“Spotlight on BWBW Success - In conversation with Melissa Birchler”

My story before #BWBW:

Before I started the BWBW program, I was a Senior Corporate Communications specialist with 10+ years of experience in global corporate communications, and internal and external communications in the finance and tech sectors in Australia and Switzerland.

My early studies focused on business, finance, and later on digital marketing.

I moved to Switzerland in 2011 and then to Munich in 2022.

My story with #BWBW - why did I join the program, and how did I find out about the program?:

I joined the #BWBW program as I immediately recognized the value that it offered. I knew the Salesforce name really well and was really impressed with Vanessa Gentile ′s vision and dream. to help all these talented women re-enter the workforce after a career break.

In Australia, I was very active on the committee of a non-profit association called Women in Finance. Together we raised corporate sponsorship funds and launched a mentoring program for women in the finance sector. I am still in touch with my mentor today so I am a firm believer in the power of volunteers with a shared passion.

I found out about the BWBW program on Instagram and thought I would throw my hat in the ring. I did not expect to be accepted at all. But once I did, then my whole life and career changed rapidly.

What was my journey with #BWBW like, my challenges, and what am I proud of?:

My journey with #BWBW was definitely fun and I met some amazing people. The highlight was the chance to meet the other women, hear their stories, and share the highs and lows together.

I am still impressed by the generosity of Salesforce and the partner ecosystem for investing their time and energy into the program. These companies clearly saw early on the power of Vanessa`s vision and the value of career re-entry programs. I witnessed many times the payoffs for those companies who “hired for attitude, trained for skill”. They gained a new hire who had extensive life experience, maturity, flexibility, and grit.

The fact that every participant in the program is prepared to invest 200+ hours to take the Salesforce Administration exam and at the same time undergo extensive training for 12 months is proof that these women are highly engaged and motivated to work.

What advice would I give to any woman looking to reskill and grow into a better version of herself?

My advice would be to just start. Start anywhere but do not waste time trying to make a decision in a vacuum. It is only through real-life research, interviewing, and on-the-ground experience you can get more information and clarity about the next step. If German is not your first language, keep investing in this as much as possible so you can have real freedom and independence later.

What impact did your Mentor and/or Coach have on you?

I was extremely lucky and worked with the amazing Petra Engelmann who is a professional job coach based in Munich. While Petra is not in the Salesforce ecosystem, she has extensive global corporate experience that she could draw on to support me.

Salesforce Customer Success Area Lead Kathrin Schmid was my coach and she gave me some practical insights into the different industry roles available.

What was the path to your actual role?

My re-entry to the job market was through an eight-month maternity cover contract in Switzerland.

I was simply in the right time and place, I had two interviews in four days and started the following week. The position was for the Head of Marketing and Communication Switzerland for a global technology company. It was a risk to take a fixed-term role, but I took a bet that if I worked hard then hopefully another position might emerge at the end of the contract.

#BWBW helped me prepare for career re-entry in many ways but the supportive network and having your own “virtual cheer squad” played a major role.

What do you enjoy about your new role/any opportunities you wish to highlight or successes?

Two years later, I am now in a new role with even more opportunities to grow. I am still mentoring women every month from #BWBW and also delivering LinkedIn training and job coaching in my spare time. I am on a mission to keep “paying it forward” and helping other women wherever I can..

Melissa , your journey back to work is truly inspiring! ?? Congratulations on your incredible success with the Bring Women Back to Work program. You embraced every opportunity, and we couldn’t be prouder! Wishing you continued success in your career.

Thank you for your dedication to giving back to BWBW in your new role. Your impact is invaluable! ????

Curious about the Bring Women Back to Work community?

Thinking of joining as a #BWBW Participant, Hiring Partner, or Sponsor?

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