- Embracing Career Breaks as an Integral Part of Professional Growth
- Understanding Returnship Programs
- WHAT ARE RETURNSHIPS?
- What are Returnships and How Can They Help Your Career?
- Advancing Your Career: The Benefits of Skill Development
- Ways Employers Can Enhance Their Recruitment Efforts
- Tips for Boosting Your Chances of Getting into a Returnship Program
- 1. Conduct Your Research
- 2. Check the Program Requirements
- 3. Begin Early
- 4. Seek Help From a Program Manager
- 5. Customize Your Application Materials
- Companies Offering Returnship Programs You Should Know
Embracing Career Breaks as an Integral Part of Professional Growth
In a move that shook the professional world, LinkedIn introduced a new feature in March 2022 that allows job seekers to showcase their career breaks on their experience profile. This marked a significant shift towards a more holistic approach to Career development, with an emphasis on recognizing the value in taking time away from a traditional career path.
The benefits of taking a break from work are often underestimated, yet the experience gained during these periods can be invaluable. The new feature on LinkedIn’s platform recognizes this fact and acknowledges that those who step away from work for a period of time often gather new skills that can significantly enhance their overall contribution in the workforce.
This approach also takes the pressure off job seekers who previously felt ashamed or stigmatized for having a gap in their career timeline. By embracing the unique career paths of individuals and offering development opportunities, sabbaticals, and returnship programs, talented people are empowered to return to the workforce with confidence and renewed enthusiasm.
For many years, a career break was viewed as a taboo topic that could significantly compromise a person’s professional reputation. With a “gap year” often being perceived as the worst thing to have on a resume, individuals were pressured to hide their career break or provide a well-structured explanation for it.
However, real-life experience has shown that career breaks are more common than previously thought, with three out of five job seekers reporting a gap on their resume – and this was even before the pandemic disrupted many people’s relationship with work. Moreover, there are countless reasons why a person may need to step away from their full-time job, and it does not diminish their value as employees or people.
As businesses continue to compete for top talent, there is a growing understanding that a rigid approach to career development is outdated. Recognizing career breaks as a valuable and understandable part of a person’s work experience has opened the door to talented individuals who may have previously been overlooked. Companies are now welcoming them back with open arms through returnship programs, effectively normalizing career breaks as a positive part of professional growth.
Understanding Returnship Programs
As individuals strive to improve their career prospects, it’s crucial to understand the different programs available to them. Returnship programs are gaining popularity among professionals looking to re-enter the workforce after a career break. These programs are often likened to internships, but with a distinct focus on individuals who have more experience in their industry.
WHAT ARE RETURNSHIPS?
Returnships are a kind of program which assist individuals to restart their professional lives and careers after a gap. These programs usually provide paid full-time employment roles with mentoring and support. Return-to-work schemes make it easier for professionals to come back to the workforce without having to start their careers from the beginning.
Sometimes, these initiatives are aimed specifically at experienced professionals who have taken a break in their careers to raise their families or pursue other interests. A returnship offers the opportunity to put your skills back into practice, and potentially advance in your career.
During the program, job seekers are encouraged to ask questions and receive support and training to “catch up” with everything that’s been happening while they were away from the office. Companies benefit from a greater pool of experienced talent, which helps promote innovation, belonging and retention.
What are Returnships and How Can They Help Your Career?
Returnships are programs designed for individuals who have taken a career break and wish to return to their chosen field or industry. While these programs have specific requirements for enrollment, including work experience, minimum career gap, or foundational skills, they offer a helpful pathway for those who’ve been out of the workforce for an extended period.
Returnship programs take into account the disproportionate impact that caregiving has on women’s careers. As a result, many organizations have geared their programs towards women who’ve been out of work for at least six months, offering the opportunity for individuals to gain work experience, practical training, and online courses to assist in transitioning into a full-time role.
for free
Enrollment in a returnship is typically 4-12 weeks long, and participants are compensated for their time. In addition, some companies offer benefits coverage under their employee benefits program.
If you participate in a returnship program, you may have the chance to apply for a permanent role within that company. However, even if a long-term position isn’t available, the experience gained from a returnship program can be invaluable. You will have the opportunity to refresh your skills, build connections, and re-enter the workforce with confidence.
Advancing Your Career: The Benefits of Skill Development
Whether you are looking to climb the corporate ladder or switch career paths entirely, skill development can be a key component to achieving your goals. Here are just a few reasons why:
Continued Career Growth: By honing your skill set, you can become an invaluable asset to your current employer, potentially leading to promotions or new opportunities within your company. Additionally, your skills may be highly sought after in your industry, opening up doors to other companies.
Potential for Full-Time Employment: Many skill development programs offer the potential for full-time employment upon completion of the program. This can be a great stepping stone for those looking to break into a new field or make a career change.
Paid Opportunities: Unlike traditional education, many skill development programs offer pay and benefits during the duration of the program. This means you are not only increasing your skill set, but also earning an income during the process.
Networking: One of the often-overlooked benefits of skill development is the opportunity to connect with other professionals in your industry. This can lead to mentorship opportunities, job leads, and other valuable connections.
Flexibility: Many skill development programs are designed to be flexible, allowing you to continue working your current job or handle other responsibilities while you transition into a new career. This can make the process much less daunting and more manageable.
Ways Employers Can Enhance Their Recruitment Efforts
Attracting the right talent is crucial to the success of any organization. Fortunately, there are several steps employers can take to enhance their recruitment efforts. Here are some top ways to expand your talent pool and improve job satisfaction:
- Conduct an extended working interview to get to know potential hires better. This approach allows you to assess a candidate’s skills, experience, and compatibility with your team before making a decision.
- Offer professional development opportunities to your employees. Investing in their growth not only improves their skills but also increases job satisfaction, which can translate to increased retention.
- Explore virtual hiring options as they can be a cost-effective way to evaluate candidates beyond your immediate geographic area.
- Improve your ROI on hiring efforts by ensuring that you provide a culture and work environment that will attract potential hires and reduce employee turnover.
Tips for Boosting Your Chances of Getting into a Returnship Program
If you’re looking to relaunch your career, applying for a return-to-work program can be an excellent way to start. These programs can help you sharpen your skills, update your knowledge, and make valuable professional connections. Here are some tips to help you boost your chances of getting into the right returnship program:
1. Conduct Your Research
Not all returnship programs are created equal, so make sure you find the right the right one that fits your needs. Check for a program that aligns with your career goals and skillset. Look for a program that is designed for professionals with backgrounds similar to yours.
2. Check the Program Requirements
It is crucial to check the program requirements before starting the interview process. The eligibility criteria may vary from program to program. Some may require professionals with specific education or experience. Others may be designed explicitly for caregivers or professionals who have been away from work for some time.
3. Begin Early
The number of available positions for a returnship program may still be relatively limited, which means that early applications may have better chances of acceptance. These programs are becoming increasingly popular, so the sooner you start researching and applying, the better your odds of securing a place.
4. Seek Help From a Program Manager
If you know someone who works in the same industry as you, consult them about any good returnship program to apply. They may be able to recommend opportunities at their company or other organizations. Ask about the experience and the requirements of the program to assess if it’s a good fit for you.
5. Customize Your Application Materials
Customize each resume and cover letter for every program you apply to, make sure to emphasize why you’re interested in the company and the program. Highlight your experience and how the returnship program can help develop your skills further.
Companies Offering Returnship Programs You Should Know
Returnships are a growing trend and an opportunity for people who want to return to work after an extended period. Larger companies lead these programs, but smaller ones are starting to jump on the bandwagon. Here are some of the companies to look out for if you’re interested in returnships:
iRelaunch
While not a returnship program, iRelaunch is a job board that features several opportunities for people interested in returning to work. It’s also a great place to look for a program to join or get started with implementing one at your company.
Path Forward
Path Forward collaborates with employers and HR teams to create their own return-to-work offerings. Some of the current participating partners include big names such as Hewlett Packard and Cloudflare.
Other companies that offer returnship programs include:
- Audible’s Next Chapter Returnship Program
- Deloitte’s Encore Program
- Goldman Sachs Returnship® Offerings
- HubSpot Returners Program
- LinkedIn’s REACH Technical Apprenticeship Program
- Qualcomm Returnship
- Santander Returnship Program
- TD Bank’s Career Relaunch Program
- Texas Instruments’ Encore Program
Returnships demonstrate organizational flexibility and show that the company understands the value of professional experience diversity among its employees. They provide an excellent opportunity for job seekers to get back to work after an extended leave. Returnships are a clear indication that employers care about the well-being of their employees and go beyond realizing returns on financial investments.
