Restarting Your Career

Of all the recruiting programs we run and people priorities we drive at Goldman Sachs, one that I’m most proud of is our Returnship? Program. 

For those who temporarily leave the workforce – whether to raise children, care for a relative, or for other personal reasons – it can sometimes be daunting when you try to restart your career. At Goldman Sachs, we believe this population represents a valuable talent pool; one that can directly benefit our culture, clients and business. It’s for those reasons that we introduced the Goldman Sachs Returnship? Program almost a decade ago in New York, and have since expanded it to other offices around the world. Through the 10 week program, participants reintegrate into the workplace and enhance their professional skills while expanding their network and exploring new and previous areas of interest.

Since launching the Returnship? Program, nearly 350 people globally have participated, including the 23 individuals who today completed our 2017 Americas program. These “returnees” not only bring their prior work experiences and business knowledge to Goldman Sachs, but they also provide unique perspectives that help us approach and solve problems in new ways. Returnees join a specific business area, complete project work alongside Goldman Sachs colleagues and directly contribute to the goals of their teams. The program offers returnees an in-depth look at the financial services industry and the culture of our firm, as well as an opportunity to learn new skills necessary to take the next step in their careers. Over the years, we’ve also found the program creates a pipeline of talent for the firm and have gone on to hire many of the participants as full-time employees.

Every year, I have the privilege of meeting with our returnees. These interactions remind me that each of us has a unique story that shapes who we are as individuals and professionals. The program also shows us that when we look for talented candidates, understanding their experiences beyond the workplace and what’s on their resume, gives us insight into the value they can add and the breadth of knowledge they can bring to Goldman Sachs. I’m also reminded that managing through periods of transition can be challenging - it requires focus, sacrifice and resilience. To that end, I offer a few pieces of advice on how to effectively navigate change in your career.

• Embrace your own perspective and story
• If you’ve taken a career break, have confidence – you haven't simply "taken time off," you’ve shifted your focus and those experiences matter
• Seek advice and ask questions, listen to and learn from others
• Have an opinion and a voice, don’t be afraid to assert yourself and share your point of view 
• Mistakes will happen - learn from them, be resilient and move on quickly
• Take risks - this is how you will experience growth and develop professionally
• Know yourself and communicate what is important to you

Competition for top talent is tougher than ever. That’s why we constantly push ourselves to develop innovative recruiting strategies, like the Returnship? Program, to help us find candidates who bring unique perspectives and experiences to Goldman Sachs.