Returnship Programs: Reentering the Workforce After an Employment Gap

It’s been a while since you’ve had to job hunt. You’ve been raising your kids, caring for a loved one, or maybe you’ve been traveling the world.

Now that you’re ready to get back into the workforce, you realize just how much has changed in the past few years.

How do you even begin to search for a job when everything is so different?

One great option for career changers and anyone who’s been out of the workforce for a while is a returnship program.

What is a returnship?

A returnship is a paid training program designed specifically for people who’ve been out of the workforce for an extended period and have a noticeable employment gap on their resume.

Returnships offer a unique opportunity to re-enter the job market, learn new skills, and gain valuable work experience. It’s important to note that returnships come with a salary and offer the possibility of long-term employment.

What to expect from returnship programs

Returnship programs provide mentorship and support to professionals returning to work, making the transition back into the workforce easier.

Things you can expect from a returnship program:

Shadowing subject matter experts during a returnship

A returnship program should provide the opportunity to shadow and learn from subject matter experts. This is a great way to get up-to-date on the latest industry trends, gain insight into best practices, and become familiar with current technology.

Hands-on experience during a returnship

In addition to learning about the industry, you’ll also have the chance to gain hands-on experience.

This could include working on projects, participating in meetings, and taking on other tasks related to your desired field.

Network building during a returnship 

A big part of a successful career is networking. While on a returnship program, you’ll have the chance to build relationships with key players in the industry.

This could open up potential job opportunities, whether it’s during or after the returnship program.

Part of staying competitive in your field is staying up-to-date on the latest industry trends and developments.

A returnship program should provide you with the opportunity to do just that.

You may even be able to attend seminars, conferences, and other events where you can gain new knowledge and insight into your desired field.

Updating technical skills during a returnship

Technology is constantly changing and evolving.

A returnship program should provide you with the opportunity to update your skills and learn new technologies so that you can stay competitive in your field.

Re-acclimation to a work environment during a returnship

Returning to the workforce after an extended absence can be daunting.

A returnship program will provide you with the opportunity to re-acclimate yourself to a professional work environment and help you adjust back into a regular routine.

Flexible work arrangements during a returnship

Returnship programs can offer flexible work arrangements, such as working remotely or part-time.

This allows you to balance your job search with other obligations and commitments.

At the end of a returnship program, you should have gained new skills, built relationships, and gained the confidence to pursue a career in your desired field.

What companies offer returnship programs

There are multiple companies like Amazon, Google, Goldman Sachs and HubSpot that offer returnship programs to help professionals with employment gaps reenter the workforce.

Amazon returnship program

Amazon offers 16-week, paid virtual returnships with benefits in which participants are assigned work assignments designed to help them reacclimate to the workforce.

Participants may even be offered full-time employment at Amazon if they excel throughout their returnship and meet the necessary qualifications.

Google returnship program

While Google does not have a traditional returnship program, their Grow with Google initiative partners with organizations across the United States to help formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted people return to the workforce.

By training these individuals with the digital skills they need to get a job, this program helps to remove some of the barriers presented to formerly incarcerated workers.

MARS returnship program

The MARS Returnship program is for women who are looking to restart their careers in technology following an employment gap.

This returnship program provides “on-the-job training, mentorship, and a partnership approach to prepare cohorts to successfully rejoin the workforce.”

Goldman Sachs returnship program

The Goldman Sachs Americas Returnship is a paid, six-month program designed to support talented professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended employment gap.

With opportunities for participants to work across a variety of divisions, each participant is free to explore all opportunities at Goldman Sachs through technical skills experience, and professional development.

Accenture returnship program

Accenture’s Technology Returnship Program offers a 16-week paid returnship program for experienced technology-focused professionals.

Tech professionals with employment gaps can update their existing skills, learn new technologies, and complete project-based assignments with the opportunity to qualify for full-time employment at Accenture.

Hubspot returnship program

The Hubspot returners program is a 20-week program that includes training, support, and growth opportunities designed to help participants upgrade their skill sets so that they can transition back into the workforce.

This program also offers opportunities for full-time employment upon completion of the program.

General Motors returnship program

The General Motors returnship program, Take 2 offers flexible work schedules, mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities.

This program is designed to give participants the experiences they need to contribute in a meaningful way and learn new skills to help them feel valued as they return to the workplace.

Are returnship programs worth it?

Returnship programs can be highly beneficial for those looking to transition back into the workforce after an extended absence.

Not only do returnship programs provide mentorship and support, but they also offer hands-on experience, access to industry trends, and a chance to update your skills.

These programs can help individuals gain the confidence needed to pursue a career in their desired field and provide them with the tools to be successful.

Returnship programs to re-enter the workforce

Returnship programs can be a valuable resource for those looking to transition back into the workforce.

Before committing to one, it’s important to do your research and assess the program’s offerings against your career goals.

This will help ensure that you get the most out of your returnship experience and set yourself up for success in the future.

Overall, returnship programs can be a great way to gain new skills and build relationships while transitioning back into the workforce.

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