The professional landscape is evolving, and with it, the understanding of career paths. More individuals than ever before are taking career breaks for diverse personal reasons. Recognizing this shift, numerous companies in India are introducing impactful career returner programs, also known as returnship programs. These initiatives are specifically designed to support professionals in relaunching their careers, offering structured pathways back into the workforce through dedicated training, mentorship, and valuable networking opportunities.
These programs represent a significant win-win scenario. For individuals, they provide a crucial bridge back to professional life after a career hiatus. For companies, returnship programs unlock access to a rich and diverse talent pool, simultaneously contributing to closing the gender gap and enhancing overall workforce diversity. India is seeing a positive trend with many leading organizations embracing this approach. Below, we spotlight some of the prominent companies in India that are actively offering career returnship programs.
Top Companies in India Offering Career Returner Programs
1. Amazon India – Rekindle Program
Amazon India’s Rekindle program is thoughtfully crafted to support women professionals returning to work after a career break. This program stands out by offering a 16-week paid internship, providing a robust and immersive experience within Amazon’s dynamic environment. Participants benefit from hands-on projects, mentorship from experienced Amazon leaders, and skill enhancement workshops. Successful completion of the Rekindle program can lead to a full-time employment offer at Amazon, making it a highly effective pathway for re-entry.
https://www.amazon.jobs/en/landing_pages/rekindle
2. Goldman Sachs India – Returnship Program
Goldman Sachs India demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity through its comprehensive Returnship program. This initiative targets professionals who have been on a career break for a minimum of two years, providing a structured platform to reignite their careers in finance. The program involves a 12-week paid internship designed to refresh industry knowledge and technical skills. Returnees are integrated into teams, working on live projects and receiving mentorship to facilitate their transition back to the demanding world of finance. Exceptional performance during the internship can translate into full-time opportunities at Goldman Sachs.
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 focused on helping professionals who have taken a career break of two or more years to seamlessly return to the professional sphere. Encore is structured as a six-month paid internship, offering a longer runway for returnees to adapt and demonstrate their capabilities within Deloitte’s consulting environment. The program includes targeted training modules, networking events, and personalized mentorship. The potential for conversion to a full-time role at Deloitte after the internship period makes Encore a highly sought-after program for career returners.
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 tailored to support women professionals seeking to relaunch their tech careers after a break of two years or more. This program provides a focused three-month paid internship within SAP, a global leader in enterprise software. Participants gain valuable experience working on cutting-edge technology projects, receive mentorship from SAP experts, and benefit from professional development workshops. The program is designed to facilitate a smooth transition back into the tech industry, with successful interns considered for full-time positions at SAP.
https://jobs.sap.com/go/SAP-Returnship-Program/5365101/
5. IBM India – Career Restart Program
IBM India’s Career Restart program is geared towards professionals who have been on a career break for over two years and are looking to re-enter the technology sector. Distinguished by its longer duration, this program offers a 12-month paid internship, providing an extended period for returnees to upskill and reintegrate into the workforce. IBM’s program emphasizes hands-on learning, mentorship, and exposure to IBM’s innovative projects. The comprehensive nature of this returnship significantly increases the likelihood of participants securing full-time employment at IBM post-program.
https://www.ibm.com/blogs/jobs/return-to-the-workforce-with-the-ibm-tech-re-entry-program/
6. Barclays India – Encore Program
Barclays India’s Encore program is a flagship diversity and inclusion initiative designed to facilitate career re-entry for individuals after a career break. This returnship provides a comprehensive package, including leadership and development training, dedicated mentorship, and networking opportunities, alongside a paid working role for the program’s duration. Barclays’ Encore program focuses on refreshing skills and building confidence. Successful performance and positive feedback during the program can lead to offers for permanent roles at Barclays, making it a strong pathway for returning professionals in finance.
https://search.jobs.barclays/return-to-work
Conclusion
Career Returner Programs In India are proving to be an invaluable bridge connecting experienced professionals back to the workforce. These initiatives not only empower individuals to restart their careers confidently but also enable companies to tap into a diverse and often overlooked talent pool. As more companies in India recognize the mutual benefits, the growth and expansion of such programs are expected, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic professional environment. For professionals looking to return to work, exploring these returnship programs is a highly recommended first step towards a successful career relaunch.
