Many women face challenges re-entering the workforce after taking time off. Gaps in employment history can be a disadvantage. Recognizing this, Hexagon, a leader in digital reality solutions, launched the "Begin Again" initiative.
The initiative is more than just re-entry. It's a structured program to help women in technical and management roles rebuild their careers. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted these challenges, prompting Hexagon's commitment to diversity and inclusion to create this program.
To provide a smooth transition back into the workforce, "Begin Again" offers a combination of practical benefits. Participants gain valuable hands-on experience through well-paid internships, easing their re-entry process. Additionally, the program addresses potential skill gaps by offering reskilling opportunities, ensuring participants are competitive in the current job market. Finally, Hexagon fosters a supportive environment that welcomes individuals regardless of career breaks, eliminating any potential stigma.
The initiative has seen positive results, with over 350 applications received. Several graduates have already re-entered the tech industry in various roles in Software Development, QA, DevOps, among others.
Let's meet Mounika Palli and Lilawathi Surana, two successful women who leveraged this initiative to relaunch their careers at Hexagon R&D India. Their stories highlight the program's positive impact on overcoming challenges and achieving success.
MOUNIKA PALLI
Senior Software Developer
Hexagon R&D India
Q. What attracted you to the initiative?
A. I had almost a 6-year break from my career. For the past year, I've been trying to learn new technical skills and apply them. However, many companies set a minimum gap requirement. The attractive thing about the Begin Again program is that there are no such barriers even with 10 years of gap we can apply to this program. That's the main appeal of this program.
Q. How has your experience been with the program since joining?
A. The whole journey with the program has been amazing, and it's an opportunity I never want to miss. I have no regrets about taking the break. As a woman, I want to emphasize the importance of being kind to yourself; it's completely okay to take a break. We all have our priorities. When you decide to "Begin Again," don't hesitate to come back. While it might take time, be sure to seek support, ask for help, and stay open about your journey.
Q. What has been the most remarkable / significant experience that you've had in this program? Share an anecdote if possible.
A. Since I joined, things have been a bit of a roller coaster. My complete schedule changed a lot, I’m genuinely happy with what I'm doing. This experience made me more confident and hopeful. One day, my husband had to leave the city, and my child had a day off. I brought my child to my work because we have a daycare facility. This helped me a lot, especially as a woman, as many women don't start or continue their careers due to childcare. The Hexagon facility saved me big time. It has boosted my confidence level and given me a ray of hope that no matter what, if you are willing to do something and put your whole zeal into it, it will happen.
Q. What do you like most about the program?
A. The best part of the Begin Again program, for me, is the interview process. I was nervous about how it would go and if I'd be chosen. But the interviewers looked at both my technical skills and how sincere I was about wanting to restart my career. That's what every candidate wants – to be noticed for both their skills and their determination. It's nice to have an interview that cares about more than just what you know, but also about your commitment to getting back into the workforce.
LILAWATHI SURANA
Senior Software Consultant
Hexagon R&D India
Q. What drew you to the initiative?
A. In today's rapidly evolving technology, individuals like me, who have taken a 5-year career break, face significant challenges in seeking employment. We lack confidence while competing in interviews against those who have not experienced any career break. However, with the Begin Again program, every candidate shared a similar background, allowing us to approach interviews with newfound confidence.
Q. Please share your experience with the program.
A. The experience was exceptional. Returning to work after a five-year break posed considerable challenges for me, both professionally and personally, but the team made the transition remarkably smooth. To help me familiarize myself with the team, they even organized a self-initiated team outing.
Concerning professional challenges, unlike the other hiring programs that set the performance expectations upfront, we were hired as interns and underwent thorough training for a couple of months before any performance expectations were set. The entire team was exceptionally welcoming throughout this period. Also, despite our status as interns, our opinions held significance, and we actively engaged in decision-making processes.
On a personal note, I have a two-year-old child, and I felt uneasy about returning to work due to concerns about him. But, thanks to Hexagon, there is a wonderful cheche facility here where my child adjusted within a week. Now, he looks forward to coming to the office with me every day. He has made numerous new friends, learned many things, and thoroughly enjoys his time here.
Q. What unique opportunities did the program offer you?
A. I was given a development project, however, coming from a QA background, I found it challenging to apply my prior experience and knowledge. After a couple of months of training, my Manager (Divya Kurakula) and Director (Tanmoy Chakraborty) approached me to discuss my experiences. When I expressed my concerns, Tanmoy offered me the option to choose my team and I chose the QA team. I was particularly pleased because, in my entire 10-year career, I hadn't witnessed employees being given the option to choose their team. Usually, it's the managers who conduct interviews and select the team members.
Q. What aspect of the initiative resonates with you the most?
A. Women who have taken a career break often tend to lose hope about returning to work. Residing in an apartment complex with 2,780 flats, where many women have experienced career breaks, me resuming work through the "Begin Again" program became an inspiration for them. Learning about my experience gave them hope that they too could successfully resume their professional journeys.
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