Taking a career break, whether for family responsibilities, personal growth, or unforeseen circumstances, is becoming increasingly common. As the professional landscape evolves, especially in the wake of global changes impacting workforces, career restart programs are emerging as vital bridges for experienced individuals looking to re-enter the job market. In 2023, these programs are more relevant than ever, offering structured pathways for professionals to refresh their skills, rebuild their networks, and confidently relaunch their careers.
What are Career Restart Programs?
Career restart programs, also known as returnship programs or re-entry programs, are initiatives designed to support individuals who have been out of the workforce for a period and are ready to resume their professional journeys. These programs recognize the valuable experience and expertise that returners bring and aim to ease their transition back into employment. They typically offer a combination of training, mentorship, and real-world projects, often within a supportive and understanding company culture. For businesses, these programs tap into a diverse and often overlooked talent pool, bringing experienced professionals back into the fold and fostering a more inclusive workforce.
Why are Career Restart Programs Important in 2023?
The year 2023 presents a unique landscape where career restart programs are particularly crucial. Several factors contribute to their growing importance:
- Evolving Job Market: The rapid pace of technological advancement and industry shifts means that skills can become outdated quickly. Restart programs help returners update their knowledge and skills to match current industry demands.
- Untapped Talent Pool: Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of diversity and experience. Career break returners represent a significant pool of skilled individuals who are often highly motivated and bring fresh perspectives.
- Bridging the Experience Gap: For individuals who have been out of the workforce, these programs provide a structured environment to regain confidence and demonstrate their abilities in a contemporary professional setting.
- Economic and Social Inclusion: By facilitating workforce re-entry, these programs contribute to economic empowerment and social inclusion, particularly for women and other groups who are more likely to take career breaks.
Several leading companies across various sectors are actively running career restart programs. While some initiatives are geographically focused, many principles and program structures are applicable globally. Let’s look at a few examples:
1. Amazon’s Rekindle Program:
https://www.amazon.jobs/en/landing_pages/rekindle
Amazon’s Rekindle program, initially highlighted in India, exemplifies a commitment to bringing women professionals back to tech after a career break. This type of program, offering a paid internship with potential full-time conversion, serves as a strong model for companies worldwide looking to address gender diversity and talent gaps. The structured 16-week format allows for skill refreshment and integration into Amazon’s work environment.
2. Goldman Sachs Returnship Program:
https://www.goldmansachs.com/worldwide/india/careers/india-returnship.html
Goldman Sachs’ Returnship program, also with a presence in India, is another example of a global financial leader investing in experienced professionals returning to work after at least two years away. The 12-week paid internship model, common in many returnship programs, provides a low-risk pathway for both the returner and the company to assess mutual fit and potential for long-term employment.
3. Deloitte’s Encore Program:
https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/careers/articles/join-deloitte-encore-program.html
Deloitte’s Encore program, though linked to a US page, represents a broader initiative by a global consulting firm to engage individuals re-entering the workforce after a career break. The extended six-month internship period in some programs like Encore allows for deeper immersion and skill development, potentially leading to more robust integration into the company.
4. SAP Career Restart Program:
https://jobs.sap.com/go/SAP-Returnship-Program/5365101/
SAP’s Career Restart program, originally noted in India, showcases the tech industry’s proactive approach to attracting experienced talent back into the sector. The three-month internship structure provides a focused re-entry experience, particularly valuable in the fast-paced technology domain.
5. IBM Tech Re-Entry Program:
https://www.ibm.com/blogs/jobs/return-to-the-workforce-with-the-ibm-tech-re-entry-program/
IBM’s Tech Re-Entry Program, with a broader scope than just India, emphasizes a longer 12-month internship, reflecting a deeper investment in the re-skilling and integration process for returners in the technology field. This extended duration can be particularly beneficial for those returning after longer career breaks or transitioning to new roles.
6. Barclays Encore Returnship Program:
https://search.jobs.barclays/return-to-work
Barclays’ Encore program, operating internationally, highlights the financial sector’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through returnship initiatives. The program’s focus on leadership development, mentorship, and networking, alongside a paid working role, underscores a holistic approach to supporting returners’ successful reintegration into the workforce.
Tips for Leveraging Career Restart Programs in 2023
For professionals considering re-entering the workforce in 2023, career restart programs offer a valuable pathway. Here are a few tips:
- Identify Your Goals: Clearly define your career aspirations and the type of role you are seeking. This will help you target programs that align with your objectives.
- Research Programs Thoroughly: Explore programs offered by companies in your industry or field of interest. Pay attention to program structure, duration, and focus areas.
- Highlight Your Transferable Skills: Even if your previous experience seems dated, focus on the transferable skills you’ve gained throughout your career break, such as project management, problem-solving, and communication.
- Network and Connect: Attend industry events and online forums to network with professionals and learn about available programs.
- Prepare a Strong Application: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and express your enthusiasm for re-entering the workforce through a restart program.
Conclusion
Career restart programs in 2023 are not just a trend but a necessary evolution in the modern workplace. They represent a win-win scenario, providing experienced professionals with a supported route back to their careers and enabling companies to access a wealth of diverse talent. As the world of work continues to change, these programs will play an increasingly important role in fostering inclusive and dynamic workforces. If you are looking to relaunch your career, exploring career restart programs in 2023 is a strategic and promising step forward.
