Your Return April 24

Welcome!

WelcometoourApriledition!There’slotsofexcitement hereatCareerReturnersaswegetclosertoourannual online‘BacktoyourFuture’Conferencenowjustacouple ofweeksaway Readonforourarticleonwhattoexpect fromtheConferenceandtoptipsonhowtomakethemostofthesebumperpacked days

Inthismonth’sissue,we’realsolookingattheexperiencesandtransferableskills gainedduringcareerbreaks Learninghowtovaluetheseandarticulatethe transferableskillsgainedwillhelpyoutoupdateyourCVandtalkconfidentlyabout thevalueofyourcareerbreakatinterview.

Weoftenhearreturnersworryaboutoutdatedtechnicalskills,soin‘Askthe Coaches’,weexplorehowyoucanupdateandrefreshyourskillsafteranextended careerbreak.

Contributors

Forsomeinspirationthismonth,readYuliiaNazarenko’sSuccessStory aboutmovingfromUkrainetotheUKin2021andreturningtoworkat NationalHighways.Andinourreviewof‘TheLightWeCarry’,weshare ourtakeawaysfromMichelleObama’sbookonresilienceandfinding purposeandbalancewhilstnavigatingchallenge

KarenDanker HeadofCoaching

LizMearns DeputyHeadof Coaching

LaurenWilson LeadCoach

Finally,inQ&AwithourCoachingTeam,Laurenoneofour SeniorCoaches,sharesherrouteintocoachingandtoptips forreturnerslookingtoboosttheirprofessionalconfidence astheyreturntowork

Happyreading!

Karen & Liz

Career Returners Coaching Team

MaharukhDalal LeadCoach

3

Reframing Your Career Break

Welookatwaystoidentifythevalueof yourcareerbreakandhowtoarticulate yourtransferableskills

5 Yuliia’s Success Story

Yuliiasharesthechallengesofstarting afreshinanewcountry,balancingfamily commitmentsandfindingaflexiblerole

7

Book Review

Ourhighlightsfrom‘TheLightWeCarry’, MichelleObama’sdeeplypersonaland inspirationalexplorationofchallengesshe hasfacedandstrategiesforresilience

8 Meet Lauren

OneofourSeniorCoachessharesher routeintocoachingandtoptipsfor buildingconfidenceasyoureturntowork

9 Back to Your Future Conference 2024

Welookatwhatyouwillgainfromthe Conference,whattoexpectandhowtoprepare foranaction-packed2days

13 Ask the Coaches

Ourteamgivesadviceonhowtoupdate andrefreshyourskillsafteranextended careerbreak

14 Webinars & Events

Thelatesteventstoinspireandencourage yourreturntowork

Unearthing value and articulating transferable skills

“What if we viewed a career break not as a gap in a CV but as a rich period of growth and learning?”

akingacareerbreak,whetherbychoice orcircumstance,oftencarriesacomplex mixofemotionsandimplicationsfor professionals.

Whilethereasonsvary,includingcaringcommitments, healthreasons,relocation,redundancyand professionaldevelopmenttonamebutafewreturningtotheworkforcecanfeeldaunting However,whatifweviewedacareerbreaknotasa gapinaCVbutasarichperiodofgrowthand learning?Thispostaimstohelpyoureframeyour careerbreakbyidentifyingitsinherentvalueand learnings,andarticulatingyourtransferableskillsina waythatresonateswithpotentialemployers.

IdentifyingtheValueandLearnings

1.PersonalDevelopment:Acareerbreakoftenleads tosignificantpersonaldevelopment,including improvedresilience,adaptability,andemotional intelligence Reflectonhowyou'vegrownpersonally duringthisperiodandconsiderhowthesetraitsare valuableinaprofessionalsetting

2.NewPerspectives:Steppingawayfromthe workforcecanprovidenewinsightsintowhatyou valueinacareer,yourpreferredworkculture,andthe typeofwork-lifebalanceyouseek Yourexperiences onacareerbreakmayalsohelpyoutobringa differentwayofthinkingandproblemsolving,whichis hugelyvaluedbyteams

3.SkillsAcquisition:Duringabreak,manyindividuals acquirenewskills.Whetherthroughexploringahobby, formaleducation,volunteeringorotheremployment, theseexperiencescontributetowhatyoucanoffera newemployer.

ArticulatingTransferableSkills

1.Communication:Ifyourbreakinvolvedcoordinating activitiesforfamily,volunteerprojectsorother employment,youlikelyhonedyourcommunication skills Employersvalueclear,concisecommunication, sothisisakeyskilltohighlight

2.ProjectManagement:Organisinganyeventsuchas leadingacommunityprojectorplanningarelocation canenhanceyourprojectmanagementskills Highlight howtheseexperienceshavetaughtyoutomanage time,resources,andexpectationseffectively

3.Problem-solving:Lifeoutsidethetraditional workforceisfullofunexpectedchallengesrequiring creativesolutions.Reflectonmomentswhenyouhad

tothinkonyourfeetornavigatecomplexsituations, demonstratingyourproblem-solvingabilities

4 Adaptability:Successfullymanagingacareerbreak requiresadaptability askillhighlyprizedintoday’s fast-pacedworkenvironment Considerhowadapting tonewcircumstancesorlearningnewtechnologies duringyourbreakhaspreparedyouforthedynamic natureoftheworkplace.

MakingItRelevanttoYourRole

1.TailoryourCV:Whenpreparingforyourreturn, tailoryourCVtothespecificrole Mirrorthelanguage usedinthejobadtodescribeyourskillsand experiences,makingiteasierforhiringmanagersto seetherelevance

2.Listyourtransferableskills:Underyour professionalprofile,listyourkeyskillsincludingyour transferableskillsdevelopedduringyourcareerbreak asrelevanttotheroleyou’regoingfornow

3 ConfidenceinyourCareerBreakatInterview: Whenyoulandthatinterview,discussyourcareer breakwithconfidence!Clearlyarticulatehowyour uniqueexperienceshaveequippedyouwithadiverse skillsetandafreshperspective.

Byreframingyourcareerbreakasanopportunityfor growthandlearningandarticulatingyourtransferable skillseffectively,youcanmakeacompellingcasefor whyyouarenotjustasuitablecandidate,buta valuableassettoanyteam

Yuliia Nazarenko

PilotDeliveryManager NationalHighways

(2yearcareerbreak)

Yuliia’s Success Story

“My manager later told me that I showed a range of transferable skills during the interview that would be helpful in the project I was interviewed for”

I’maPMIcertifiedProjectManager Inmylastrolebeforemy careerbreak,IworkedasaSeniorProjectManagerfora Ukrainiancompanythatspecialisedinenergyefficientsolutions forresidentsandbusinesses

In2021,myfamilymovedfromUkrainetotheUK.Itooka careerbreaktotakecareofmysonwhohasspecialneeds whilewewaitedforaschoolplaceforhim Duringthistimewar startedinUkraine,soIalsospenttimevolunteering,helping UkrainiansseekrefugeintheUKwithpaperworkandessential needs

Alongsidemyvolunteering,Iworkedonmypersonaland professionaldevelopment ItookEnglishclassestoincreasemy techvocabularyandonlineprojectmanagementcoursesto catchupwiththeinsandoutsoffast-pacedwork environments Itwasalwaysmyaimtogetbacktoworkas soonasmychildrenweresettledatschool

“However,despitemyextensiveexperienceandimpressiveskillset

nobodywantedtoconsidermyCVbecauseofmycareergap”

However,despitemyextensiveexperienceand impressiveskillsetnobodywantedtoconsider myCVbecauseofmycareergap Iwas desperatetofindanewposition Ihadbeen lookingforajobformorethan6monthswhenI cameacrossCareerReturners Iappliedfora positionontheNationalHighwaysReturner Programmeandsubsequentlysecuredan interview

“CareerReturnersfacilitated regularcoachingsessionsthat provedinvaluableinhelpingus adjustseamlesslytothe workingenvironment”

Followingasuccessfulinterview,Iwasdelighted tobeofferedarole!Mymanagerlatertoldme thateventhoughIhadneverworkedfora companythatbuildsandmaintainsroads,I showedarangeoftransferableskillsduringthe interviewthatwouldbehelpfulintheprojectI wasinterviewedfor.

FromDay1,NationalHighwaysandCareer Returnersprovidedsupporteverystepofthe way NationalHighwaysofferedvarious touchpointstoacquaintuswiththecompany's prioritiesandvalues,ensuringasmooth integration.Additionally,CareerReturners facilitatedregularcoachingsessionsthatproved invaluableinhelpingusreadjustseamlesslyto theworkingenvironment

“Flexible/hybridworking helpedmealottoorganisemy personalroutine”

Itwasdifficultatthebeginningwithmyfamilyto managetheirexistingexpectationsandsetnew boundariesformyavailability.Butatwork, maybebecauseoftheamazingteamIworkwith, Ihadnoproblems Everybodywasunderstanding andsupportive Nopressureatall Flexible/hybridworkinghelpedmealotto organisemypersonalroutine.

“Letyourfamilyknowinadvance thatyouwillbeworkingand mightnotbearoundasmuchas youusedtobe”

I’mstillexcitedaboutbeingbackatworkandI haveplanstoprogressinthefuture!Anyone thinkingaboutgoingbacktoworkshould considerhowitwillimpacttheirroutineaheadof time Letyourfamilyknowinadvancethatyou willbeworkingandmightnotbearoundasmuch asyouusedtobe!

“Ifgoingbacktoworkis somethingyou’reserious about,thendon’tgiveup!”

Onceyou’reinyourroledon’tbeafraidtoask questions-therearenowrongquestions.If goingbacktoworkissomethingyou'reserious about,thendon'tgiveup!

Readmoreinspiringstories inourSuccessStoryLibrary

Book Review

This month, we’ve been reading "The Light We Carry" by Michelle Obama. It’s an inspiring and deeply personal book where the former First Lady shares her experiences and the strategies she has employed to overcome various challenges. In this thoughtful exploration, Obama delves into themes of change, uncertainty, and the importance of connection, offering readers a guide to navigating life's inevitable difficulties with grace and strength.

OurTop5Takeaways:

1 Embrace the Power of Small

Obamaemphasisesthesignificanceofsmall, everydayactionsandchoicesinmakingabig differenceinourlivesandthelivesofothers She encouragesreaderstofindjoyandmeaninginthe "small"things,whichcanprovideasenseofstability andhopeduringturbulenttimes

2 Managing Your Inner Critic

Oneofthecentralthemesofthebookisthe importanceofmanagingself-doubtandtheinnercritic thatcanundermineourconfidenceandhappiness

Obamasharesstrategiesforengagingwithourinner voicesconstructively,teachingushowtochallenge negativeself-talkandembraceourstrengthsand vulnerabilities

3 The Importance of Community

Thebookhighlightsthevalueofbuildingandleaning onasupportivecommunity Obamashareshow relationshipsandconnectionshavebeenasourceof strengthandguidanceforher,remindingreadersthat wearenotmeanttonavigatelife'schallengesalone

4 Staying True to Yourself

Obama'snarrativeunderscorestheimportanceof authenticityandstayingtruetoone'svaluesand beliefs,eveninthefaceofadversity.Sheencourages readerstoembracetheiruniquestoriesandidentities assourcesofpower.

5 Finding and Sharing Your Light

Ultimately,Obamaadvocatesforfindingyourown light-yourpurpose,joy,andpassion-andsharing thatlightwiththeworld.It'saboutcontributing positivelyandmakinganimpact,nomatterhowsmall itmayseem.

"TheLightWeCarry"isnotjustamemoirbuta beaconofhopeandatoolkitforresilience,offering practicaladviceandprofoundinsightsonhowto navigatelife'schallenges Throughherownstory, MichelleObamainspiresustofindandharnessour innerstrength,remindingusofthepowerof community,kindness,andstayingtruetoourselvesin theprocessofovercomingobstaclesandpursuinga meaningfullife

Meet Lauren

OneofourSenio tipsforreturners lookingto ntowork

Tell us a little bit about your professional background?

Myprofessionalbackgroundisin economicsandlawandIworked withsomeleadingfinancial servicesorganisations,consumer groupsandregulatorybodiesin bothScotlandandinLondonfor 10+years Ithentookacareer breaktoraisethreechildren duringwhichtimeIqualifiedasa psychotherapistbeforedoingall mycoachingqualificationsand settingupmyowncoaching business Keentohelpothers returntoworkafteranextended careerbreak,Iwasthen delightedtojoinWomen(Career) Returnersin2019whereI’mnow partofthecoachingteamasa seniorcoach

What

do you love about coaching?

What sparked your journey into coaching?

Duringmyfirstmaternityleave,I knewIwasreadytotry somethingnewwhereIwasmore directlyinvolvedwithpeople

Qualifyingfirstofallasa psychotherapist,allowedmeto helpindividualsworkthrough issuesfromtheirpastwhichcan stillplayoutinthepresent. However,theabilitytothen empowerpeopletotakepositive stepsforwardintheirlivesand careersthroughcoachingwas whereIreallyfeltIcouldadd mostvalue Ithereforeundertook allmycoachingqualifications throughtheInternational CoachingFederation

Coachinghasbeenanincredibly positiveandrewarding experienceforme Asacoach yourkeyroleistomotivate otherstomakepositivechanges andachievetheiraspirations Workingwithreturnersand seeinghowtheirjourneys progressandtheirconfidence growisjustwonderful.

What are some of the typical themes you see coming up for returners as they return to work?

ThemainthemesIseeworking withreturnersaretheyareoften sufferingfromadipintheir professionalconfidence They havesomeself-doubtintheir abilitytoreturntoworkand whethertheirskillswillbe valuableanymore Some returnersarealsolookingtotry

somethingnewbutareunsure wheretostartandwhethertheir skillsandstrengthsare transferable

What are your top tips for navigating these?

Reconnectingwithyour professionalidentityisreally important Rememberwhoyou areandwhatyourkeystrengths andskillsare Thisthenallows youtobuildyourconfidencebut alsoarticulatetootherswhat yourofferingis Startingwiththis workonyourprofessionalselfis thereforekeyandonceyouhave clarityaboutthis,youwill hopefullystarttoseeapath forward

When you're not working, what are we likely to find you doing?

Ihavea19yearold,asoontobe 17yearoldanda12yearoldso lifeasamumisstillbusybut greatfun Outsideofwork,I’m probablythereforedoing somethingwith(orfor)my childrenandIcanmostlybe foundonthesideofarugby, footballorhockeypitch When I’mtakingtimeforme,Ilove coffeescatchingupwithfriends, running,skiingorwalkinginthe hillswithmyhusbandandmuch loveddogChip!

Our flagship WomenReturners‘BacktoYour Future’Conference is just around the corner, and we are excited! We know that the Conference can make a huge difference in changing the way you feel about your return to work and can give you all the practical tools and tips you need to get there.

Most importantly, we want you to ensure you getwhatyouneedsothatyoufeelexcited and ready to take your next steps in a successful return to work. So, in this article we share our thoughts with you on what to expect, what you will gain from attending and our top tips on setting you up for success, so that you can confidently kick start, or accelerate, your return to work after a long career break

Ithasbeenreallybrilliant.Ihavebeenlookingso hardforthiskindofsupport

2023 Attendee

What can I expect from the Conference?

TheConferenceisaninspiringandinformativetwo daysforyoutojoininvirtuallyandenjoy.It’sactionpackedwithpanels,speakers,supportworkshops andmanyopportunitiestoconnectwithemployers andotherreturners!Getreadytoactivelyparticipate togetthemostoutoftheevent Lookaheadatthe agendaandplanyourday You’llwanttobereadyto soakupalltheadvice,toolsandconnectionsyou needtogetbacktoarewardingandfulfillingcareer

Youalsohavetheoptiontoregistertoattendour follow-onin-personnetworkingeventinCentral Londonon7May–registrationisonafirstcomefirst servedbasisandwe’recurrentlyfullbutdojoinour waitlistasspacescanbecomeavailablenearerthe time

What will I gain from attending?

You’llgainadviceandinformationfromawiderangeof Return-to-WorkExpert Workshops:FindyourCareerCompass,BoostyourProfessionalConfidence,Refine yourProfessionalIntro,TaketheFearoutofNetworking,Sharpenyourreturn-to-work CVandEnhanceyourLinkedInProfile

Theopportunitytomeetotherlike-mindedwomenreturnersthrough1:1video conversationsandinsector-basedsmallgroupvideochatrooms

FeelinspiredbythestoriesofaReturnerPanelofwomenwhohavesuccessfully returnedtoworkinavarietyofdifferentfields,hostedby JaneGarvey,broadcaster andjournalist.Twoofthisyear’spanellistswereinouraudiencelastyearandthey reflectontheirsuccessoverthelastyear.

HearfromMariaCaulfieldMP, MinisterforWomen onwhytheGovernmentsupports returners

LearnmoreaboutreturntoworkopportunitiesandorganisationsviaEmployersLive sessionswith6leadingReturnerEmployers EDF, FDMGroup, J.P.Morgan, Moody’s, St.James’sPlace and Workday

Enjoytheopportunitytomeetemployersinsmall-groupvideochatroomsforinformal conversationsandQ&A

Understandmoreaboutwhatreturneremployersarelookingforinour Employer Panel.

Benefitfromtheexperienceandinsightofourcoachingteambyaskingyour questionslivetothe CareerReturnerscoaches

1 Set yourself a goal

What’syourmainreasonforattending? Whatdoyouwanttogetoutofthe Conference?Setyourselvessome objectivestoachieveoverthetwodays eg registeringyourdetailswith somekeyreturneremployers, connectingwithotherreturners ormakingnotestoimproveyour CVandLinkedInprofile

2 Become familiar with the software in advance

WewillsendoutdetailsofHopin–the fantasticonlineConferenceplatformthat weuse–inadvancesoyouhaveachance todownloaditandsetupyour profileonit Youcanalso explorehowyoucanusethe differentareassoyou’reready togoontheday

5 Prioritise

Conferencedaysarenotthedaysto multi-task Makethisyourprioritysoyou don’tgetdistractedandcanmaximise theopportunitiesoffered

3

Have a back-up plan for tech issues

Ideallyyouwanttofollowthe Conferenceonadesktoporlaptop.Butif yourssometimeshasissues,haveanother computer,atabletorasmartphoneatthe readysoyoudon’tmissout.

4 Make a plan

Becomefamiliarwiththeagendaand identifywhichsessionsyoureallywantto attend Whereyouhaveachoiceof sessions,considerwhichoneisgoingtobe mostrelevantforyourgoals Createyour planforattending andblockoutthe timeinyourdiary.

With so much to look forward to do you stay focused and get the from the Conference?

6 Be prepared – do your research

Researchemployerssothat youcanprioritisewhichemployersyou’ll visitintheirboothsandchattoinsession rooms.Prepareyourlistofmeaningful questionsthatdemonstratesyourresearch –don’taskquestionsthatyoucaneasily findtheanswerstoontheirwebsite

7 Get your friends to attend too

Peopleofteninviteafriendforin-person events,butdon’tthinkaboutitforvirtual events Youcanevengettogetheronthe daysoyoucansitin differentsessionsand swapfeedbackand ideasafter.

and benefit from, how maximum experience

8 Connect

Makethemostoftheopportunityto connectwithotherreturnerstobuildyour peersupportgroup Spendtime connecting1-1withothersaswellas meetingreturnersinthesessionrooms Connectwithpeopleyou meetoverthetwodayson LinkedInsoyoucancontinue tosupporteachother.

9 Note taking

Haveapenandnotepadreadytoreflecton workshopexercisesandpanelsandjot downnotes.Setuponepageforpoints thatreallyresonatethatyoucanreflecton later.Onewaytodothisistothink‘whatis mykeytakeaway’,‘whatdoesthismeanfor me’,and‘whatamIgoingtodowiththis information’?Setupasecondpagefor contactdetailsorthoseyouwouldliketo connectwithorfollow Don’tgetdistracted akinglengthynotesthough–you’llhavetherecordingsofall workshopsandpanelsfor30 daysaftertheConferenceto continueyourreflections.

10 Take breaks!

Wewillbegivingyoutheopportunityfor breaksthroughouttheday.Doensureyou getupandmove,getsomethingtoeatand drinkandrestyoureyesfromscreentime. Thiswillprepareyouto comebacktoyournext sessionre-energisedand re-focussed

OurflagshipBacktoYour FutureConferenceon1and2 May2024isafullyinteractive onlineeventpackedwiththe advice,inspiration,toolsand connectionsyouneedtoget youbacktoarewardingrole.

Tobookyourticket,clickhere

Our coaching team is on hand to answer your questions!

I’ve been on a career break for 10 years. What tips do you have on updating and refreshing my skills?

Re-enteringtheworkforceafterasignificantbreakcanbeachallenge,butrefreshingandupdating yourskillsisagreatsteptowardasuccessfultransition Herearesometipstohelpyougetstarted:

IdentifytheSkillsGap:

Beginbyresearchingjobdescriptionsinyourfieldtoidentifytheskillscurrentlyindemand Comparethesetoyourexistingskillsettodeterminewhereyoumightneedupdatesor improvements

TakeAdvantageofOnlineCourses:

Therearenumerousonlineplatformsofferingcoursesinalmosteveryfieldimaginable,from technicalskillstosoftskills.WebsiteslikeCoursera,Udemy,LinkedInLearning,andedXoffera broadrangeofcoursestaughtbyindustryprofessionalsandoftenprovidecertificatesupon completion.Ifyou’relookingtoupskillintech,docheckoutthesefreeonlinecoursesatour CiscoTechAcademythatwillhelpequipyouwithrealjobreadyskills: https://careerreturners.com/returners/cisco-networking-academy-courses/

AttendWorkshopsandWebinars:

Manyprofessionalorganisationsandindustrygroupshostworkshopsandwebinarsthatcanhelp youstayabreastofthelatesttrendsandtechnologiesinyourfield Thesecanalsobegreat networkingopportunities

VolunteerorFreelance:

Engaginginvolunteerworkorfreelanceprojectscanbeanexcellentwaytogainhands-on experience,especiallyinareaswhereyoumightwanttobuildordemonstrateyourskills It'salso awaytofillgapsinyourresumewithrelevantexperience.

Networking:

ConnectwithprofessionalsinyourfieldthroughsocialmediaplatformslikeLinkedInorjoin professionalgroupsandassociations Networkingcanprovideinsightsintoindustrytrends, adviceonskillsdevelopment,andevenjobopportunities

StayInformed:

Subscribetoindustrynewsletters,followrelevantblogs,andjoinprofessionalsocialmedia groupstokeepupwithnews,advancements,anddiscussionsinyourfield

Updatingandrefreshingyourskillsisajourneyofcontinuouslearningandimprovement.Bytaking proactivestepsandleveragingavailableresources,youcanmakeasuccessfulreturntothe workforce

Webinars & Events

29 April Return,restartorpivotintotech

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, London

FREE, 16:00 - 19:30 BST

Julianne,ourCEO,istalkingatthisin-personeventinLondonforthoselooking toreturntoorrestarttheircareersinTech

Register

London Networking Event 7 May (waitlist)

OurAnnualConferenceisTHEbestwaytokick-startoraccelerateyour returntoworkafteracareerbreak.

Getconnectedintooursupportivereturnercommunity,gainadvicefromour ExpertWorkshops,beinspiredbyourReturnerPanel,understandwhat employersarelookingforinourEmployerPanelandmeetwithourEmployer SponsorPartners-EDF,FDMGroup,JPMorgan,Moody’s,StJames’sPlace andWorkday

Ticketsalescloseatmidnighton28April. 7 May

CodingBlackFemalesReturntoTechBootcamp

FREEOnline Training (potential roles based in London) Starts 7 May (30 weeks)

Areyoureadytotakeasignificantstepforwardinyourtechcareer?Coding BlackFemalesisthrilledtoannouncetheupcomingReturntoTechBootcamp inpartnershipwithBAESystemsDigitalIntelligenceThisopportunityis specificallytailoredforBlackwomenandnon-binaryindividualswithprevious codingexperiencewhoareeagertore-enterthetechfield

WhattoExpect:

LeadershipDevelopment:Cultivateyourskillsinleadingtechprojectsandteams DevOpsProficiency:Gainin-depthknowledgeincontinuousintegrationandcontinuous deploymenttoboostyourefficiency

AWSCertification:PrepareforAWScertificationstoexcelincloudcomputing Hands-OnProject:Buildafull-stackapplicationfromthegroundup

ApplyNow!SpotsarefillingquicklyVisittheCodingBlackFemaleswebsitetolearnmore andapplytoday