When you land your first job, you’re likely thinking about building experience, paying the bills and maybe figuring out where you want your career to go. But what if one of your “entry-level” jobs could do more than that? What if it offered a chance at real ownership and a piece of your employer that could grow alongside you?
Many early‐career workers at major companies like Apple Inc. or Tesla, Inc. found themselves in just that position: an early job, coupled with stock awards or employee equity programs, that turned into much more over time.
Let’s look at how landing a job that offers stock or ownership benefits can do more than just pay the bills. Find out how to spot companies that give employees a chance to own a piece of the business, what to look for in those stock plans and which employers are known for offering these kinds of opportunities from the start.
Why Stock Compensation Can Be a Big Deal
A paycheck covers your bills, but stock or ownership gives you a chance to grow wealth as the company grows. Some companies offer employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs) where you can buy shares at a discount. Others offer restricted stock units (RSUs) that vest over a few years, meaning the longer you stay, the more stock you own.
Even if the stock doesn’t soar overnight, these programs let you share in the company’s success. Over time, that extra ownership can add up to far more than a bonus or raise.
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How To Tell If a Job’s Stock Offer Is Worth It
The Kind of Equity/Ownership the Company Offers
- If it’s an ESPP: Is there a discount? Is there a look-back (i.e., you get price benefit from the earlier period)? For example, at NVIDIA Corporation the ESPP offers a 15% discount and a “look-back” that can boost value.
- If RSUs: When do they vest? How many shares are offered? What’s the likely value? The vesting schedule matters because if you leave early you may forfeit much of it.
- If ESOP: Understand how the employee-owner portion is structured. Are you eligible early? Are there vesting or waiting periods?
Where You Are in Your Career
The more “entry-level” the role is (even if in a big company), the more potential upside there may be if the stock works out, simply because your cost (risk) is relatively low compared to the potential gain. Early roles in companies that later grew substantially are the classic stories.
Company’s Stability and Growth Runway
If the company is already large and stagnant, equity still has value, but it probably won’t multiply like in a growth stage firm. If you join a company before it scales, your equity can grow dramatically. That said, higher growth often comes with higher risk.
Your Timeframe and Ability To Stick Around
Many stock programs require you to stay for several years to vest or unlock full benefit. If you plan to move on quickly, you might leave value on the table. But if you view the job as a springboard and are willing to stay long enough to vest, you’re more likely to capture the upside.
Taxes and Liquidity
Stock compensation often triggers taxable events (at vesting or at sale). Some companies may let you buy at a discount but the shares may be subject to holding periods or restrictions. It’s wise to understand the tax implications and whether you’ll have the ability to sell shares when you want.
Best Companies That Offer Stock to Employees
Apple
Apple gives many employees RSUs as part of their compensation package, according to Arch Financial Planning. If you were an early hire years ago, those shares would have multiplied in value many times over. But even now, it’s a solid way to share in the company’s success.
Tesla
Tesla’s employee stock purchase plan lets workers buy stock at a discount, giving everyone from engineers to warehouse staff a chance to invest in the company’s future, according to Thanks Ben. Since its IPO, Tesla’s stock has experienced massive growth, turning even small, consistent purchases into impressive gains over time. Employees who stick around long enough to participate regularly in the ESPP often find that their shares appreciate substantially, thanks to both the discount and Tesla’s volatility-driven rallies.
For someone starting out, the ability to buy into a major company like Tesla without a broker or investment account can be an exciting way to learn firsthand how the stock market works and maybe even watch those investments grow alongside your career.
NVIDIA
According to Equity for the Win, NVIDIA offers one of the more generous ESPPs, with a 15% discount and a “look-back” feature that lets you buy shares at the lowest price during the offering period. It’s a perk that’s been huge as the company’s stock has soared.
Starbucks
Starbucks has long been known for its “Bean Stock” program, which gives eligible employees stock options and the chance to share in the company’s success, even if you’re starting as a barista.
Costco
Costco is another great example of a company that treats employees like long-term partners. Eligible employees can buy company stock and participate in its 401(k) plan, which includes company stock as an investment option, per Falcon Wealth. Because Costco has a reputation for stability, steady growth and strong employee retention, owning a piece of the company can be both low-risk and rewarding.
Long-time Costco workers often talk about how their retirement savings grew significantly simply by holding onto company shares and reinvesting dividends over the years. It’s proof that even a warehouse or cashier position can become a foundation for lasting financial growth if your employer values employee ownership.
From First Job to Real Ownership
Not every job will turn into a financial windfall, but starting your career with a company that offers stock puts you in the mindset of an owner, not just an employee. It’s a reminder that the earlier you start thinking about building wealth, even through your job, the better off you’ll be.
So when you’re scanning job listings, don’t just look at the hourly pay or salary. Check if there’s an employee stock plan tucked into the benefits section. It might just be the most valuable part of your compensation and the start of your long-term wealth story.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Best First Jobs Where You Can Earn Potentially Lucrative Stock
