Jeonbuk National University (JBNU), which is evaluated as having the nation’s highest competitiveness in research and educational excellence, has also been confirmed to possess top-level nationwide capabilities in student employment support. This reconfirms the university’s standing as an "Outstanding University in Employment Support Capabilities," a designation selected by the government last year.

On May 22, in an analysis by the Dong-A Ilbo that evaluated universities nationwide on their employment support capabilities, JBNU ranked first in the "Career Development Plan" category. It placed fifth nationwide in the "Provision of Job Experience Opportunities" category.

At the same time, JBNU was also proudly selected among the 25 universities recognized as "Youth Dream Universities," which were chosen for having the strongest employment and start-up support capabilities.

JBNU’s distinction as the nation’s top university in employment support capability is attributed to the institutionalization of its integrated career management program, the "KeunSaram Project," and the "Lifelong Faculty Advising System," which together provide students with systematic career planning and employment support.

Through the "KeunSaram Project," JBNU operates a five-stage career belt system. Students earn points for participating in various employment programs, enabling them to build systematic career records from admission through graduation. Last year, student participation reached as high as 98.1 percent, reflecting strong student response.

In addition, through the professor–student mentoring program "Lifelong Faculty Advising System," which provides guidance and counseling on all aspects of university life, 96.8 percent of students received counseling last year and reported that it helped them resolve concerns and set career goals.

In particular, the Dong-A Ilbo evaluation team highlighted JBNU’s field training for practical talent development and the passionate attitude of participating students in an article titled "Students at Universities with Strong Employment Momentum Have Different Expressions" (May 22, 2013, p.3).

In practice, JBNU secured the participation of 502 companies last year, enabling 1,539 students to take part in company field internships. Employment linkages with host companies are also expected to contribute to a tangible improvement in employment rates.

Moreover, the university operates employment-guaranteed departments in fields such as carbon, flexible printed electronics, agricultural machinery, and mechanical design, striving to expand student employment opportunities.

President Seo Geoseok stated, "We have systematized career development and field training under the motto ‘from admission to graduation’ so that students can develop into the talent demanded by modern society. Having received an excellent evaluation in employment support capability, we will work even harder to ensure that every student can graduate with a smile."

Meanwhile, this evaluation was conducted for the first time this year by Dong-A Ilbo and Channel A together with Deloitte Consulting. It aimed to closely examine how well universities open pathways for students’ transition to society and develop their job-creation capabilities.

For the evaluation, 50 universities with excellent educational conditions were shortlisted from among 198 four-year universities nationwide. Over two months, the review assessed whether each university’s employment and start-up infrastructure was well established. Surveys were also conducted with 100 senior students at each university to analyze the necessity, usage rate, and satisfaction in detail.