Retail workers at Gap are significantly more likely to become managers than at other companies in their industry. Apple Inc. is among the best places to work if you want to land a bigger job elsewhere. For employees seeking security, few companies offer better job stability than Exxon Mobil Corp. Certain companies, it turns out, excel at helping workers in these jobs move up the career and pay ladder. New skills at those firms don’t always translate into promotions, higher wages or more opportunities to advance.

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