Glossary

Returnship

Returnship is a term used to describe a professional development program for individuals who have taken an extended break from their careers and are looking to return to the workforce. Similar to an internship, a returnship offers participants the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, update their skills, and build their professional network in a supportive environment.

The concept of returnships was first introduced by Goldman Sachs in 2008 as a way to attract and support talented individuals who had taken time off from their careers for various reasons such as caring for family members, personal health issues, or pursuing further education. Since then, many companies across various industries have implemented returnship programs, recognizing the value of this untapped talent pool.

Returnships typically last for a few months and involve mentoring, training, and shadowing opportunities. Participants are also given meaningful projects and tasks to work on, providing them with the chance to apply their previous skills and learn new ones. This hands-on experience helps individuals bridge the gap between their previous work experience and the changing demands of the current job market.

One of the key benefits of returnships is the opportunity for participants to rebuild their self-confidence and reestablish their career goals. Coming back to the workforce after a break can be daunting, and returnships offer a supportive and understanding environment for individuals to ease back into their roles. Participants also have the chance to network with professionals in their field and gain valuable insights and advice.

Returnships are also beneficial for employers as they provide a pipeline of experienced and motivated individuals who are ready to reenter the workforce. Companies often use returnships as a way to diversify their workforce, as returnees may be from different backgrounds and have unique perspectives to bring to the table.

In some cases, returnships may lead to permanent job offers, but even if they don't, participants can still benefit greatly from the experience. They can add the returnship to their resume, update their skills and knowledge, and receive a positive reference from their mentors and colleagues.

In conclusion, returnships are a valuable opportunity for individuals looking to return to the workforce after an extended break. They offer a supportive and structured environment for participants to gain hands-on experience, update their skills, and build their confidence. Employers also benefit from returnships, as they can tap into experienced talent and diversify their workforce. As the job market continues to evolve and accommodate those who have taken career breaks, returnships are becoming increasingly popular and beneficial for both individuals and companies.

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