Taking a career break for personal reasons is becoming increasingly common for women and professionals globally. Recognizing this evolving workforce dynamic, career restart programs, also known as returnship programs, are gaining significant traction. In India, numerous forward-thinking companies are proactively launching initiatives to support these talented individuals in relaunching their careers. These programs are meticulously designed to provide essential training, valuable mentorship, and crucial networking opportunities, paving the way for a successful career comeback.
These programs offer a dual advantage, not only empowering individuals but also enabling companies to tap into a diverse and experienced talent pool. This strategic approach simultaneously addresses the pressing need for gender diversity in the workforce, creating a more inclusive and balanced professional landscape.
India is home to a growing number of companies championing returnship programs. Here are some notable examples:
1. Amazon India – Rekindle Program
Amazon India’s Rekindle program is specifically tailored to support women professionals who have taken a career hiatus and are now seeking to re-enter the workforce. This comprehensive program offers a 16-week paid internship, providing a structured pathway back into the professional sphere. Upon successful completion of the internship, participants are considered for full-time employment opportunities within Amazon, making it a direct route to restarting their careers.
https://www.amazon.jobs/en/landing_pages/rekindle
2. Goldman Sachs India – Returnship Program
The Goldman Sachs Returnship program in India is designed for individuals who have been on a career break for a minimum of two years. This intensive 12-week paid internship program is structured to facilitate a smooth transition back into the demanding financial sector. Successful interns are evaluated for potential full-time positions at Goldman Sachs, offering a significant opportunity to reignite their careers in finance.
https://www.goldmansachs.com/worldwide/india/careers/india-returnship.html
3. Deloitte India – Encore Program
Deloitte India’s Encore program is a 16-week initiative aimed at professionals who have been on a career break of two years or more. This program provides a six-month paid internship, offering an extended period for participants to update their skills and reintegrate into the corporate environment. The Encore program also includes the possibility of converting the internship into a full-time role at Deloitte, making it a strong pathway for women to restart their professional journey.
https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/careers/articles/join-deloitte-encore-program.html
4. SAP India – Career Restart Program
SAP India’s Career Restart program is specifically focused on women who have taken a career break of at least two years. This three-month paid internship is strategically designed to provide women with the necessary skills and confidence to re-enter the technology sector. Successful completion of the program can lead to full-time employment at SAP, offering a valuable opportunity for women to relaunch their tech careers.
https://jobs.sap.com/go/SAP-Returnship-Program/5365101/
5. IBM India – Career Restart Program
IBM India’s Career Restart program is open to individuals who have been on a career break for more than two years, with a strong emphasis on supporting women in tech. This comprehensive 12-month paid internship provides an extended immersion into IBM’s work environment, allowing participants ample time to refresh their skills and adapt to the current industry landscape. The program offers a clear pathway to potential full-time roles at IBM, making it a significant avenue for women seeking to restart their careers in technology.
https://www.ibm.com/blogs/jobs/return-to-the-workforce-with-the-ibm-tech-re-entry-program/
6. Barclays India – Encore Returnship Program
Barclays India’s Encore returnship program is a flagship diversity and inclusion initiative. It is specifically designed to assist individuals who have experienced a career break in preparing for a successful return to the workforce. Encore provides participants with a holistic experience, encompassing leadership and development training, dedicated mentorship, valuable networking opportunities, and a paid working role for the duration of the program. High-performing candidates may be offered permanent positions at Barclays following the program, solidifying its effectiveness as a career restart platform.
https://search.jobs.barclays/return-to-work
Emerging Avenues for Women Restarting Careers
Beyond these established corporate programs, organizations like Qween are also playing a vital role in offering career support and opportunities to women through targeted returnship initiatives.
Qween offers programs such as:
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‘Rehire’ program: Focused on assisting individuals who have been impacted by mass layoffs to regain employment. Registration is available at https://qween.in/get_hired/.
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‘Women Return in Tech’ (WRIT) program: In collaboration with TNS India Foundation, this program supports skilled women aiming to re-enter the technology workforce. It actively invites resumes from talented women who are currently on a career break and are eager to resume their professional journeys. Registration is available at https://qween.in/returnintech/.
Conclusion
Women Restart Career Programs and returnship initiatives are undeniably beneficial for both individuals and companies. They provide a structured and supportive pathway for professionals, particularly women, to confidently relaunch their careers after a break. Simultaneously, these programs enable companies to access a rich and diverse talent pool, contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic workforce. It is hoped that the spotlight on these programs will inspire even more companies to adopt similar initiatives, fostering a more equitable and opportunity-rich professional landscape for women in India and beyond.
