Taking a career break for personal reasons is becoming increasingly common. Whether it’s for raising a family, pursuing further education, or personal well-being, stepping away from a career is a significant decision. However, returning to work after such a break can feel daunting. This is where Career Restart Programs, also known as returnship programs, play a crucial role. These initiatives are specifically designed to bridge the gap for professionals seeking to restart their careers and for companies aiming to tap into a diverse and experienced talent pool.
In India, a growing number of forward-thinking companies are recognizing the immense value that professionals returning from career breaks bring. These companies are actively implementing career restart programs that offer structured pathways back to employment, complete with essential training, dedicated mentorship, and valuable networking opportunities. These programs are not just beneficial for individuals; they strategically enable organizations to enrich their workforce diversity, address gender imbalances, and access a pool of highly skilled professionals who are eager to contribute their expertise.
Several leading companies in India are at the forefront of this movement, offering robust career restart programs. Let’s explore some notable examples:
Leading Career Restart Programs in India
Here are some prominent companies in India that are offering impactful career restart programs:
1. Amazon India: Rekindle Program
Amazon India’s Rekindle program is thoughtfully crafted to support women professionals who have taken a break in their careers and are ready to re-enter the workforce. This program provides a structured 16-week paid internship, offering a real-world immersion into Amazon’s dynamic environment. Successful completion of the program opens doors to potential full-time employment opportunities within Amazon.
2. Goldman Sachs India: Returnship Program
Goldman Sachs India’s Returnship program is a global initiative with a strong presence in India. It is tailored for individuals who have been on a career break for at least two years and are motivated to restart their professional journey. This program offers a 12-week paid internship, providing participants with hands-on experience in the financial sector. Exceptional performance during the internship can lead to full-time positions at Goldman Sachs.
3. Deloitte India: Encore Program
Deloitte India’s Encore program is a 16-week initiative specifically designed to support professionals who have taken a career break of two or more years and are seeking to reignite their careers. The program provides a comprehensive six-month paid internship, giving returners ample time to acclimate to the corporate environment and update their skills. Successful interns are considered for full-time roles at Deloitte.
4. SAP India: Career Restart Program
SAP India’s Career Restart program is focused on empowering women professionals who have taken a career break of at least two years and are looking to relaunch their careers in technology. This program offers a focused three-month paid internship within SAP, providing exposure to cutting-edge technologies and business processes. High-performing interns are considered for permanent positions within SAP.
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 re-enter the technology sector. This program stands out by offering a longer 12-month paid internship, providing a more extended period for skill enhancement and professional reintegration. Successful completion can lead to full-time employment opportunities at IBM.
6. Barclays India: Encore Returnship Program
Barclays India’s Encore returnship program is a flagship diversity and inclusion initiative aimed at assisting individuals returning to work after a career break. This program offers a unique blend of leadership and development training, mentorship, and networking events, alongside a paid working role for the duration of the program. Based on performance and feedback, successful candidates may be offered permanent positions at Barclays.
Conclusion: The Win-Win of Career Restart Programs
Career restart programs represent a mutually beneficial approach for both professionals and companies. For individuals, they provide a structured and supportive pathway to relaunch their careers after a break, offering opportunities to update skills, gain confidence, and build professional networks. For companies, these programs unlock access to a diverse and experienced talent pool, contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic workforce.
As the need for skilled professionals continues to grow, and as more individuals seek to balance personal and professional lives, career restart programs are poised to become even more critical. By embracing these programs, companies in India and globally can foster a more equitable and productive workforce, while empowering professionals to achieve their career aspirations after a break.
Organisations like Qween are also actively contributing to this ecosystem by offering career support and returnship opportunities to women, further strengthening the landscape of career restart programs in India. Their initiatives, like the ‘Rehire’ program for those impacted by layoffs and the ‘Women Return in Tech’ (WRIT) program, demonstrate a commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive professional environment.
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