Career comebacks: How returnship programs are bringing women back to tech

Technology is an ever-evolving landscape, but one challenge persists—the career gap for women in tech. Many talented women step away from the industry for personal reasons, whether it’s maternity leave, caregiving, or other life commitments. Yet, when they are ready to return, they often find the doors they once walked through now lined with barriers. It’s time to change that narrative. We believe that talent never fades—it simply needs the right platform to shine again. Curated returnship programs are designed to empower women with the tools, training, and confidence to make their return to tech seamless and impactful.

Addressing the Tech Talent Shortage

The irony of today’s tech industry is that while there’s a shortage of skilled professionals, there’s also an entire segment of experienced women eager to contribute. Returnship programs serve as a bridge, connecting talent with opportunity. These structured programs provide mentorship, hands-on experience, and the industry exposure necessary to help women transition back into full-time roles.

Through such structured programs, companies can create a path for women to reskill, upskill, and rebuild their careers. It’s not just about re-entering the workforce—it’s about reclaiming ambitions and aspirations with renewed confidence.

Bridging the Career Gap

Returning to work after a career break can feel overwhelming. The speed of technological advancements, shifting workplace dynamics, and self-doubt can make the transition daunting. However, with the right support, women can seamlessly integrate back into professional spaces.

Here’s how a curated returnship program can help:

Skill Enhancement Workshops: From cloud computing and cybersecurity to DevOps, participants should receive tailored training to stay industry-ready.

Personalized Career Mapping: Through one-on-one mentorship, helping women identify roles that align with their strengths and career aspirations.

Work-Life Balance Support: Flexibility is key. Programs should offer adaptive work arrangements, allowing a smooth transition without compromising personal responsibilities.

Networking and Peer Support: A strong support system to ensure that returning professionals don’t walk this path alone.

Creating Equal Opportunities

Returnship programs do more than just bring women back to work; they reshape how organizations view career breaks. We have witnessed extraordinary success stories of women who have not only re-entered the workforce but have flourished, achieving new professional heights. Our carefully curated program has played a pivotal role in these transformations, providing the necessary support, guidance, and opportunities for career advancement.  

One such inspiring journey is that of a former procurement team member who, through our program, successfully transitioned into the role of an Alliance Manager. Today, she skilfully manages crucial relationships with OEMs and plays an instrumental role in shaping and executing impactful marketing strategies.  

Similarly, another determined participant who initially held a back-end executive position embraced the opportunity to step into a front-end sales role. With newfound confidence and expertise, she now plays a vital role in engaging and managing small and medium-sized business clients, significantly contributing to business growth and success.  

Yet another remarkable example is that of a woman employee who previously specialised in vendor negotiations. With the support and resources provided by our program, she successfully transitioned to a dynamic Business Development role, where she now focuses on fostering strategic partnerships, identifying new business opportunities, and driving substantial revenue growth.  

These success stories are a testament to the power of creating inclusive opportunities and equipping talented women with the tools they need to excel in new, challenging, and rewarding roles.

The Future of Returnship Programs in Tech

Diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a catalyst for innovation. As the industry recognizes the importance of bringing experienced women back into the workforce, returnship programs will become an essential part of the hiring landscape.

As tech companies, we should not just advocate for change; we need to build it. Returnship programs should be treated as more than just an initiative—it should be a movement towards a more inclusive and equitable tech industry. To all the women who’ve paused their careers but never lost their passion—your second inning starts now. The industry needs you, and we’re here to welcome you back.

Ridhima Sawant

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Ridhima Sawant is Head of Digital Transformation at Orient Technologies Limited.