Returnships are paid internships offered by many companies to help women re-enter the workforce after taking time off for maternity leave. These programs aim to ease the transition back to work through flexible hours and the potential for full-time employment. While juggling work and family can be challenging, returnship programs show that companies value women and are investing in solutions that allow them to reconnect with their careers and the professional world. The author suggests checking specific company programs to find returnship opportunities.

1. “Returnships” modern day solutionto an age old problem?
Have you heardthe term ‘returnship’?
A growingnumberof companiesare offeringthese schemes,whichare designedforwomenre-
enteringthe workforce.It’sapaidinternship,usuallyaftermaternityleave,thatmayleadtofull time
employment.
Couldthese be a tangible alternative?
I oftenfindmyself discussingthe issue of womenandworkwithfriendsandcolleagues.InLondon,
and across the world,jugglingafamilywiththe demandsof yourjobisa hottopic.I’m a motherof
one withanotheronthe way - so I oftenwonderif we womencanreallyexcelinbothareas?Canwe
not onlymanage,butflourish?
Aftermyfirstchild,I wentbackto my recruitmentrole atZebraPeople,unsure of how itwould
reallywork.Iwas fortunate asI was able towork flexiblehours;somethingthatisstill pretty
uncommoninrecruitmentfirms.Ididmanage tosuccessfullyjuggle myworkwithmyfamily - andI
got promoted!
Obviously,it’snotwithoutitschallenges,butitisclearlyanarea that companiesare investingin.
Tech andfinancial firmsseemtobe leadingthe way.Inthe States,bigplayerslike Paypal,AirBnB,
Morgan Stanley,GoldmanSachsandMcKinsey& Co have alreadyhadsome good successeswith
similarschemestothe ‘returnship’.
Thisside of the pond,more companiesare embracingthe ideaandseeingthe benefitof women
returningtothe workplace.Mostof these schemesdohave closingdatesbutafew take applications
throughoutthe year.
If you’re interestedinthiskindof opportunity,I’dsuggestyoucheckoutthe followingcompanies:
Credit Aussie– Real Returns
RBS – ComebackProgramme
Mastercard – Relaunch your career
Vodafone– Reconnect
Deloitte – Return to Work Programme

2. “Returnships” modern day solutionto an age old problem?
PwC –Back to Business Returnee Programme
In myopinion‘returnships’are positive initiativesastheygetwomenworkingata highlevel
again. Even aftera yearout fromthe professional marketplace womencandeskill themselvesquite
quicklyandthengettingbackto workcan seemlike averydauntingtask.These schemesprovidethe
opportunityforwomentoreconnect - notjust withbusinesses,butwithlike-mindedindividuals.It
alsounderlinesthe factthat womendohave a vital role toplayin the workforce andcompanies
wantthemback!
Get intouch and letme knowwhatyou think?