Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Samsung Electronics most-sought-after workplace for graduates
By Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
Samsung Electronics topped the list of the most desirable companies that college students want to work for, according to a survey conducted by Incruit, Wednesday. The survey of 872 college students nationwide who are currently looking for jobs revealed that 8.1 percent of respondents chose Samsung Electronics as their preferred employer.
This marks the first time in a decade that Samsung Electronics has secured the top spot. Incruit has been conducting this survey since 2004, and Samsung Electronics held the top position for five consecutive years from 2009 to 2014 before sliding down the ranks.
The primary reason cited for choosing Samsung Electronics was its salary and compensation systems, as selected by 56.3 percent of those who preferred the company. Notably, Samsung Electronics increased its starting salary for college graduates to 53 million won ($41,400) last year and introduced a
once-a-month four-day workweek
recently.
Coming in at second place with 7.5 percent of the votes was Kakao, which had been the top choice for three consecutive years but experienced a slight decline this year.
Over a quarter of respondents who favored the company emphasized excellent welfare benefits as the main reason for their selection. The company designates the last Friday of each month as a Recovery Day to provide rest and offers support for various activities such as hobbies and studies. Additionally, the company recently opened the industry's largest on-site daycare center and has actively worked on creating a family-friendly environment.
Naver, which ranked second in last year's survey, secured the third spot this year with 6.8 percent of the votes. Of those who favored it, 33.9 percent mentioned satisfactory salary and compensation systems as the primary reasons for choosing Naver.
Hyundai Motor experienced a significant rise from eighth place last year to fourth place this year with 5.6 percent of the votes. The company's satisfactory salary and compensation system were highlighted by 38.8 percent of respondents as the key factor for choosing the company.
Amorepacific maintained its fifth-place ranking from last year with 3.3 percent of the votes. According to 24.1 percent of respondents making this selection, excellent welfare benefits were their primary reason.
Other companies that made it into the top 10 included CJ ENM (2.9 percent), SK hynix (2.8 percent), Samsung C&T (2.5 percent), Korean Air (2.4 percent) and CJ CheilJedang (2.2 percent).
Some companies experienced a drop in rankings compared to last year. SK hynix fell from fourth to seventh place this year, while Korean Air dropped two spots to ninth place. CJ CheilJedang, which ranked sixth last year, claimed the 10th spot this year.
“In the past, individuals sought careers through learning opportunities,” an Incruit official said. “Nowadays there is higher demand for competitive salaries, welfare benefits and clear rewards.”