The professional landscape is evolving, and with it, the acceptance and normalization of career breaks. Whether taken for family responsibilities, personal development, travel, or health reasons, stepping away from a career is becoming increasingly common. Recognizing this shift, and the wealth of talent potentially untapped, Career Break Programs, also known as returnship programs, are gaining momentum globally as vital pathways for experienced professionals to relaunch their careers.
These programs are specifically designed to bridge the gap for individuals who have been out of the workforce for a period and are ready to return. They are structured initiatives offering a blend of updated training, dedicated mentorship, and crucial networking opportunities, all aimed at facilitating a smooth transition back into professional roles. For companies, these programs represent a strategic approach to accessing a diverse and experienced talent pool, directly addressing skill gaps and fostering a more inclusive workforce.
While the concept is globally relevant, numerous companies in India are at the forefront of championing career restart programs. Here are some notable examples of companies in India that are actively offering returnship programs, demonstrating their commitment to experienced professionals re-entering the workforce:
1. Amazon India – Rekindle Program
Amazon India’s Rekindle program is a prime example of corporate commitment to empowering women returning to work. This initiative offers a structured 16-week paid internship, specifically crafted to support women professionals who have taken a career hiatus. The program is designed to refresh their skills, provide hands-on experience within Amazon’s dynamic environment, and facilitate their integration back into the workforce. Successful completion of the program opens doors to potential full-time employment opportunities within Amazon.
https://www.amazon.jobs/en/landing_pages/rekindle
2. Goldman Sachs India – Returnship Program
Goldman Sachs India demonstrates its commitment to experienced talent through its Returnship program. This program targets individuals who have been on a career break for at least two years, providing a structured pathway to re-enter the financial industry. Participants benefit from a 12-week paid internship, designed to update their industry knowledge and skills while working on real projects. The program also emphasizes mentorship and networking, fostering a supportive environment for returners. Strong performance during the internship can lead to offers for full-time positions 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 reintegrating professionals who have taken a career break of two or more years. This program offers a six-month paid internship, providing a longer runway for participants to acclimate to the workplace and update their skill sets within Deloitte’s professional environment. The Encore program is structured to offer practical experience, mentorship, and professional development, increasing the likelihood of transitioning into full-time roles at Deloitte upon successful completion.
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 return to the tech sector after a career break of two or more years. The program provides a focused three-month paid internship, concentrating on upskilling participants in relevant technologies and integrating them into SAP’s innovative work culture. With a strong emphasis on bridging the skills gap and providing a supportive re-entry, the program aims to convert successful interns into full-time SAP employees.
https://jobs.sap.com/go/SAP-Returnship-Program/5365101/
5. IBM India – Career Restart Program
IBM India’s Career Restart program is designed for individuals with a career break of over two years, offering a comprehensive pathway back into the technology industry. Distinguished by its longer duration, the program provides a 12-month paid internship, allowing for deeper immersion and skill development within IBM. This extended internship is structured to provide significant hands-on experience, mentorship from industry experts, and a strong foundation for a successful career relaunch at IBM, with potential full-time opportunities post-program.
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 program stands out as a flagship diversity and inclusion initiative. It is meticulously designed to prepare individuals returning from a career break for a successful workforce re-entry. Encore provides participants with a robust platform to refresh their professional skills through leadership and development training, coupled with dedicated mentorship and valuable networking engagements. The program incorporates a paid working role for its duration, allowing for practical application of learned skills. Performance and feedback during the program are key determinants for qualified candidates to be offered permanent positions at Barclays, highlighting its effectiveness as a return-to-work pathway.
https://search.jobs.barclays/return-to-work
Conclusion: A Win-Win for Professionals and Companies
Career break programs represent a mutually beneficial strategy for both professionals and companies. For individuals, they offer a structured and supportive route back to meaningful employment, acknowledging their prior experience and providing the necessary tools to update their skills and confidence. For companies, these programs are an invaluable resource for tapping into a rich and diverse talent pool that might otherwise be overlooked. By embracing career break programs, businesses can enhance their workforce diversity, inject fresh perspectives, and gain access to experienced professionals ready to contribute. As the examples above illustrate, companies in India are actively leading the way in recognizing and leveraging the potential of professionals returning from career breaks, setting a positive trend for the global employment landscape.
