Taking a career break to focus on family or personal pursuits is a common decision, but returning to the professional world can feel like navigating a maze. General Motors (GM), a company committed to inclusivity and innovation, understands this challenge. Through its Career Re-Entry Program, GM offers a supportive pathway for experienced professionals to relaunch their careers after a break of two years or more. This initiative not only enriches GM’s diverse workforce but also empowers individuals to seamlessly transition back into a thriving career.
The General Motors Career Re-Entry Program, also known as the “Take 2 Career Re-launcher Program,” is a comprehensive 12-week program designed to bridge the gap between a career break and full-time employment. It’s more than just a return to work; it’s a structured experience that provides participants with the necessary tools and confidence to excel. Imagine a program that understands the unique needs of returning professionals, offering tailored training, mentorship, and networking opportunities – that’s the essence of GM’s commitment.
Image alt text: Kristen Siepker, a Finance Manager at General Motors, sharing her positive experience with the Career Re-Entry Program.
Real Stories, Real Success: Insights from GM Re-Entry Program Participants
To truly understand the impact of the program, let’s hear from those who have directly benefited. Kristen Siepker, now a Finance Manager at GM, and Reta Arafat, an Active Safety Lead System Validation Engineer, are two such success stories. Both women had established careers in the automotive industry before taking career breaks for family reasons. The General Motors Career Re-Entry Program became their bridge back to professional fulfillment.
Siepker’s journey began in finance at another automotive company, followed by a role at Visteon. Arafat’s career started with a rotational engineering program and progressed to an Instrument Cluster DRE position. Despite their established backgrounds, returning to work after a break felt daunting. The Take 2 program offered them not just a job, but a structured re-entry experience.
Image alt text: Reta Arafat, an Active Safety Lead System Validation Engineer at General Motors, highlighting the supportive environment of the Career Re-Entry Program.
Discovering the Program: Serendipitous Paths to Re-Entry
How did Siepker and Arafat discover this invaluable program? For Siepker, the connection was familial. Her daughter, an engineer at GM, informed her about the expansion of the Take 2 program to include finance professionals. Arafat’s path was through community engagement. Volunteering at her church, she met another volunteer working at GM who recognized her desire to return to the automotive industry and recommended the program. These stories highlight that opportunities to apply for the General Motors Career Re-Entry Program can be found through networking and staying connected, even during a career break.
The Take 2 Experience: Preparation and Support for a Successful Return
Both Siepker and Arafat emphasize the program’s crucial role in their successful return to full-time work. Siepker highlights how the Take 2 program laid a “foundation to be successful” through technical skill training, professional development, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Arafat appreciated the supportive cohort environment, stating, “Starting this program with others who were in the same situation was very comforting to me.” This shared experience, combined with the program’s structure, eased their transition back into the professional landscape.
Choosing GM: Beyond the Program
Arafat’s decision to join GM permanently was influenced by her long-standing admiration for the company’s products and, more importantly, its values. “The combination of the company’s work ethics, vision, values, and integrity is why I am still here,” she states. This speaks volumes about GM’s company culture and its commitment to its employees, making it an attractive employer for those re-entering the workforce.
Continuous Growth: Professional Development at GM
GM’s commitment to employee growth extends beyond the re-entry program. Siepker actively participates in Employee Engagement Committees, DEI initiatives, recruiting, and even the Finance Take 2 program, showcasing the diverse avenues for involvement within GM. Arafat benefits from the GM Women Employee Resource Group, which offers workshops and programs focused on professional development, further demonstrating GM’s investment in its employees’ long-term career trajectories.
Mentorship and Sponsorship: Guiding the Re-Entry Journey
Mentorship plays a vital role in the General Motors Career Re-Entry Program. Both Siepker and Arafat were assigned mentors who provided guidance and support. Siepker expanded her network to include informal mentors, while Arafat built a strong mentoring relationship with her Engineering Group Manager. These mentorship experiences underscore GM’s supportive environment and its dedication to nurturing talent at all career stages.
Empowerment and Growth: GM’s Culture of Support
GM fosters a culture that empowers employees to grow. Siepker points to the GM Behaviors as the foundation for this empowering environment. Arafat highlights GM’s proactive approach to employee development, offering tools to identify opportunities and encouraging continuous learning and mentoring. This commitment to growth makes GM an ideal place to not just restart a career but to propel it forward.
Key Takeaway: Embrace Curiosity and Overcome Fear
When asked about the most memorable career advice, Siepker emphasizes, “Always be curious! Push yourself to feel uncomfortable; it is in this space you will learn the most.” Arafat’s advice is equally powerful: “Don’t ever think you are not good enough for a job, a position or even switching career paths.” Her experience of applying to the Take 2 internship despite initial fears and achieving significant success is a testament to this advice.
Ready to Relaunch Your Career? Apply to the General Motors Career Re-Entry Program
The stories of Kristen Siepker and Reta Arafat exemplify the transformative impact of the General Motors Career Re-Entry Program. If you are an experienced professional looking to return to the workforce after a career break, GM offers a welcoming and supportive environment to reignite your career. Applying for the General Motors Career Re-Entry Program is your first step towards a successful and fulfilling professional relaunch. Visit the GM careers website today to explore opportunities and take control of your career journey. GM is not just building vehicles; they are building careers and fostering a truly inclusive workforce.
