9.18.2007 - 09:46pm ET

(CSRwire) NEW YORK - September 18, 2007 - Deloitte & Touche USA LLP gained the #1 spot on BusinessWeek's second annual "Best Places to Launch a Career" ranking, advancing from third place last year. Deloitte's extensive campus outreach, diverse career opportunities, collaborative environment and cutting-edge work/life initiatives helped put it at the top of the survey, which identifies leading employers for recent college graduates. Other employers on this year's list include Google, Microsoft and Disney.

"We've made a huge effort to understand and respond to the unique strengths and style of Gen Y," said Barry Salzberg, CEO, Deloitte & Touche USA LLP. "Younger people want respect, and they demand choices. Above all, they want to be valued and noticed for their contribution. What I find most exciting is that it's a process that is changing how all the generations work together."

"It's an honor to be ranked number one, and a testament to the work we're doing to create a workplace of the future that speaks to the multiple generations in today's workforce," said Cathy Benko, vice chair and chief talent officer, Deloitte & Touche USA LLP.

Deloitte's leading Talent Management initiatives include:

Mass Career Customization(TM) - a tool that allows people to dial up and dial down in their careers to suit their personal needs, while still advancing in the organization

Coaching & Career Connections - an internal coaching and career development resource providing live and virtual coaches on a confidential basis

The Deloitte Film Festival - a film-making competition and team-building exercise launched this year in which thousands of people created videos about their lives and experiences at Deloitte.

BusinessWeek's analysis gathers feedback from students, college career counselors, and the employers themselves to reveal which companies offer the biggest advantages for interns and entry-level employees in the areas of training, competitive compensation and benefits, and career development programs.

BusinessWeek's "Best Places to Launch a Career" ranking is in the September 18, 2007 issue. Expanded content is available on businessweek.com.

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