A returnship offers a unique pathway back into the professional world for those who have taken a career break. Whether you paused your career for family, education, or personal reasons, a returnship can help you refresh your skills, rebuild your network, and regain confidence. Here’s how to make the most of a returnship opportunity and set yourself up for long-term success.
Understand the Value of a Returnship
A returnship is more than just a temporary job; it’s a structured program designed to help you transition back into the workforce. Recognize the value it offers in terms of skill development, networking, and potential permanent employment.
Top Tips for Maximizing Your Returnship
Set Clear Goals
- Before starting your returnship, define what you want to achieve. Whether it’s updating specific skills, building your professional network, or transitioning into a new industry, having clear goals will help you stay focused and motivated.
Engage Actively
- Treat your returnship like a full-time job. Show enthusiasm, take initiative, and seek out opportunities to contribute. Your active engagement will demonstrate your commitment and help you stand out.
Seek Feedback
- Regular feedback is crucial for growth. Don’t wait for formal reviews; ask your supervisor and colleagues for input on your performance. Use their feedback to improve and show that you’re proactive about your development.
Build Relationships
- Networking is one of the most valuable aspects of a returnship. Connect with your colleagues, attend company events, and join professional groups. These relationships can lead to mentorship opportunities and open doors to future job prospects.
Leverage Learning Opportunities
- Many returnship programs offer training sessions, workshops, and other learning opportunities. Take full advantage of these resources to enhance your skills and stay current with industry trends.
Showcase Your Skills
- Don’t be shy about demonstrating your capabilities. Take on challenging projects and showcase your strengths. Highlighting your skills and experience can increase your chances of being offered a permanent position.
Stay Organized
- Keep track of your projects, deadlines, and accomplishments. Staying organized will help you manage your responsibilities effectively and demonstrate your reliability to your employer.
Communicate Effectively
- Strong communication skills are essential in any role. Make sure you’re clear and concise in your interactions. Regularly update your supervisor on your progress and seek clarification when needed.
Adapt and Be Flexible
- The professional landscape may have changed since you last worked. Be open to new ways of working and adaptable to different situations. Flexibility will make you a valuable asset to your team.
Plan for the Future
- Towards the end of your returnship, have a plan in place for your next steps. Whether it’s transitioning to a full-time role within the company or using your experience to apply for jobs elsewhere, having a plan will help you stay focused and proactive.
Success Stories
Anna’s Return to Finance
- After a five-year career break, Anna joined a returnship program at a major financial institution. By actively seeking feedback and taking on challenging projects, she not only refreshed her skills but also built a strong network within the company. Her efforts paid off when she was offered a permanent role as a financial analyst.
Mark’s Tech Comeback
- Mark, a software engineer, took a career break to pursue further education. He joined a returnship at a leading tech company, where he leveraged learning opportunities and showcased his coding skills. His proactive approach led to a full-time position as a senior developer.
Lisa’s Marketing Revival
- Lisa stepped away from her marketing career to raise her children. She joined a returnship program at a top marketing firm, where she engaged actively and built strong relationships. By the end of her returnship, she secured a role as a marketing manager.
Conclusion
A returnship is a valuable opportunity to re-enter the workforce and rebuild your career. By setting clear goals, actively engaging, seeking feedback, and building relationships, you can maximize the benefits of your returnship. Treat it as a stepping stone to long-term success and make the most of every opportunity it presents. With the right approach, a returnship can be the perfect launchpad for your professional comeback.
