COLUMBUS, Ga., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac has been named a top 119 company for entry-level workers in BusinessWeek's 2008 Best Places to Launch a Career listing. In a special online report, the magazine noted the insurer's internship program for college students, company benefits and advancement opportunities through leadership development training as favorites among new professionals entering the workforce.

"We strive to create a work environment at Aflac that not only supports employees in starting a new profession, but also in building a long-term career within the company," said Sharon Douglas, vice president and chief people officer, Human Resources. "It is a special honor to be recognized by BusinessWeek as a top workplace, particularly as more companies find innovative ways to become an employer of choice."

In determining the top companies, BusinessWeek used a three-part methodology that included feedback from three different sources. First, the magazine surveyed directors of undergraduate career services to find out which employers were creating excitement among students on campus. Next, finalists were asked to complete a questionnaire about pay, benefits, retention and training programs, which was then compared to other employers in the same industry. Finally, Universum Communications, a Philadelphia research company supplied data from its survey of more than 37,000 U.S. undergrads about the finalists at the top of their list of most desirable employers.

"In this challenging environment, companies are finding inventive ways to attract, retain and motivate their youngest employees," said John Burn, executive editor of BusinessWeek during a podcast discussion on the listing.

Aflac has a University Relations program dedicated to helping the company successfully attract the most outstanding new talent. Through this program, the company offers paid internships and co-ops, including housing for college students. In 2008, Aflac partnered with the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce to launch the city's Young Professional's organization that is designed to provide networking opportunities throughout the area for registered members. Additionally, Aflac's on-site career development courses and Leadership Academy are counted among the top training programs in the country.

BusinessWeek's 2008 'Best Places to Launch a Career' cover story will be available on stands September 15. The special online report including a complete listing of the top 100 companies can be found at www.businessweek.com.

About Aflac

For more than 50 years, Aflac products have given policyholders the opportunity to direct cash where it is needed most when a life-interrupting medical event causes financial challenges. Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States and the number one insurance company in terms of individual insurance policies in force in Japan. Our insurance products provide protection to more than 40 million people worldwide. Aflac has been included in Fortune magazine's list of America's Most Admired Companies for seven years and in Fortune magazine's list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for ten consecutive years. Aflac has been recognized three times by both Fortune magazine's list of the Top 50 Employers for Minorities and Working Mother magazine's list of the 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers and has also been included in Ethisphere magazine's list of the World's Most Ethical Companies for two consecutive years. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com.

Source: Aflac

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