The professional landscape is witnessing a significant shift as more individuals, particularly women, are taking career breaks for personal reasons. This pause in professional journeys has led to a growing demand for structured Career Restart Programs, often known as returnship programs. India is at the forefront of this change, with numerous companies proactively launching initiatives to help these talented individuals reintegrate into the workforce.
These programs are not just beneficial for professionals seeking to reignite their careers; they also present a strategic advantage for companies. By tapping into this experienced and diverse talent pool, businesses can effectively bridge the gender gap and foster a more inclusive work environment. India boasts a vibrant ecosystem of companies offering returnship programs, and we’ve curated a list of some leading examples:
Leading Companies in India Offering Career Restart Programs
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 eager to rejoin the workforce. This comprehensive program offers a 16-week paid internship, providing a structured pathway back into the corporate world. Successful completion of the program can lead to a full-time employment opportunity within Amazon.
https://www.amazon.jobs/en/landing_pages/rekindle
2. Goldman Sachs India – Returnship Program
Goldman Sachs India recognizes the value of experienced professionals returning to work. Their Returnship program is designed for individuals who have been on a career break for at least two years. This initiative offers a 12-week paid internship, providing a platform to refresh skills and adapt to the current work environment. Outstanding performance during the program can translate into a full-time role 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 aimed at empowering individuals who have taken a career break of two or more years to relaunch their professional journeys. The program structure includes a six-month paid internship, offering a supportive framework to update industry knowledge and skills. Successful participants are considered for full-time positions at Deloitte.
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 assisting women professionals who have taken a career break of at least two years. This program provides a three-month paid internship, designed to facilitate a smooth transition back into the tech industry. Exceptional performance can lead to a full-time employment offer at SAP.
https://jobs.sap.com/go/SAP-Returnship-Program/5365101/
5. IBM India – Career Restart Program
IBM India’s Career Restart program is inclusive, welcoming individuals who have been on a career break for more than two years. This comprehensive 12-month paid internship offers an extended period for re-skilling and professional reintegration within the technology sector. Successful completion of the program increases the likelihood of securing a full-time position at IBM.
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 as a flagship diversity and inclusion initiative. It is meticulously designed to support individuals returning to work after a career break. Encore provides participants with leadership and development training, mentorship, networking avenues, and a paid working role during the program. Based on performance and feedback, candidates may be offered permanent roles at Barclays.
https://search.jobs.barclays/return-to-work
Conclusion
Career restart programs and returnship initiatives are undeniably a win-win proposition. They offer a vital pathway for experienced professionals to revitalize their careers after a break, while simultaneously enabling companies to access a wealth of diverse talent and contribute to a more balanced workforce. Beyond the companies highlighted, organizations like Qween are also actively fostering career restart opportunities through programs like ‘Rehire’ for those impacted by layoffs and ‘Women Return in Tech’ (WRIT) to support women re-entering the technology sector.
Let’s collectively strive towards building a more inclusive and diverse workforce across India by championing and participating in career restart programs. Explore resources like Qween’s programs:
- ‘Rehire’ program: https://qween.in/get_hired/
- ‘Women Return in Tech’ (WRIT) program: https://qween.in/returnintech/
