Pennsylvanians Reveal the 3 Dream Employers Shaping Their Futures

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PENNSYLVANIA — A new statewide survey highlights which employers Pennsylvanians believe offer the best long-term career opportunities, underscoring how workforce development and upskilling are shaping job loyalty in an era of rapid change.

In a poll of 3,002 employees conducted by Careerminds, a global outplacement and career development firm, The Hershey Company ranked first among Pennsylvania employers most admired for career advancement, followed by University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and Comcast.

The findings reflect a growing emphasis on continuous learning and professional development as employees seek stability in a shifting labor market dominated by automation, AI, and evolving skill demands.

Local Leaders in Career Development

At the top of the list, Hershey earned praise for offering advancement opportunities across manufacturing, marketing, and corporate divisions, supported by formal leadership development programs. Respondents cited the company’s enduring reputation and “legacy of innovation” as key to its appeal.

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UPMC, one of the state’s largest employers, ranked second. Employees pointed to well-structured advancement paths in nursing, research, and healthcare administration, strengthened by partnerships with academic institutions.

Comcast, the Philadelphia-based telecommunications and media giant, rounded out the top three. Survey participants commended its commitment to employee growth through training, internships, and rotational programs in technology, media, and customer service.

Upskilling as a Career Imperative

According to Careerminds President Raymond Lee, the results reinforce that professional growth is no longer optional. “Upskilling isn’t a side project — it’s the heartbeat of a modern career,” Lee said. “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.”

National Trends and Worker Sentiment

The survey also highlighted regional standouts across the U.S., from Nike in Oregon to Harley-Davidson in Wisconsin and Boeing Defense in Missouri. Yet beneath the local pride, a shared concern emerged about readiness for technological disruption.

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Just 42% of respondents said they feel “very confident” their employers are preparing them for future challenges such as AI and automation. Another 25% said they were not confident at all.

When asked what most increases their loyalty, 73% said they would stay longer with an employer offering a clear career framework. The top drivers of retention included opportunities to move into new departments or roles (34%), leadership and mentorship programs (29%), and continuous training to keep pace with emerging technology (15%).

For Pennsylvania’s top-ranked employers, the message is clear: the most powerful workplace benefit isn’t a perk — it’s a pathway.

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