by Jessica Taylor, Senior Recruiter at Unanet
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world taking a career break is becoming more common. Whether it’s for raising a family, caring for a loved one, or facing any of the many challenges life can bring, taking a step away from your career is not only valid, but it can be a powerful part of your career story.
Several companies are realizing the value of “Returnships,” internship-like opportunities purpose-built for experienced professionals who for one reason another have temporarily paused their careers. If you are considering pursuing a Returnship opportunity, it is important to remember to own your career break. Your break is valuable time where you have honed critical skills that are highly transferrable to the workplace.
Transferrable Skills from Everyday Experiences
Allison Gansel, a Returner at Unanet, a high-growth enterprise software company based in Northern Virginia, said it best, “Don’t tiptoe around your career break-own it. Raising kids builds serious skills in project management, negotiation, and crisis handling. Anyone who’s navigated a toddler meltdown knows crisis management. That time has shaped who you are as a professional. So, spotlight it in your applications. Whether you’ve been coordinating family schedules, managing household operations, leading a volunteer committee, tackling home renovation projects, or spearheading community initiatives, these experiences show your ability to juggle priorities and drive results.”
Your career break is a period of growth. It’s important to highlight the skills you’ve developed and the knowledge you’ve gained. Don’t be afraid to tell your story!
Take Time to Reflect
The key to success with your Returnship is a positive mindset and an eagerness to learn. When exploring Returnship opportunities, take time to reflect on your goals. What do you want to get out of your Returnship experience? Are you looking for opportunities that align with your previous experience, or are you wanting to pivot into an entirely new career? When exploring Returnship opportunities, research the opportunity thoroughly to ensure the program is aligned with your personal goals, aspirations, and values. This journey will help shape your next chapter in a way that is meaningful to you.
Prepare for and Embrace the Journey
Start by updating your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn. Ensure the skills and knowledge you’ve gained during your career break are highlighted, including volunteer work, community involvement, education, certification courses, etc.
Practice interviewing. Confidence is key; the more you practice the more confident you’ll be! Practice answering common interview questions; talk about your career break and how it has shaped you, be ready to discuss your experiences and the skills you bring to the table, and show how they are applicable to the opportunity you’re pursuing.
Stay current! Take LinkedIn Learning courses, join a professional organization, attend networking events. Be ready to discuss how you’re staying up to date and focusing on professional development during your break.
Most importantly, give yourself grace. Transitioning back into the workforce can take time, and the path to return may not be linear. Stay the course. Keep working on your skills, network, and – ultimately- trust the process. Even the smallest steps might present you with the greatest opportunity.
Path Forward would like to thank Jessica Taylor, Senior Recruiter at Unanet, for sharing her perspective on how returners can be most successful when returning to the workforce.