29 28 If you’re a high school student working a part-time job, or looking for a job at one of these organizations, you might be wondering if it will help you in the long run. Will it be more than just a temporary job or short-term way to make extra cash? The answer, according to a recent study, is yes! In fact, working at one of the top-ranked companies on the new American Opportunity Index could be one of the best ways to kickstart your career. What is “The American Opportunity Index”? The American Opportunity Index assesses how well different US companies maximize their talent and individual employee growth. Created by the Schultz Family Foundation, Burning Glass Institute, and Harvard Business School—this index ranks 50 large U.S. companies based on how they provide opportunities for entry-level workers, particularly those with only high school diplomas. The companies were evaluated on three key factors: 1. How often they hire entrylevel workers 2. How well they promote those workers from within 3. How well they prepare employees to move on to higher-paying jobs Why This Matters for You This ranking should be good news if you already work parttime at companies like Chipotle Mexican Grill, Foot Locker, Gap Inc., or Starbucks. Best Employers For High School Students If you don’t, and you are looking for a job, perhaps you should consider applying to one of them. This is because according to the study, they can be incredible launchpads for your career. According to the Study Chipotle Mexican Grill, ranked number one, is known for its structured development programs. Entry-level workers can move up quickly with the right effort. In fact, Chipotle is often celebrated for how well it promotes from within. Lowe’s, another top-ranked company, offers various training opportunities for its employees. It is known for helping them build skills that can lead to management positions. Walgreens Boots Alliance is highly rated at number three. This is not just for hiring entry-level workers, but also for giving them opportunities to move into higher-paying roles, whether within the company or elsewhere. What the Numbers Show To put it in perspective, companies at the top of the First Jobs metric are 4.3 times more likely to hire entry-level workers than other large firms. But that’s just the beginning, at companies strong in the Advancement Within category, such as Goodyear Tire & Rubber, employees are 2.5 times more likely to get promoted compared to their peers at other large companies. These promotions often come with significant raises— at least 10% in many cases. Perhaps even more impressively, employees at companies strong in
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