- Rise and Return -Â
Returnships, although not a new concept, officially started in 2008 when Goldman Sachs pioneered the first Returnship program. Before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Monster’s 2019 State of the Candidate Report revealed that three in five Americans (59%) experienced unemployment or resume gaps at some point.
Highlighting the professional potential of parents, especially mothers, research from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis in 2014 indicated heightened productivity in comparison to their childless counterparts. McKinsey & Company's findings further underscored the remarkable ambition displayed by mothers managing the delicate balance of work and family responsibilities.
The invaluable contributions of mothers in the workforce extend beyond individual productivity; they significantly enhance the overarching objectives of companies. Recognizing the impact of diversity on productivity, mothers, with their unique perspectives, become vital contributors to fostering innovation. Their presence ensures a balanced representation, preventing data skewing and promoting the development of products that resonate with a diverse audience.
In a nod to evolving career paths, companies like LinkedIn are now officially acknowledging the importance of career breaks by incorporating them into experience profiles. This acknowledgment reflects a growing awareness that not everyone follows a linear career trajectory, and it underscores the necessity of normalizing hiring after a professional hiatus.
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LinkedIn "surveyed nearly 23,000 workers and more than 7,000 hiring managers and found that nearly two-thirds (62%) of employees have taken a break at some point in their professional career, and just over a third (35%), mostly women, would like to take a career break in the future."
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Numerous factors may prompt professionals to temporarily step away from their full-time roles, and such decisions should not diminish their significance as potential candidates. When you're ready to reenter the workforce and feeling uncertain about where to begin, Bennett Count Public Library (BCPL) is here to provide expert guidance. We specialize in assisting individuals like yourself by offering comprehensive support in navigating career paths, refining your resume, and honing your interview skills through mock interviews. Engaging in this process, you'll collaborate with fellow community members who share a similar journey, fostering a collaborative environment where mutual support and shared experiences contribute to collective success. Let us be your partner in redefining and realizing your career aspirations.
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Harness the expertise of our exceptional staff and tap into our wealth of community resources to equip yourself for success.
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BCPL will set up networking opportunities and scheduled interviews with Returnship employers through our valued partnerships.
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You've ascended, and now you stand prepared to reenter the workforce.
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Meet some of our many success stories from Bennett County Public Library's Rise and Return program, where remarkable individuals and their journey embody the triumph of returning to the workforce.
Meghan
Meghan, a seasoned professional with two decades of experience in the dynamic world of technology. After dedicating the early part of her career to various roles in the tech industry, Meghan decided to take a hiatus to embrace life as a co-parent. Three years later, eager to re-enter the workforce, she found herself facing the challenges of a competitive job market. Frustrated by the hurdles in her job search, Meghan discovered the Rise and Returnship Program at Bennett County Public Library.
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Embracing the program with enthusiasm, Meghan engaged in resume building, interview practice, and networking opportunities. The supportive environment at the library empowered her to refresh her skills and regain confidence in her professional abilities. Today, Meghan has successfully transitioned into a new career that not only utilizes her extensive tech background but also provides the work-life balance she sought as a parent. Through the program, she not only gained a fulfilling professional life but also achieved the financial stability necessary for her family, proving that with the right resources and support, a successful return to the workforce is not only possible but transformative.
Alexis
In January 2016, Alexis embarked on a transformative journey at Random Company LLP, marking the end of an 8-year career break. Having dedicated her early career to investment banking, she decided it was time to take a pause in 2008 during the global financial crisis to care for their two sons. As they settled into school, her thoughts shifted towards a return to work. In 2014, she attended the Rise and Return Workshop, drawing inspiration and practical advice from those who had successfully transitioned back into the workforce. After networking through R&R, she discovered an advertisement for Random Company in late 2015. Their search for someone with her skills, coupled with a part-time flexible role, made it an ideal fit. The concept of a 'returnship' appealed to Alexis, offering a structured reentry with the option to reassess at the program's conclusion. Securing the role, she benefited from R&R coaching sessions during the transition. Now, six years into her journey at Random Company, she works four days a week with the flexibility to manage family commitments. The supportive and welcoming environment has made her return to the workforce a fulfilling and successful endeavor.
Polina
Before her career break, Polina's expertise lay in Investment Banking Technology, particularly Front Office Equities IT, where she served as a Trading Floor Support Analyst before transitioning to Business Analysis. The decision to step away from her career and dedicate time to raising her family extended to a whopping 20 years – a period filled with the joyful chaos of bringing up four children. Amidst the responsibilities, she took on temporary part-time roles as an HR administrator, bookkeeper, and office manager while contributing to a family retail jewelry business. During the pandemic, she designed and developed a much-needed website for this company, all while volunteering to contact vulnerable people affected by the pandemic on a regular basis. As soon as her youngest son entered secondary school, she felt the time was right to re-enter the professional sphere, fueled by a yearning to return to the tech industry. Although finding a new role post-career break proved incredibly challenging, her discovery of Rise and Return led her to current company, where she applied for the Tech Starter Program and was quickly contacted. The support Polina's received as a tech starter at her company has been invaluable, with a program designed to retrain her in IT skills and soft skills for her role as a Product and Onboarding Manager. Ten months into her journey, shes not only enjoyed every moment but have also progressed from basic monitoring tasks to a more proactive client-facing product role. The culture at her company is described as friendly, supportive, fun, and diverse. Her advice to those aiming to return to work after a career break: seize opportunities designed for returners, don't be discouraged by a career gap, and above all, stay focused, determined, and believe in your skills and what you have to offer.
