- Poll of 3,002 employees name 3 hometown employers best for career growth.
- United Airlines emerged in top spot, followed by AbbVie + Allstate.
- Interactive map showing the top choices by state.
Upskilling isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a career survival strategy. The pace of change in most industries means that what was cutting-edge five years ago is often outdated today. By learning new skills, you stay relevant, competitive, and open to opportunities that might otherwise pass you by. It also signals to employers that you are adaptable and forward-thinking, qualities that carry weight no matter your field. In many cases, upskilling can be the difference between plateauing and progressing.
To explore just how much this matters to workers, Careerminds, a global outplacement and career development firm, surveyed 3,002 employees and asked them which company they would most like to join if career development and upskilling opportunities were the only criteria. The results revealed some deeply local loyalties:
The top three choices in Illinois were:
United Airlines, Chicago
United Airlines stands out in the survey as a global carrier headquartered in Chicago with thousands of employees based at O’Hare. Staff point to clear training and career progression in flight operations, customer service, and management. United remains a workplace where professional development is matched with opportunities to connect people and places worldwide.
AbbVie, North Chicago
Survey respondents highlighted AbbVie because it remains one of Illinois’s leading pharmaceutical companies, known for research in immunology, oncology, and neuroscience. Employees value the structured career development programs that support advancement in both scientific and business roles. AbbVie continues to be recognized as a place where professional growth is closely linked to groundbreaking medical innovation.
Allstate, Northbrook
Respondents rated Allstate highly because it continues to be one of Illinois’s most established insurers and a major employer in the Chicago suburbs. Employees note the company’s investment in training programs that prepare staff for leadership and evolving digital roles. Allstate remains a trusted place for long-term careers in the financial and insurance sectors.
In other states, highlights included:
Maine: L.L.Bean
For Mainers, the top spot went to L.L.Bean. This isn’t just about flannel shirts and duck boots—it’s about a company that has built pathways for store staff to rise into management and corporate roles. Many respondents pointed to the training programs that help employees leap from seasonal retail into long-term careers. The brand’s heritage may be rooted in tradition, but its people see a future where career growth is built in.
Missouri: Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Missourians showed their practical streak, singling out Boeing Defense, Space & Security. As one of the state’s largest employers, Boeing offers not just jobs but structured career ladders in aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing. Workers here see Boeing as a place where you don’t just clock in—you pick up new technical expertise that can carry you through decades of industry shifts.
Oregon: Nike
Oregonians, perhaps unsurprisingly, set their sights on Nike. But it’s not only about the swoosh on a paycheck. Respondents talked about Nike’s culture of constant reinvention—how designers, marketers, and operations staff alike are encouraged to upskill, experiment, and carve out careers across departments. For many, Nike represents a workplace where professional growth isn’t a perk; it’s part of the brand DNA.
Wisconsin: Harley-Davidson
In Wisconsin, loyalty roared in with Harley-Davidson. Beyond the thunder of engines, the company is viewed as a guardian of craftsmanship and technical expertise. Workers praised the structured advancement in engineering and design, noting how Harley’s training programs let you grow alongside an iconic name. For locals, it’s the rare employer that offers both legacy and learning under one roof.
Hawaii: Hawaiian Airlines
Meanwhile, Hawaii’s workers kept their eyes on the skies. Hawaiian Airlines came out as the dream employer, largely because of its emphasis on long-term skill development. Pilots, crew, and service staff alike benefit from ongoing training that ensures careers can span decades. At a time when tourism drives so much of the state’s economy, Hawaiian Airlines is seen not just as an airline but as a steady ladder to the future.
Interactive map showing the top choices by state (click on ’embed’ to host on your site):
While the state results reveal where people picture themselves thriving, the survey also dug deeper into how employees feel about their own futures. Beyond naming dream employers, respondents shared candid views on whether their current workplaces are doing enough to prepare them for tomorrow’s challenges.
How Workers Feel About the Future
The survey didn’t just stop at naming employers – it also looked at how people view their own career security in a world of automation and AI.
- Confidence in preparation: 42% of workers said they feel “very confident” their employer is preparing them for seismic changes like AI. But a quarter admitted they’re not confident at all, with 16% “somewhat confident” and 17% stuck in the “unsure” column.
- Career frameworks and loyalty: A striking 73% said they’d be “much more likely” to stay with a company long-term if it provided a transparent career framework. Only 8% said it would make no difference, while the rest leaned toward “somewhat more likely.”
When asked what would increase loyalty the most, workers split their answers:
- 22% wanted a clear framework with defined steps.
- 29% preferred mentorship or leadership programs.
- 15% highlighted ongoing training to keep pace with AI.
- And the biggest group – 34% – chose opportunities to move into new departments or roles.
Commenting on the findings, Raymond Lee, President of Careerminds, said: “Upskilling isn’t a side project – it’s the heartbeat of a modern career. What really stood out in this survey is that employees don’t just want training; they want a clear map of where it can take them. The core message appears to be: growth equals loyalty.”
- Poll of 3,002 employees name 3 hometown employers best for career growth. United Airlines emerged in top spot, followed by AbbVie + Allstate.Interactive map showing the top choices by state. Upskilling
- Confidence
in preparation: 42% of workers said they feel “very confident” their
employer is preparing them for seismic changes like AI. But a quarter
admitted they’re not confident at all, with 16% “somewhat confident” and
17% stuck in the “unsure” column.Career
frameworks and loyalty: A striking 73% said they’d be “much more
likely” to stay with a company long-term if it provided a transparent
career framework. Only 8% said it would make no difference, while the
rest leaned toward “somewhat more likely.” When asked what would increase loyalty the most, workers split their answers: - 22% wanted a clear framework with defined steps.29% preferred mentorship or leadership programs.15% highlighted ongoing training to keep pace with AI.And the biggest group – 34% – chose opportunities to move into new departments or roles. Commenting on the findings, Raymond Lee, President of Careerminds, said: “Upskilling
isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a career survival strategy. The pace of
change in most industries means that what was cutting-edge five years
ago is often outdated today. By learning new skills, you stay relevant,
competitive, and open to opportunities that might otherwise pass you by.
It also signals to employers that you are adaptable and
forward-thinking, qualities that carry weight no matter your field. In
many cases, upskilling can be the difference between plateauing and
progressing.To explore just how much this matters to workers, Careerminds,
a global outplacement and career development firm, surveyed 3,002
employees and asked them which company they would most like to join if
career development and upskilling opportunities were the only criteria.
The results revealed some deeply local loyalties:The top three choices in Illinois were:United Airlines, Chicago
United Airlines stands out in the survey as a global carrier
headquartered in Chicago with thousands of employees based at O’Hare.
Staff point to clear training and career progression in flight
operations, customer service, and management. United remains a workplace
where professional development is matched with opportunities to connect
people and places worldwide.AbbVie, North Chicago
Survey respondents highlighted AbbVie because it remains one of
Illinois’s leading pharmaceutical companies, known for research in
immunology, oncology, and neuroscience. Employees value the structured
career development programs that support advancement in both scientific
and business roles. AbbVie continues to be recognized as a place where
professional growth is closely linked to groundbreaking medical
innovation.Allstate, Northbrook
Respondents rated Allstate highly because it continues to be one of
Illinois’s most established insurers and a major employer in the Chicago
suburbs. Employees note the company’s investment in training programs
that prepare staff for leadership and evolving digital roles. Allstate
remains a trusted place for long-term careers in the financial and
insurance sectors.In other states, highlights included:Maine: L.L.Bean
For Mainers, the top spot went to L.L.Bean. This isn’t just about
flannel shirts and duck boots—it’s about a company that has built
pathways for store staff to rise into management and corporate roles.
Many respondents pointed to the training programs that help employees
leap from seasonal retail into long-term careers. The brand’s heritage
may be rooted in tradition, but its people see a future where career
growth is built in.Missouri: Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Missourians showed their practical streak, singling out Boeing Defense,
Space & Security. As one of the state’s largest employers, Boeing
offers not just jobs but structured career ladders in aerospace,
defense, and advanced manufacturing. Workers here see Boeing as a place
where you don’t just clock in—you pick up new technical expertise that
can carry you through decades of industry shifts.Oregon: Nike
Oregonians, perhaps unsurprisingly, set their sights on Nike. But it’s
not only about the swoosh on a paycheck. Respondents talked about Nike’s
culture of constant reinvention—how designers, marketers, and
operations staff alike are encouraged to upskill, experiment, and carve
out careers across departments. For many, Nike represents a workplace
where professional growth isn’t a perk; it’s part of the brand DNA.Wisconsin: Harley-Davidson
In Wisconsin, loyalty roared in with Harley-Davidson. Beyond the thunder
of engines, the company is viewed as a guardian of craftsmanship and
technical expertise. Workers praised the structured advancement in
engineering and design, noting how Harley’s training programs let you
grow alongside an iconic name. For locals, it’s the rare employer that
offers both legacy and learning under one roof.Hawaii: Hawaiian Airlines
Meanwhile, Hawaii’s workers kept their eyes on the skies. Hawaiian
Airlines came out as the dream employer, largely because of its emphasis
on long-term skill development. Pilots, crew, and service staff alike
benefit from ongoing training that ensures careers can span decades. At a
time when tourism drives so much of the state’s economy, Hawaiian
Airlines is seen not just as an airline but as a steady ladder to the
future.Interactive map showing the top choices by state (click on ’embed’ to host on your site):While
the state results reveal where people picture themselves thriving, the
survey also dug deeper into how employees feel about their own futures.
Beyond naming dream employers, respondents shared candid views on
whether their current workplaces are doing enough to prepare them for
tomorrow’s challenges.How Workers Feel About the Future
The survey didn’t just stop at naming employers – it also looked at how
people view their own career security in a world of automation and AI.
isn’t a side project – it’s the heartbeat of a modern career. What
really stood out in this survey is that employees don’t just want
training; they want a clear map of where it can take them. The core
message appears to be: growth equals loyalty.”
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