University students chose CJ ENM, CJ CheilJedang and CJ Logistics as some of their top-ranked choices for employment upon graduation
In a 2025 survey of Korea’s most desirable employers among university students, CJ Group’s major affiliates ranked among the top companies, reflecting the Group’s growing appeal as a career destination. CJ ENM ranked second overall, while CJ CheilJedang placed fifth, demonstrating the conglomerate’s strong brand presence among young job seekers.
HR platform Incruit released the results of its annual survey on July 28, based on responses from 1,176 university students currently seeking employment. The survey evaluated the top 170 publicly traded companies in South Korea by market capitalization, including CJ CheilJedang, CJ ENM, and CJ Logistics.
Ranked second among Korea’s top employers, CJ ENM was chosen by 6.7% of university students. The most cited reason for selecting the company was its industry-leading employee benefits and welfare programs (41.8%). Notably, 8.5% of all female respondents selected CJ ENM, making it the most preferred company among women job seekers.
CJ CheilJedang was selected by 3.1% of participants, placing fifth. The most common reason cited was the company’s strong reputation as a leader in both industry and community (24.3%), highlighting the fast-growing global popularity of K-food. CJ Logistics also performed well, placing 11th among the 170 companies evaluated.
The survey also analyzed employer preferences by academic discipline, with CJ affiliates showing strong performance across fields. CJ ENM ranked first among those majoring in humanities, social sciences, business, and education, with 9.6% of the vote. In the same group, CJ CheilJedang ranked fifth, and CJ Logistics placed seventh. Among students majoring in natural sciences, medicine, and life sciences, CJ CheilJedang secured the No. 1 spot, with 8.6% respondents choosing the company.
Earlier in March, Incruit conducted a separate survey asking university students where they would want to work among the top 20 publicly listed business groups in South Korea. CJ Group ranked second overall, with 11.7% of respondents selecting it as their desired workplace. When asked to choose a preferred affiliate among CJ Group’s top five companies by revenue, CJ Olive Young received the highest number of responses at 41.8%.
CJ Group’s strong performance in employer branding is largely driven by its comprehensive employee benefit programs and people-first culture. Employees receive up to 40% discounts at a wide range of affiliate brands, including Olive Young, CJ THE MARKET, CGV, VIPS, TOUS les JOURS, and The Place. In addition, platforms such as TVING is available at no cost, offering digital lifestyle perks that resonate with younger generations.
The group also operates a “Creative Week” program, which grants up to four weeks of personal development leave to employees in their third, fifth, seventh, and tenth years of service. Furthermore, accommodation expenses at domestic resorts and overseas hotels are reimbursed up to KRW 350,000 per night, and a “PC-OFF” policy automatically powers down work computers after hours, helping to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Incruit noted that university students are placing increasing value on compensation and benefits, which played a key role in shaping this year’s employer rankings.
