As we’ve seen folks flee from big cities during the COVID-19 pandemic, other areas in the United States have flourished. For instance, North Carolina has continued its transformation to a tech hotspot, welcoming new employees as they seek relocation.
Charlotte, NC is being labeled a financial hub, and many tech companies have found themselves moving to The Research Triangle in Raleigh-Durham. This, in turn, is a warm invitation for the tech migration. Software developers and C-level entrepreneurs are packing their bags to arrive in the Carolinas, an area now ripe for transplants.
The mid-sized city is booming with job opportunities and boasts a high quality of life and low cost of living. Not to mention, the area is abound with beautiful landscapes and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Why not begin your career in this growing region? Here are 17 companies headquartered in the Carolinas you should consider on your job hunt.
Headquarters: Cary, NC
Entry-level openings: Entry-level roles include warehouse quality specialists, project specialists, data analysts, customer support specialists, field service engineers and more.
Hiring perks: Career development, global mobility, learning opportunities, retirement plans, life, disability and medical insurance, and enrollment in the company’s wellbeing program
Company culture: Work for a tech giant and connect to colleagues globally through digital initiatives.
ABB is a leading global tech company, connecting software to robotics, automation and motion. The company has an illustrious 130-year history and is home to approximately 105,000 employees in over 100 countries. ABB prioritizes courage, care, curiosity and collaboration in their hiring literature and has developed a thoughtful approach to equity and sustainability.
Headquarters: Raleigh, NC
Entry-level openings: Internships and entry-level roles can be found in marketing, IT, real estate, finance and HR.
Hiring perks: Offerings for home and auto discounts, cell phone services, entertainment and more; over 7,000 brand name products eligible through payroll deduction; store discount; paid sick and vacation time; bereavement pay; paid maternity leave; 401k with company match; competitive healthcare plan & more.
Company culture: Focus on career advancement in a people-oriented, diverse and innovation-driven workplace.
Ready to rev your engine? Advance Auto Parts is an automotive aftermarket parts provider, serving professional mechanics and DIY-style customers. With over a century in business, the company hires over 70,000 employees and has over 5,100 stores in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The company has prioritized many in-house networks to promote diversity and inclusion, such as Advance Pride, African Americans Leading Inclusion and Growth Network (ALIGN), the Women In Motion Network and others. A robust approach to people and customers puts Advance Auto Parts on the map!
Headquarters: Charlotte, NC
Entry-level openings: Bank of America has launched a number of programs aimed at acquiring young and diverse talent.
Hiring perks: Career mobility, financial health resources, integrated approach to wellness, Life Event Services
Company culture: Bank of America emphasizes the need for community through social events and work-life balance, scheduling shared interest events for employees, volunteering and philanthropy hours and support networks to promote diversity and inclusion.
Bank of America’s overarching mission is to make financial lives better for clients and communities through the power of connection. Uh, where was this financial literature when we were teens? This work includes personal and business banking, wealth management programs and investing. The company’s approach to leadership values and social governance has been applauded by Sheryl Sandberg and the organization continues to recognize and celebrate employees through integrated wellness and the promotion of work-life balance. Bank of America is headed toward a tech-forward future through the responsible use of artificial intelligence, accessible banking and investing strategies.
Headquarters: Charlotte, NC
Entry-level openings: Belk has created multiple programs to develop and invest in college students and recent grads, such as a Retail Development Program.
Hiring perks: Three medical plan options, 401k with company match, paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave, pet insurance, generous PTO, associate discount, professional development opportunities, paid volunteer time
Company culture: At the Charlotte headquarters, employees have access to an on-site cafeteria, coffee bar and gym.
Belk is a Southern department store chain with nearly 300 locations in 16 states. Founded in 1888, the company has a 130-year history investing in communities through fair prices, sincere hospitality and development of the fashion industry. The company offers roles that span from seasonal department store associates to corporate roles for career advancement.
Headquarters: Charleston, SC
Entry-level openings: Blackbaud has an easy-to-navigate career website for internships and early career opportunities, including roles in business development, customer support and operations.
Hiring perks: Blackbaud offers generous health benefits as well as wellness programs, career development opportunities and unique approaches like volunteering for vacation, local discounts and gift-matching philanthropy options.
Company culture: Blackbaud centers itself around the idea of “helping good take over.” This means the company is big on philanthropic endeavors, like time off for volunteering, company-wide service days and more. They also acknowledge that building software platforms for organizations that “do good” is dependent on diverse experiences and perspectives in the workplace, prioritizing growth in diversity and inclusion.
Blackbaud is a cloud software company, leading at the intersection of technology and social good. What a dynamic duo! Their software is uniquely designed to support a wide range of social good communities, such as nonprofits, foundations, corporations, education institutions, healthcare institutions and individuals who support these endeavors. Boasting technology that helps leverage social change-making, this company is great for the techie who wants to change the world for good.
Headquarters: Durham, NC
Entry-level openings: Cree’s College Recruiting Program places interns and entry-level workers in jobs designed to empower and help them grow.
Hiring perks: On-site cafe and fitness center, on-site physical and massage therapists, personalized ergonomic evaluations, EV charging stations, adoption assistance, paid parental leave and competitive medical and time off benefits
Company culture: Cree has a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and diversity & inclusion efforts. With an on-site cafe and fitness center, social and cultural events, and community engagement, they are intentional about the integrated wellness and retention of their employees.
Cree is leading the future of semiconductor markets through silicon carbide and GaN technologies. This helps with the transition to electric vehicles, 5G networks and the evolution of renewable energy. Cree’s approach to innovation is that they “do amazing things in a human way,” through values such as: integrity & respect, ownership & accountability, and ingenuity & passion. With leadership spanning over 30 years and expanding across the globe, Cree is a brand known for their innovation, strength and reliability.
Headquarters: Charlotte, NC
Entry-level openings: Dentsply Sirona has a variety of open roles, from quality inspection, control and packaging, to sales, marketing, and engineering.
Hiring perks: Professional development tracks, external certifications, bonus pay, regional leadership development programs
Company culture: Dentsply Sirona encourages employees to “develop faster, perform better, shape an industry and make a difference.” This is achieved through company networks, in-house professional development, working with a market leader, and the opportunity to improve an industry on a global level.
Dentsply Sirona is the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental solutions. They do this through education courses, advanced dentistry development, clinical studies, customer support, and innovative technology solutions. They develop a complete line of dental and oral health products, and a full suite of technology products like 3D imaging systems, dental restorative products, orthodontic solutions and more. Dentsply Sirona is making dental care better and easier—and making customers smile. Next time you’re getting those teeth cleaned, think of the manufacturing that went into those pearly whites!
Headquarters: Fort Mill, SC
Entry-level openings: Domtar offers structured associate engineering programs as well as internships and co-op positions.
Hiring perks: Paid vacation, education reimbursement, health and wellness benefits, 401K, parental leave, income protection
Company culture: Domtar is people-focused and markets a diverse and caring community of innovators.
Domtar isn’t your usual Dunder Mifflin, but they are a paper mill company! This company designs, manufactures, markets and distributes a wide variety of papers and pulps, streamlining the manufacturing and distribution of products people use every day. Domtar emphasizes their commitment to sustainability through various approaches to water and waste management, energy emissions and more. Domtar has been in some communities for over a century and proudly creates jobs in communities surrounding their paper mills. With nearly 10,000 employees, Domtar’s values include agility, caring and innovation.
Headquarters: Charlotte, NC
Entry-level openings: Duke has a strong Talent Community for college students seeking internships or entry-level work in customer service, distribution, finance, gas operations, HR, IT, nuclear, power generation and transmission.
Hiring perks: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage; retirement benefits; wellness programs; time-off benefits; work-life balance programs; paid parental leave
Company culture: Duke has partnerships and in-house networks to build strong employee resource groups, empowering employees to be authentic, innovative and included.
Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States. Providing electricity to 7.8 million customers in seven states, Duke has a hand in the future of energy. With projects in renewable energy solutions and modernizing their energy grid, this company is a powerhouse (ha ha, get it?) to work for. They share a commitment to a responsible stewardship of the environment and a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Headquarters: Charlotte, NC
Entry-level openings: Honeywell has a variety of opportunities for students and recent grads, such as leadership development programs, a global internship program and a talent community.
Hiring perks: Employee discounts, education assistance, adoption assistance, paid vacation and holidays, 401K, commuter benefits, business travel insurance, competitive health benefits, coaching support and more
Company culture: Honeywell boasts a “performance culture,” dedicated to people, community service and opportunity. With three major philanthropic pillars (STEM Education, humanitarian relief, and inclusion and diversity), Honeywell is proud to sponsor volunteer opportunities while developing teams of “future shapers.”
Honeywell asks: “Why wait for the future when you can create it?” Honeywell’s century-long history of innovative technology covers areas like aerospace engineering, building and architecture technologies, performance materials, cybersecurity, health and pharmaceuticals, and safety and productivity solutions. So basically, they’re a Jack of all trades. Its company values are community, integrity and compliance, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion. Prioritizing technological advancements and innovation, Honeywell is constantly growing and looking for bright young people with passions for finance and engineering.
Headquarters: Mooresville, NC
Entry-level openings: Lowe’s has many internship opportunities for students and recent grads, including a ten-week program in areas like finance, supply chain, merchandising, technology, store operations and human relations.
Hiring perks: Competitive pay and benefits, paid time off, 401K, employee assistance, education assistance, adoption assistance, parental leave, business travel insurance, store discounts
Company culture: Lowe’s prides itself on being people-powered, offering a number of professional development opportunities, business resource groups and philanthropic endeavors.
Lowe’s is a national home improvement and hardware store dedicated to servicing customers and providing quality products in over 2,200 stores. Lowe’s began in 1921 as a small-town hardware store right in North Carolina, and now employs over 300,000 associates nationwide. The Lowe’s Charitable & Educational Foundation supports hometown partners in Charlotte, as well.
US Headquarters: Greenville, SC
Entry-level openings: Michelin hosts a number of internship and co-op opportunities, as well as a Global Leadership Program for MBA students. As far as entry-level openings, Michelin has opportunities in engineering, customer service, IT, sales and quality control.
Hiring perks: Michelin advertises competitive benefits, career development, and work-life balance as key pillars in the company culture.
Company culture: Michelin aims to equip its employees with a “long, empowered career path,” and does this with state-of-the-art work environments, company networks to improve diversity and inclusion efforts, and many opportunities for philanthropy and community engagement.
Let’s roll with Michelin! Michelin is known as the world’s top-selling tire brand and is dedicated to enhancing mobility for customers in a smart, sustainable way. Michelin’s leadership is passionate about “using technology at the service of human well-being” and facilitates innovative, creative work in its offices and factories worldwide.
Headquarters: Greensboro, NC
Entry-level openings: Qorvo has openings in engineering, maintenance tech, quality control and more.
Hiring perks: Qorvo has a strong benefits package, including competitive healthcare coverage, protection insurance, 401K match and savings plan, employee stock purchase plans, paid time off and tuition reimbursement.
Company culture: Qorvo connects people and technology and aims to help its employees climb the “Technical Ladder” to grow and develop in the professional world. Qorvo also prides itself on recognizing outstanding performance and awards employees who publish articles, speak at conferences and develop patents.
Qorvo specializes in connecting and protecting the world through radio frequency (RF) technologies and core technology solutions to mobile, infrastructure, defense/aerospace and Internet of Things markets. A jack of all trades! Qorvo is proud to lead advancements in design, manufacturing and communications and quietly exists all around us, from cell phone tech to Mars missions. Qorvo employs approximately 8,000 innovative and creative workers, solving complex technological challenges every day.
Headquarters: Raleigh, NC
Entry-level openings: Red Hat has an internship program for students and a Consulting Launch Program for graduates that are accessible in cities across the U.S.
Hiring perks: Red Hat boasts competitive base pay, as well as a quarterly bonus program, various leave opportunities and a bull benefits portfolio.
Company culture: Red Hat was named one of Forbes’ best global employers in 2020. With an open work environment, commitment to community, internal training opportunities and a peer recognition program, Red Hat works hard to celebrate and empower its teams worldwide.
Red Hat is the world’s leading provider of enterprise open source solutions. This means they work to deliver high-performing Linux, cloud, container and Kubernetes technology, creating more stable, secure and innovative software that we use every day. With award-winning support, training and consulting services, Red Hat is proud to protect open source licenses, pushing the boundaries of technological ability. Red Hats departments are: sales, technology, consulting and corporate, all with innovative sub-categories like marketing or app development. The opportunities are endless!
Headquarters: Cary, NC
Entry-level openings: SAS is a strong player in entry-level development offering robust technical, analytical and business internship programs, as well as Early Career Programs like a Sales Academy, Customer Advisory Academy, Technical Enablement Academy and a Marketing Rotational Program.
Hiring perks: With multiple offices around the globe, SAS advertises world-class working environments. They also offer competitive retirement and insurance plans, 3 weeks of paid vacation time upon hiring, tuition assistance, technical training, subsidized fitness plans (and on-site health and fitness centers at the world headquarters!) and on-site daycare in regional offices.
Company culture: SAS has been awarded for its company culture, with a variety of values and advocacy to highlight. Whether it’s providing STEM technology to students around the world, using data to solve social issues, or engaging in volunteer causes, employees have the opportunity to find fulfillment in all facets of the job.
SAS is a leader in analytics, dedicated to turning data into intelligence. Their vision is a world where people are able to make better decisions, grounded in trusted data. With a powerful analytics program, companies are able to discover insights from their data and get help from SAS making sense of it all. The company employs over 12,000 people and has customers in over 145 countries. Another bragging point? SAS’s software is installed in more than 82,000 business, government and university sites, and 91 of the top 100 companies on the 2020 Fortune Global 500 are SAS customers.
Headquarters: Hartsville, SC
Entry-level openings: Sonoco’s Emerging Leaders Program helps students and young professionals find internships or full-time work. In fact, 21% of Sonoco’s leadership team hails from its intern and training programs.
Hiring perks: Sonoco reports competitive health coverage and generous time-off benefits, dedicated to retaining talent and ensuring balance and wellness for its thousands of employees.
Company culture: Sonoco started as a small family business in the late 1800s and still promises a people-forward, teamwork-driven atmosphere to this day. Sonoco practices an open culture and has a number of employee networks, including a diversity and inclusion council.
Sonoco is a packaging company that creates unique customer experiences and supports clients’ branding through quality packaging products. From protecting life-saving vaccines, increasing access to fresh foods and delivering important products safely and conveniently, Sonoco is dedicated to making lives better through their packaging solutions. I mean, it must be working – my life drastically improves when I see a package on my doorstep! The company is over a century old and now employs over 23,000 people across 36 countries.
Headquarters: Columbia, SC
Entry-level openings: SouthState is hiring for a variety of positions, from tellers and customer care representatives, to financial consultants and commercial bankers.
Hiring perks: SouthState benefits include medical, dental and vision plans, paid time off, flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance, 401K, employee stock purchase plan, and discounts for other businesses.
Company culture: SouthState is proud to offer a slew of professional development opportunities and seeks to provide a “bank/life balance” for its employees.
SouthState Bank is passionate about creating a better banking experience for personal, small business and commercial accounts and is a leading regional bank in the Southeast, serving customers in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, and of course, the Carolinas. From roles in commercial, consumer, mortgage and wealth sectors, South State is committed to finding the right fit for its employees and helping them grow and lead with a number of mentoring, leadership and development opportunities.
