Returnship

What It Means

A returnship is a paid, time-limited program that an employer runs for experienced professionals coming back to work after a career breakCareer breakA planned stretch of months or years away from paid work, for caregiving, study, health, travel or rest, usually with a plan to return later. See more, such as time spent caregiving. SHRM describes them as re-entry internships that usually last 12 to 16 weeks, with some running from 8 weeks to 6 months, and participants are often paired with a mentor while they refresh their skills. Some end with a permanent job offer, though that depends on the program and isn't promised.

How People Say It at Work

• "I got into a returnship after five years home with the kids."
• "It's basically an internship for people coming back."
• "The returnship turned into a full-time offer."

The Breakdown

How to find and apply for one (Buhata's suggestion)

1. List large employers in your field and search their careers pages for "returnship" or "return to work program."
2. Read each program's requirements: how long you must have been away, how many years of experience it wants, and the dates it runs.
3. Note the application window, since a program may only take applications at certain times, and put the deadlines on your calendar.
4. Update your resumeResumeA short document that sums up your work history, skills, education and results for an employer, usually sent with a job application. See more with a single line for the break, plus any volunteer work, courses or projects from that time.
5. Prepare a two-sentence answer for "Why now?" that covers why you stepped away and why you're ready to come back.
6. Line up references from before your break, and let them know a call may come.

Try it today. Search the careers pages of three employers you'd like to work for and note which ones mention a return-to-work program.

What to expect, per SHRM. A paid, structured program, usually 12 to 16 weeks, often with a mentor. Some programs ask for roughly two years away and several years of experience before the break.

Good to Know

A returnship is an employer's own program, so pay, length, benefitsBenefits packageEverything an employer offers on top of wages, such as health insurance, paid leave and a retirement plan, which can be worth thousands of dollars a year. See more and the chance of a permanent role all vary; ask about each before you accept. Harvard Business Review has reported on large employers adding these programs; spots in any one program are limited, so keep applying for regular roles at the same time. If a program is unpaid, ask why, since SHRM describes returnships as paid.

Related Terms and Categories

• Career break

  A planned stretch of months or years away from paid work, for caregiving, study, health, travel or rest, usually with a plan to return later.

• Resume gap

  A stretch of months or years with no paid job on your work history, often from caregiving, health, study, a layoff or a long job search.

• Resume

  A short document that sums up your work history, skills, education and results for an employer, usually sent with a job application.

• Cover letter

  A short letter sent with a resume that says which job you want, why you fit it and why this employer, in your own voice.

• Job interview

  A conversation in which an employer asks about your experience and skills to decide whether to offer you a job, and you learn about the role.

Work, career and remote life