Your career doesn’t end when you take time off to care for your family. Get back to work with one of these “returnships” — or mid-career internships (that pay!)
Almost half of working mothers make the decision to reduce their work hours at some point during their career, with more than one-in-four quitting entirely to care for their families, according to a study done by Pew Research.
But getting back into the workforce after a break isn’t always easy. Thankfully, in the wake of the pandemic, there has been increased dialogue around getting women back into the workforce. Some companies are going the extra mile and are hoping to make it easier for women via “returnship” programs. A returnship is like an internship — but for those who already have working experience and took time away from work. (Because let’s be honest, as much as we might wish it was a cake walk to walk back into a great job, technologies and best practices change, and we often have to spend some time learning before we can launch.)
If you’re looking at returnships, make sure you take a look at the requirements before you apply. Some will require a certain number of years in a particular industry or position before they will allow you to step back into a returnship. Here’s a look at some well-known companies that offer returnship programs, and links to where you can find more information.
1. UniversalGiving
UniversalGiving is a nonprofit that matches people with volunteering and giving opportunities for organizations all over the world. This returnship requires at least a six-month commitment, is available for full-time or part-time, and can be done remotely.
2. Goldman Sachs
The annual returnship program at one of the world’s largest financial firms lasts from March to August every year. When the application window opens, you can apply to a variety of different positions and opportunities. This is an in-person opportunity and has participating offices throughout the country, including Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and New York City, among others. It’s a six-month paid fellowship aimed to help those returning to the workforce get up-to-date on necessary skills and career advancement.
3. HubSpot
The HubSpot Returners Program is a 20-week program aimed at helping workers ease back into the workforce. It’s a path toward full-time work and gives training, support, and resources to those who haven’t worked in a while. While there aren’t any open returnship options at the time of this article’s publication, they will be published on a rolling basis, so keep a lookout for them to see if they pop up near you.
4. Intuit
The Intuit Again returnship program is aimed at tech professionals who had to take time off for caregiving or other personal responsibilities that stopped them from working. This 16-week program offers career development, one-on-one mentoring, and skill enhancement to make sure you’re at your best as you return to the workforce. The positions are temporary to permanent and are mostly for developers who can work in-office at Intuit’s Mountain View, CA office.
5. PayPal
PayPal’s Recharge program pays special attention to women looking to reenter the workforce. One Recharge option is a 16-week paid program and the other is a bootcamp. You’ll get the chance to update your skills and expand your network.
6. PepsiCo
PepsiCo — the parent to Pepsi and other beverages — offers a returnship to workers who have been out of the workforce for at least two years and have at least five years of experience. This is a 16-week paid opportunity that has the potential to be converted to full-time. Most opportunities are in-person throughout the country but there are some that are for remote workers as well.
7. NBCUniversal
The NBCUniversal Act Two Returnship Program is a six-month paid role for those who have at least five years of experience and have been out of the workforce for at least two years. This is mostly geared towards tech professionals in data & analytics, cyber security, technical project management, and more. Some positions are in ad sales, reporting, and digital news. During your time, you’ll gain new experience, update your resume, and possibly convert to a full-time gig.
8. Amazon
Amazon offers a 16-week paid returnship for remote workers (and some in-person positions). You’ll gain experience in planning projects, get tailored classroom training, and one-on-one mentoring and management. Returnship employees are also eligible for benefits and there’s a path for full-time employment after the returnship ends.
9. JPMorgan Chase
The JPMorgan Chase returnship is a 15-week reentry paid program with the possibility of becoming full-time at the end of the program. It targets professionals that have been out of the workplace for two years or longer. Roles are best for associate or VP levels. While the returnship is not currently accepting applications, you can stay on the lookout for when the program opens up again in 2022.
10. General Motors
General Motors launched its Take 2 program in 2016 as a way to help experienced professionals rejoin the workforce. It came about with a partnership between the Society of Women Engineers and iRelaunch, for individuals who took at least two years off work. It targets those who have technical backgrounds in vehicle and manufacturing engineering as well as operations, finance, and information technology. This full-time, 12-week program offers technical and professional development and personalized coaching and mentoring.
Looking to restart your career?
If you don’t see your future job or career listed, there are other programs that exist to help women re-enter the workforce. Path Forward works with companies to implement returnships. You can become a participant to find a program that works best for you.
READ MORE:
- The Most Essential Skills You’re Building While Working From Home
- 33 Top Startup Companies Hiring Remote Workers Right Now
- How To Negotiate A Permanent Work From Home Arrangement
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