The modern professional landscape is witnessing a significant shift as more women, along with other professionals, are choosing to take career breaks for various personal reasons. This growing trend has highlighted the crucial need for structured career restart programs, often referred to as returnship programs, to facilitate their smooth re-entry into the workforce. In India, a progressive wave of companies is recognizing this need and are actively launching initiatives to support these professionals. These Women Career Break Programs are meticulously designed, offering comprehensive training, valuable mentorship, and robust networking opportunities.
These programs extend benefits far beyond individual professionals; they are also proving to be strategic advantages for companies. By tapping into this previously underutilized talent pool, businesses are not only enriching their workforce diversity but also taking concrete steps to bridge the persistent gender gap in various industries.
Several leading companies in India have already established impactful returnship programs. Here are some notable examples:
Top Indian Companies Championing Women Career Return Programs
Amazon India – Rekindle Program
Amazon India’s Rekindle program stands out as a dedicated initiative aimed at empowering women returning to work after a career break. This robust program offers a 16-week paid internship, providing a structured pathway back into the professional world. Participants benefit from hands-on experience and mentorship, with high-performing interns having a strong possibility of transitioning into full-time roles within Amazon.
Goldman Sachs India – Returnship Program
Goldman Sachs India’s Returnship program is specifically tailored for individuals who have been on a career break for at least two years. This intensive 12-week paid internship is structured to refresh skills and reintegrate participants into the fast-paced financial industry. The program is a gateway to potential full-time employment at Goldman Sachs, offering a significant career boost for returning professionals.
Deloitte India – Encore Program
Deloitte India’s Encore program is a 16-week initiative supporting professionals returning after a career break of two or more years. This program offers a six-month paid internship, providing a more extended period for reintegration and skill enhancement within Deloitte’s dynamic environment. Successful completion can lead to full-time positions, making it a valuable opportunity for career revitalization.
SAP India – Career Restart Program
SAP India’s Career Restart program is specifically designed to support women who have taken a career break of at least two years. This focused three-month paid internship aims to smoothly transition women back into the tech industry. The program offers a pathway to potential full-time roles at SAP, leveraging their global presence and innovation-driven culture.
IBM India – Career Restart Program
IBM India’s Career Restart program is inclusive of individuals who have been on a career break for over two years. This comprehensive 12-month paid internship provides an extended period for professionals to update their skills and adapt to the evolving tech landscape. IBM’s program is a significant commitment to re-entry professionals, with potential conversion to full-time employment.
Barclays India – Encore Program
Barclays India’s Encore returnship program is a flagship diversity and inclusion initiative. It is designed to equip individuals returning from a career break with the necessary tools to re-enter the workforce confidently. Encore offers leadership and development training, mentorship, networking, and a paid working role during the program. High performers may be offered permanent positions at Barclays, making it a robust career re-launch platform.
Conclusion: Embracing Returnships for a Diverse Future
Returnship programs represent a mutually beneficial strategy for both professionals and companies. They provide a structured and supportive route for talented individuals to relaunch their careers after a break, while simultaneously enabling companies to access a rich and diverse talent pool. As these programs continue to demonstrate their value, it is anticipated that more companies will be inspired to adopt similar initiatives, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic workforce in India and beyond.
Organisations like Qween are also instrumental in providing career support and opportunities for women, particularly through specialized returnship programs. Their ‘Rehire’ program assists individuals affected by layoffs, and the ‘Women Return in Tech’ (WRIT) program, in partnership with TNS India Foundation, specifically supports skilled women seeking to return to the tech sector.
Explore Qween’s Programs:
- ‘Rehire’ program: https://qween.in/get_hired/
- ‘Women Return in Tech’ (WRIT) program: https://qween.in/returnintech/
Let’s collectively strive towards building a more inclusive and diverse professional ecosystem that recognizes and values the contributions of returning professionals.
