A returner is an experienced professional coming back into the workforce after a career break.
Returnships are a specific type of return-to-work program designed for mid-career professionals coming back into the workforce after a career break. These programs offer paid positions that provide returners with an opportunity to refresh their skills, update their resume with new experience, make connections, and contribute to a team.
Returnship programs are similar in spirit to college internship programs, which are hiring pathways for students and early career professionals. Like college internships, returnships emphasize learning, development, and the gaining (and regaining) of skills and experience. Unlike college internships, returnships are for mid-career professionals with experience.
Some returnship programs offer temp-to-perm positions that are typically 4-6 months long and include transition support, with the possibility of converting to full time at the conclusion of the program. Others offer direct hire positions, with a defined period of transition support.
Some returnship programs are structured as direct hire rather than temp-to-perm. There is no trial period, but there is usually a defined period of transition support. The employer’s job description will indicate when a returnship role is direct hire.