them

Working at the richest companies in the world is an unparalleled experience that offers a unique blend of opportunities and challenges.

These corporations, often tech giants and industry leaders, not only have vast financial resources but also a substantial global influence.

Employees at such companies are immersed in an environment of cutting-edge innovation, surrounded by some of the brightest minds in their respective fields.

The scale of projects and resources enables employees to push the boundaries of what’s possible, contributing to groundbreaking advancements shaping industries and societies.

However, there can be intense pressure to perform alongside the potential for career growth and skill development, given the business landscape’s high stakes and competitive nature.

The demanding work culture, characterised by long hours and rapid decision-making, demands adaptability and a strong drive to excel.

The intense competition for positions at these companies can make the hiring process highly selective, leading to a demanding recruitment process that may require extensive preparation and rigorous evaluation.

Still, there are many benefits of working in these companies.

Benefits of working in a multinational company

Google’s headquarters, known as the Googleplex, offers various employee perks like free gourmet meals, on-site wellness services, fitness centres, and even shuttle buses equipped with Wi-Fi.

Universum did a study on 265,000 business undergraduates where they could pick their dream company. Based on the survey, it was found that Google was the number one choice among the students. 

Amazon, on the other hand, offers a programme called “Career Choice,” where they pre-pay 95% of tuition and fees for employees to take courses in high-demand fields, regardless of whether those skills are relevant to jobs at Amazon.

If working in these companies is your dream, you will first need the proper education to prepare you for your role in one of the wealthiest companies in the world. 

While there are exceptions, such as Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, who dropped out of college and still managed to succeed, this isn’t always the case. 

For the top tier of the business world, a bachelor’s degree is a standard requirement. 

Though it is difficult to narrow down to one specific degree that will ensure you are recruited by the richest companies in the world, a look at those who have made can give us a rough idea. 

The most common area of study among top CEOs is business and computer science degrees. The majority of the CEOs of the wealthiest companies in the world have also completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA). 

An MBA equips you with leadership abilities, cultivates strategic thinking, and offers you insights into various facets of business. Preparing you with professional and personal growth that can help you stand out and advance your career.

6 richest companies in the world and the best degrees you need to get in

1. JPMorgan Chase & Co

JPMorgan Chase & Co was started by John Pierpont Morgan, who followed in his father’s footsteps. Today, the company is a pioneer firm in the financial sector with roots in the late 18th century.

As one of the largest banks in the US, it is no surprise that they’re among the most sought-after employers in the financial industry.

In 2021, the company received 50,000 applications for 400 jobs — and that is only in the investment banking division. 

According to over 23,486 reviews left by employees on Glassdoor, the company boasts a high overall rating of 4.1 out of 5. Over 82% of employees would recommend working at JPMorgan Chase, adding to the company’s appeal. 

As one of the richest companies in the world, getting into JPMorgan Chase can be challenging. Hiring standards are very high and each candidate is expected to have good grades and extracurriculars that set them apart. 

If it is your dream to work here, you must first arm yourself with a strong understanding of the financial industry and how the company operates. 

A great way to do this is by pursuing a degree in finance, economics or accounting.

A finance degree, for example, will teach you about financial instruments, investment strategies, and risk management.

Studying economics and accounting, however, will give you an understanding of how the financial system works and the skills to manage financial data.

2. Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)

Saudi Arabian Oil Company, better known as Saudi Aramco, is a state-owned oil and gas company in Saudi Arabia, and its operations cover various aspects of the energy industry.

According to Forbes, Saudi Aramco is one of the richest companies in the world, coming in second after JPMorgan Chase. 

Choosing which degree to pursue depends on the specific role and department you are interested in. 

Engineering is one of the most common areas of study to choose from that will increase your chances of being recruited by the company. 

Consider choosing between: 

• Petroleum engineering: This is one of the most direct paths to working at Saudi Aramco, as the company is heavily involved in the oil and gas industry. Petroleum engineers play a key role in the exploration, drilling, and production of oil and gas reserves.
• Chemical engineering: Given Saudi Aramco’s involvement in petrochemicals and refining, a degree in chemical engineering can open doors to roles related to refining processes, chemical production, and optimisation.
• Mechanical engineering: Mechanical engineers are crucial for maintaining and optimising the equipment and machinery used in the oil and gas industry, including pipelines, rigs, and processing facilities.
• Electrical engineering: Electrical engineers are essential for designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical systems and equipment in various stages of energy production.

3. Alphabet

Alphabet is the parent of Google, whose search engine dominates the global market.

The company offers a range of technologies and digital services, which includes Androd’s smartphone operating system, the Google Chrome browser, Google Drive, and many more.

Here are some degrees that can be relevant for various positions within the company:

• Computer Science: A degree in computer science is highly valuable for technical roles at Alphabet Inc. Many positions within Google, for example, require a strong background in programming, algorithms, and software development.
• Data Analytics: Google and other Alphabet subsidiaries rely heavily on data analysis for decision-making, product development, and user experience improvement. A degree in data analytics or a related field can open doors to roles focused on data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
• Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning: For roles focused on cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning, pursuing a degree in these fields can give you a strong foundation.

You could pursue an MBA to increase your chances, which CEO Sundar Pichai did. An MBA will equip you with business knowledge, critical thinking skills, networking opportunities and leadership qualities that will prepare you for a role at this multinational company.

4. ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil is a familiar sight to drivers worldwide. You may see its gas stations as ExxonMobil, Esso, Exxon, or Mobil. This multinational energy corporation is one of the world’s largest publicly traded oil and gas companies. 

It was formed in 1999 in Texas through the merger of Exxon Corporation and Mobil Corporation. Today, it operates in many countries across the globe.  

The company has its hands in all things to do with the energy sector, which includes producing, refining, and distributing petroleum and petrochemical products.

As ExxonMobil is an oil and gas company, you will need a degree within that area to prepare you with the necessary skills and knowledge required by the company. 

Having a degree in engineering is one of the most common areas of study that ExxonMobil employees have. However, engineering is a broad subject. 

You could choose to pursue petroleum engineering, chemical engineering or mechanical engineering to prepare you for a career at the company.

Other common areas of study include geophysics to understand geological formations and where oil and gas reserves are located or economics which are valuable for roles that involve market analysis, energy policy, and strategic planning.

Pursuing environmental science is also a good choice, as ExxonMobil strongly emphasises environmental sustainability. With the knowledge you acquire, you can help the company work towards minimising the environmental impact of oil and gas operations.

5. Microsoft

Microsoft was founded in 1975 by two young boys, Bill Gates and Paul Allen. Today, it is worth US$2.39 trillion, making it one of the richest companies in the world. 

Microsoft is a global developer and licensor of software, devices, solutions, and services. It is well known for its Windows and Office Suite software which is used by over a million companies worldwide. 

The company offers a wide range of opportunities across various fields, including software engineering, product management, design, data science, artificial intelligence, research, and more.

Though co-founder and former CEO Bill Gates dropped out of college, you may still need a bachelor’s degree to be recruited by Microsoft. 

While the best degree to pursue depends on the specific role or area you are interested in, the field of computer science, computer engineering, or software engineering might be your best bet to get a job at Microsoft.

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in these fields can provide you with the technical skills and knowledge needed for programming, software design, and development.

6. Apple

Apple is a global tech company that offers a wide range of products and services, from electronics to software. Their products include smartphones, computers, tablets, home entertainment devices and many more. 

Today, the iPhone is one of the most popular smartphones worldwide. Out of 7.33 billion smartphone users worldwide, around 1.36 billion people use an iPhone. 

Apple is also building a fast-growing services business. It operates digital content stores, provides cloud and payment services, and recently launched AppleTV+, a streaming service for on-demand entertainment content.

What started as a startup by two hackers, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, is now one of the richest companies in the world. 

Naturally, many professionals seek to take their careers to the next level by joining Apple. However, as one of the most highly sought-after companies, the competition is fierce.

A bachelor’s degree can help you stand out from the sea of applicants. 

Specifically, a bachelor’s degree in computer science is among the most popular choices for Apple employees. This degree is valuable as it provides you with computer engineering knowledge and the skills to develop computers, networks and software. 

Aside from that, having an MBA can give you a leg in the door when looking to be recruited by Apple. According to a survey by CNN, around 17% of MBA graduates are keen to work for Apple. 

The increase in the number of MBA graduates hired at the company started when current CEO Tim Cook took over after Jobs passed. Cook is an MBA holder himself, having completed his programme at Duke University.