- Poll of 3,064 graduates.
- CEOs of John Deere, ALDI, Ulta Beauty, Hyatt Hotels, Zurich North America, Grainger & Argonne National Laboratory identified as the most envied roles among Illinoisans.
- Infographic showing the top companies graduates aspire to be CEO of.
For many ambitious graduates, the pinnacle of career success is the coveted role of CEO. While climbing the corporate ladder can feel like a distant goal, some companies hold a special allure, representing the ultimate destination for aspiring executives. To uncover which corporations spark these leadership dreams the most, YourFreeCareerTest, a career test platform, surveyed 3,064 graduates, posing a single, thought-provoking question:
“If you could be the CEO of any company, which one would you choose?”
The results revealed fascinating trends in career aspirations, with some powerhouse brands consistently emerging as top choices. The ten most coveted CEO roles included a mix of tech giants, financial institutions, household consumer brands, and even an academic institution. Here’s a closer look at the top selections:
1. Google – Sundar Pichai
Google remains the dream company for many graduates, thanks to its dominance in search, AI, and digital services. Sundar Pichai, Google’s current CEO, has led the company through major innovations, including AI advancements and cloud computing expansions. Many aspiring CEOs admire his leadership style, which blends technical expertise with a calm and strategic approach.
2. JPMorgan Chase – Jamie Dimon
As the long-time CEO of JPMorgan Chase, Jamie Dimon is one of the most influential figures in global finance. His tenure has been marked by financial resilience and strategic expansion, making JPMorgan Chase a top pick for those wanting to shape global banking policies and navigate economic challenges.
3. Procter & Gamble – Jon Moeller
Procter & Gamble, home to brands like Tide and Gillette, is an attractive choice for aspiring business leaders. Jon Moeller, who took over as CEO, has focused on product innovation and global expansion. His leadership in brand management and corporate responsibility makes P&G a dream destination for future CEOs.
4. Amazon – Andy Jassy
Amazon’s vast reach across e-commerce, cloud computing, and logistics makes it a highly desirable company to lead. Andy Jassy, who succeeded Jeff Bezos, has been instrumental in expanding Amazon Web Services (AWS), demonstrating how strong tech expertise can drive business success.
5. Coca-Cola – James Quincey
Graduates looking for a leadership role in a globally recognized brand often set their sights on Coca-Cola. CEO James Quincey has modernized the company by focusing on sustainability and product diversification, making Coca-Cola a fascinating place for those interested in global marketing and corporate responsibility.
6. Bank of America – Brian Moynihan
As CEO of one of the largest banks in the U.S., Brian Moynihan has overseen digital banking transformations and financial inclusivity efforts. His leadership has kept Bank of America competitive, making it a top choice for finance-minded graduates looking to shape the future of banking.
7. Dick’s Sporting Goods – Lauren Hobart
As one of the few female CEOs on the list, Lauren Hobart has redefined leadership in the sporting goods industry. Under her tenure, Dick’s Sporting Goods has expanded its digital presence and focused on community-driven initiatives, making it a strong pick for those passionate about sports retail and brand innovation.
8. University of Texas – Jay Hartzell
The only academic institution in the top 10, the University of Texas is an appealing leadership goal for graduates interested in education management. Jay Hartzell, the current president, has focused on academic excellence and research growth, making this a highly influential role in the education sector.
9. MGM Resorts – Bill Hornbuckle
MGM Resorts represents an exciting CEO role in the entertainment and hospitality industry. Bill Hornbuckle has led the company through post-pandemic recovery and digital expansion in gaming, attracting graduates who dream of overseeing a major entertainment empire.
10. United Parcel Service (UPS) – Carol Tomé
Logistics and global supply chain management have never been more critical, making UPS a prime choice for leadership ambitions. Carol Tomé, the first woman to lead UPS, has focused on efficiency and sustainability, making this a compelling company for those wanting to revolutionize logistics.
7 Illinois-based CEOs were among the most envied in the country (national positions):
25. John Deere – John C. May
John Deere represents the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, attracting graduates passionate about advancing agriculture and construction technology. CEO John C. May has focused on precision agriculture and sustainability, making this role a dream for those who envision a future of smart, sustainable farming.
34. ALDI USA – Jason Hart
ALDI’s emphasis on value-driven grocery retail has positioned it as a leader in the industry. Jason Hart’s leadership has focused on efficient supply chains and sustainable practices. Graduates inspired by innovation in affordability and sustainability are drawn to this unique opportunity in global retail.
36. Ulta Beauty – Kecia Steelman
Ulta Beauty has redefined the cosmetics industry with its focus on inclusivity and innovation. Kecia Steelman, the recently appointed, new CEO has earned the position through being instrumental in developing Ulta Beauty’s recently refreshed strategic framework. Prioritized customer experience and brand partnerships make it a coveted leadership role for graduates eager to influence the beauty industry’s evolving landscape.
69. Hyatt Hotels – Mark S. Hoplamazian
Hyatt Hotels epitomizes luxury and hospitality, offering graduates an exciting opportunity to shape global travel experiences. Mark S. Hoplamazian’s focus on customer experience and wellness has made the brand a leader in modern hospitality. Aspiring CEOs are drawn to the chance to redefine what it means to feel at home, anywhere in the world.
99. Zurich North America – Kristof Terryn
Zurich North America is a standout in insurance and risk management, drawing graduates interested in providing innovative solutions for businesses. Kristof Terryn’s leadership focuses on sustainability and resilience, making this role a top choice for those eager to lead in the financial sector.
104. Grainger – DG Macpherson
Grainger, a leader in industrial supply, offers a compelling opportunity for graduates interested in operational excellence and innovation. DG Macpherson’s leadership has focused on digital transformation and supply chain efficiency, making this role ideal for those who want to lead in a critical global industry.
165. Argonne National Laboratory – Paul Kearns
Argonne National Laboratory is at the forefront of scientific innovation, offering an unparalleled leadership role for those passionate about advancing energy, technology, and research. Paul Kearns has emphasized groundbreaking projects and interdisciplinary collaboration, making this role ideal for academic and scientific leaders.
Infographic showing the top 150 companies graduates aspire to be CEO of
What Makes a Great CEO?
In addition to naming their dream companies, graduates were also asked about the qualities they believe define an exceptional CEO. The results showed that leadership skills and people management were the most valued traits:
- People management – 35%
- Visionary leadership – 33%
- Ethical decision-making – 14%
- Financial acumen – 14%
- Innovation – 2%
- Crisis management – 1%
Fortune 500 CEO or Entrepreneur?
When given the choice between leading an established Fortune 500 company or starting their own business, graduates were nearly split:
- Lead a Fortune 500 company – 51%
- Build my own company – 49%
Preferred Leadership Styles
Graduates also had strong preferences when it came to leadership styles, with transformational leadership emerging as the most popular choice:
- Transformational (visionary, inspires change) – 43%
- Servant (puts employees first) – 22%
- Democratic (collaborative leadership) – 20%
- Autocratic (top-down decision-making) – 12%
- Laissez-faire (hands-off approach) – 2%
Most Desired CEO Industries
The industries that graduates most aspire to lead in also reflected diverse interests:
- Entertainment – 27%
- Healthcare – 24%
- Technology – 20%
- Automotive – 12%
- Finance – 8%
- Consumer Goods – 6%
- Energy – 2%
Biggest Concerns About Being a CEO
The survey found that the greatest concern among aspiring executives is the stress and high-pressure decision-making that comes with the role, with 39% of respondents citing it as their top worry. Managing employees was the second-largest concern at 18%, while work-life balance ranked third at 16%, underscoring the challenges of maintaining personal well-being while leading a company. Public scrutiny was a concern for 14% of respondents, and financial responsibility was cited by 12%, indicating that many graduates are aware of the immense accountability that comes with the job.
Should CEOs Take a Pay Cut in Tough Times?
A staggering majority of graduates believe that CEOs should be required to take a pay cut if their company is struggling financially. An overwhelming 88% of respondents supported the idea, indicating a strong preference for leadership accountability and financial fairness. Only 12% believed that CEOs should retain their full salaries regardless of company performance, highlighting a widespread expectation that executives should share in the burdens faced by their organizations.
“This survey highlights the diverse career aspirations of graduates and the companies that inspire them. Whether in technology, finance, consumer goods, or education, the path to CEO starts with ambition—and a clear vision of where one wants to lead,” says Sanjit Sandhu of YourFreeCareerTest.
Methodology: Online panel survey of 3,064 participants based on age, gender, and geography. We used a two-step process to ensure representativeness through stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting. April 2025.
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