When you're applying to a new job, it's easy to get hyper-focused on whether or not the current role and responsibilities are right for you. This is, of course, an important factor. Enjoying the day-to-day work when you first start at a company is key to long-term satisfaction. But it's important to think beyond the immediate future. Ideally, once you start at a company, you'll be there for a while — and if that's the case, you're probably going to want to move up the ladder eventually.
So when evaluating potential companies to work for, don't just think about how well the role you're applying for fits your interests and experience. Think also about whether or not the company offers regular opportunities for advancement.
Want to make sure your next gig is one where you can flourish for years to come? Check out the companies below, all with career opportunities scores of 3.5 and above according to those that know best: their employees!
1. Axiom Global
Career Opportunities Score: 4.1
Where Hiring: New York, NY; Houston, TX; Washington, DC; Philadelphia, PA; Zurich, MT and more
What They Do: “Axiom, a recognized leader in the business of law, provides tech-enabled legal, contracts, and compliance solutions for large enterprises.”
What Employees Say: “Smart people, interesting value-prop that's compelling for the intellectually curious. We work hard and also celebrate the wins. If you see a role or gap that you want to pursue, you're able to do that here with the proper work and sponsors. - lot's of mobility within the company.” —Current Employee
2. Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Career Opportunities Score: 3.8
Where Hiring: Saint Louis, MO; Maui Meadows, HI; Cedar Rapids, IA; Seattle, WA; Charleston, SC and many more
What They Do: “Enterprise Rent-A-Car is part of a portfolio of rental brands operated by Enterprise Holdings. With more than 97,000 employees in 9,600 global locations, Enterprise Holdings and its affiliates own and operate the largest fleet of vehicles in the world.”
What Employees Say: “The three main reasons why I joined Enterprise Holdings are still true and valid today. 1) Opportunity: I have see the company grow locally and grow internationally. I have been promoted more than seven times in eleven years. 2) Competitiveness: You always know where you stand, what you need to do to get promoted and what you need to do to improve your scoreboard. 3) Strong support system (top to bottom): The people who work here really care and want to help you advance in your career. Everyone on your team wants you to be as good as them or better. It is important to everyone that you perform and move your career forward.” —Current Area Manager
3. Olympus Corporation of the Americas
Career Opportunities Score: 3.6
Where Hiring: Center Valley, PA; Denver, CO; Hartford, CT; San Diego, CA; Phoenix, AZ and many more
What They Do: “Olympus is a world-renowned precision technology leader creating innovative solutions in medical equipment, scientific solutions and consumer products.”
What Employees Say: “Olympus is a multicultural workplace with a very diverse product and services lineup. They value hard work and a person can be quite successful here if they are willing to put forth the effort. Having said that, they also value a healthy work / life balance, and have several initiatives in progress to help enhance that value.” —Current Employee
4. Gogo
Career Opportunities Score: 3.7
Where Hiring: Chicago, IL; Seattle, WA; Bensenville, IL; Hamburg, Germany
What They Do: “Gogo is a leading global aero-communications service provider & has the largest number of aircraft online & is a pioneer in wireless digital entertainment & other services in the commercial & business aviation markets.”
What Employees Say: “Great location if you live downtown. Great company to work for[.] Gogo really wants you to succeed. Lots of future advancements within other departments.” —Current Employee
5. Epic Games
Career Opportunities Score: 3.8
Where Hiring: Cary, NC; Bellevue, WA; Montreal, Canada; Shanghai, China; Seoul, Korea; Guildford, England
What They Do: “Established in 1991, Epic Games develops cutting-edge games and cross-platform game engine technology.”
What Employees Say: “There are plenty of directions that you can go, internally. The people make this company the living organism that it is, and it shows. For a game dev, they focus on the person and family, which is massively different from the industry norm.” —Current Senior Engine Programmer
6. BDO USA
Career Opportunities Score: 3.6
Where Hiring: McLean, VA; San Francisco, CA; Melville, NY; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL and more
What They Do: “For more than 100 years, BDO USA has been recognized as a premier accounting, tax, financial advisory and consulting organization.”
What Employees Say: “The company has some of the most down to earth people in the accounting world who really care about you and your success. But this all depends on the line of business you work for, I worked for the NFP and healthcare group and the partners, managers and staff were good people to work with. Management is honest and cares about your life outside of work. You will learn a lot and if you perform well more responsibilities will be assigned along with promotions. If you work hard you will move up.” —Former Senior Associate
7. Waxie Sanitary Supply
Career Opportunities Score: 4.4
Where Hiring: San Diego, CA; Gresham, OR; Livermore, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; Mesa, AZ and more
What They Do: “We help businesses keep their facilities cleaner, healthier, greener...and safer.”
What Employees Say: “Great place to build a career - a professional company with a supportive culture and an excellent work environment. Dedicated to growth and expansion - excellent opportunity.” —Current Senior Account Consultant
8. Cheesecake Factory
Career Opportunities Score: 3.6
Where Hiring: Madison, WI; Indianapolis, IN; Boston, MA; Calabasas, CA; Portland, OR and many more
What They Do: “The Cheesecake Factory operates 207 restaurants, 193 under the The Cheesecake Factory concept, and employs approximately 35,000. Known for its scratch cooking, culinary expertise and operational efficiency, The Cheesecake Factory is a rich part of the American dining experience.”
What Employees Say: “Like to promote within, flexible, always has decent volume even during slow days/seasons, nice family feel, and great rewards for hard workers, they even offer benefits for those that work this as their ‘primary’ job and put in enough hours”. —Current Employee
9. APCO Worldwide
Career Opportunities Score: 3.7
Where Hiring: Washington, D.C.; Raleigh, NC; New York, NY; Berlin, Germany; London, England
What They Do: “APCO Worldwide is an independent, global communication, stakeholder engagement and business strategy firm.”
What Employees Say: “I appreciate that APCO is invested in my career path and professional development. We work hard but we are recognized for the work that we do. Managers are really good about delivering feedback in real time. I enjoy having healthy and constructive dialogue about what I want/need to get out of experiences. And they listen!” —Current Employee
10. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska
Career Opportunities Score: 3.8
Where Hiring: Omaha, NE
What They Do: “Blue Cross and Blue Shield brand represents the nation's largest and most experienced health care benefit companies.”
What Employees Say: “I started working at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska 8 years ago in an entry level position. The culture here promotes growth and leadership through its core values and leaders who are great mentors. I have moved into a manager position and have felt completely supported by leadership during my career at Blue Cross.” —Current Employee
Career Opportunities Score: 4.2
Where Hiring: Chicago, IL; Rolling Meadows, IL
What They Do: “With over 80 years of history and nearly $10B in assets, Alliant Credit Union is the largest credit union in Illinois and one of the largest in the nation.”
What Employees Say: “Alliant has been a great experience in many aspects. The company invests in its employees and their careers, challenges employees’ skills and capabilities, provides great opportunities to grow, and recognizes for hard work and milestones. They also value employees feedback.” —Current Manager
Editor’s Note: The companies and jobs highlighted in this article are curated by the editorial staff, listed in no particular order, and do not necessarily reflect the official methodology of Glassdoor’s official awards or honors. For more details about how companies and specific roles are considered for editorial coverage, please visit Glassdoor for Employers.