The modern professional landscape is witnessing a significant shift. Career breaks, once considered a detour, are becoming increasingly common, driven by personal choices, family responsibilities, and the pursuit of further education. Recognizing this evolving dynamic, a growing number of companies, particularly in India, are championing Career Restart Programs, also known as returnship programs. These initiatives are specifically designed to bridge the gap for experienced individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce after a hiatus.
These programs are not merely acts of goodwill; they are strategic talent acquisition tools. Companies are realizing the immense value in tapping into this pool of experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge, maturity, and diverse perspectives. By offering structured pathways back to employment, businesses are not only enriching their teams but also actively addressing gender imbalances and fostering a more inclusive work environment.
India is emerging as a hub for such progressive initiatives. Below are some leading organizations in India that are paving the way with impactful career restart programs:
1. Amazon India: Rekindle Program
Amazon India’s Rekindle program exemplifies a commitment to empowering women in tech. Recognizing the career breaks women often take, Rekindle offers a robust 16-week paid internship. This program is meticulously structured to provide returnees with hands-on experience, mentorship from industry experts, and opportunities to network with Amazon’s vast professional community. Successful completion of the internship can smoothly transition into full-time employment at Amazon, making it a highly sought-after pathway for women looking to relaunch their tech careers.
https://www.amazon.jobs/en/landing_pages/rekindle
2. Goldman Sachs India: Returnship Program
Goldman Sachs India’s Returnship program is a testament to the financial giant’s dedication to diversity and inclusion. Targeted at individuals who have been away from their careers for at least two years, this 12-week paid internship is a springboard back into the demanding world of finance. The program is designed to refresh skills, update industry knowledge, and provide a supportive environment to reintegrate into a fast-paced corporate setting. Like Amazon’s program, outstanding performance during the returnship can lead to a permanent role at Goldman Sachs.
https://www.goldmansachs.com/worldwide/india/careers/india-returnship.html
3. Deloitte India: Encore Program
Deloitte India’s Encore program, spanning 16 weeks, is crafted to welcome back professionals who have taken a career hiatus of two years or more. This program stands out with its six-month paid internship, providing an extended period for returnees to acclimatize and demonstrate their capabilities. Deloitte’s Encore program emphasizes not just re-skilling but also provides a strong mentorship framework and networking avenues within Deloitte’s extensive global network. The potential for a full-time position upon completion makes it a compelling option for those seeking to restart their careers in consulting and related fields.
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 geared towards women professionals returning to the tech sector after a career break of two or more years. This three-month paid internship is intensely focused on upskilling participants in SAP technologies and providing a pathway to roles within SAP. The program’s shorter duration allows for a concentrated learning experience, and the prospect of a full-time job at a leading technology company like SAP makes it a valuable opportunity for women aiming to reignite their tech careers.
https://jobs.sap.com/go/SAP-Returnship-Program/5365101/
5. IBM India: Tech Re-Entry Program
IBM India’s Tech Re-Entry Program is designed for individuals who have been on a career break for more than two years and are eager to return to the technology industry. Distinguished by its longer 12-month paid internship, this program offers a more immersive and comprehensive re-entry experience. The extended duration allows for in-depth learning, significant project contributions, and a robust integration into IBM’s work culture. This program is ideal for those seeking a thorough and supportive on-ramp back into the tech world, with the potential for full-time employment 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 returnship program is a flagship diversity and citizenship initiative focused on facilitating the return of professionals after a career break. This program provides a holistic approach, offering leadership and development training to refresh and enhance existing skills. Participants benefit from mentorship, valuable networking opportunities, and a paid working role for the duration of the program. Barclays emphasizes the potential for transitioning qualified candidates into permanent roles based on performance and feedback, making Encore a strong pathway to re-establish a career in the financial sector.
https://search.jobs.barclays/return-to-work
Conclusion:
Career restart programs are undeniably a powerful mechanism for both individual professionals and the broader corporate ecosystem. For individuals, they represent a structured and supportive route to reignite their careers, update their skills, and confidently re-enter the workforce. For companies, these programs are a strategic imperative, unlocking access to a diverse and experienced talent pool, fostering inclusive work environments, and driving innovation through varied perspectives. As the need for skilled professionals continues to grow, career restart programs are poised to become even more critical in shaping a dynamic and equitable future of work.
