Top 15 Returnship Programs For 2025: How to Land Paid Positions at Leading Companies After a Career Break

Your career took a detour. Maybe you stepped away to raise kids, care for aging parents, pursue additional education, recover from a health challenge, or simply needed time to reset. Now you’re ready to return to the professional world, but the employment gap on your resume feels like a roadblock.

Here’s the reality: returnship programs have transformed how companies view career breaks in 2025. These paid, structured programs specifically target experienced professionals like you who have significant work history but have been away from the workforce for an extended period.

Unlike traditional internships designed for students or recent graduates, returnships recognize your professional expertise. They offer a bridge back to work through meaningful projects, skills training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Most importantly, they come with compensation and often lead to full-time employment.

Whether you worked in finance, technology, engineering, or corporate roles before your break, there’s likely a returnship program aligned with your background. These initiatives have expanded dramatically, with over 110 companies in the US now offering structured return-to-work programs.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the 15 best returnship programs available in 2025. You’ll learn about program structures, eligibility requirements, application timelines, and what makes each one unique. By the end, you’ll know exactly which programs match your background and how to position yourself as a strong candidate.

What Makes a Great Returnship Program?

Before diving into specific programs, let’s establish what separates exceptional returnships from mediocre ones.

The best programs offer competitive compensation rather than treating participants as “interns.” They provide structured onboarding with clear learning objectives and measurable goals. Dedicated mentorship from senior professionals helps returners navigate workplace changes and rebuild confidence.

Real project assignments matter more than busy work. Top programs assign participants to meaningful work that contributes to business objectives while allowing skill development. Regular feedback and performance reviews keep participants on track.

Clear paths to full-time employment distinguish quality programs. The best returnships publicly share their conversion rates and actively advocate for high performers during hiring decisions. If you’re considering a career transition along with your return to work, understanding these program structures becomes even more critical for making informed decisions about your professional future.

Support extends beyond technical skills to include professional development, networking opportunities, and resources for work-life integration. Programs that understand the unique challenges of career returners create environments where participants can thrive.

The Top 15 Returnship Programs for 2025

1. Goldman Sachs Returnship Program

Program Length: 12 weeks
Eligibility: 2+ years away from workforce; up to 7 years prior work experience
Locations: Multiple US offices plus EMEA and India programs

Goldman Sachs pioneered the returnship concept back in 2008, and their program remains the gold standard in the industry. Now in its 16th year, the program has successfully placed hundreds of professionals back into finance careers.

Goldman Sachs takes a “not one size fits all” approach. The program offers opportunities across various divisions including investment banking, asset management, risk management, technology, and operations. Participants receive ongoing feedback, weekly check-ins with Human Capital Management teams, and access to extensive professional development resources.

The conversion rate speaks for itself. Participants who excel and demonstrate fit have strong advocacy for full-time Analyst or Associate positions. Many returnship alumni have advanced to senior roles, including one 2015 participant who became a Managing Director within five years.

US applications typically close in August for fall cohorts running September through December. EMEA applications close in May for programs running the same months.

Best for: Professionals with finance or business backgrounds seeking to restart careers in financial services, plus those from other industries willing to transition into finance.

2. JPMorgan Chase ReEntry Program

Program Length: 15 weeks (April through July)
Eligibility: 2+ years career break; Associate or VP level at departure
Locations: 30+ locations globally including US, Europe, Asia

JPMorgan Chase launched their ReEntry Program in 2013, making it one of the oldest career reentry initiatives. The program has grown from 10 participants in one location to over 120 fellows across 17 global locations in recent cohorts.

The first week focuses entirely on learning, development, and workplace transition. Fellows receive dedicated mentorship and work on substantive projects aligned with their expertise and interests. The program maintains an impressive 80% conversion rate to full-time positions, which is significantly higher than industry averages.

The scope is remarkable. Participants work in diverse areas including technology, risk management, legal, human resources, asset management, and various corporate functions. Many early cohort participants now hold senior positions managing newer fellows, demonstrating the program’s long-term success.

Applications for the 2026 program run November 17, 2025 through February 28, 2026, with the program beginning in April 2026. This structured timeline allows candidates to prepare thoroughly before applying.

Best for: Mid-career professionals with associate or vice president-level experience in financial services, technology, risk management, or corporate functions.

3. Amazon Returnship Program

Program Length: 16 weeks
Eligibility: 1+ year away from workforce or underemployed
Locations: Multiple US locations, rolling admissions

Amazon committed to hiring 1,000 returners through their program expansion. The company takes a comprehensive approach with coaching and mentoring that starts during recruitment and continues throughout the 16-week experience.

Amazon’s program features rolling admissions, meaning applications are accepted year-round rather than during specific windows. This flexibility helps returners apply when they’re ready rather than waiting for application cycles. The program targets over 90% conversion to full-time positions.

Participants work on clearly defined projects with measurable goals across technology, operations finance, program management, and corporate functions. The supportive environment acknowledges that returners need structured onboarding after extended absences.

You can apply anytime through amazon.jobs/returnships, giving you control over when to start your return-to-work journey. This differs significantly from programs with fixed annual cycles.

Amazon also offers a separate “Rekindle” program in India specifically for women with 12+ month career breaks, expanding their global commitment to career returners.

Best for: Technology professionals, program managers, analysts, and corporate operations specialists ready to return to fast-paced environments.

4. IBM Tech Re-Entry Program

Program Length: 6-12 months (varies by role)
Eligibility: 1+ year career break; technical background required
Locations: US, Canada, UK, Germany, Australia, India, China

IBM’s Tech Re-Entry targets technical professionals specifically, offering one of the most comprehensive skills refresh programs in the industry. Participants receive prescriptive learning plans tailored to their expertise area and earn badges and credentials throughout the program.

The program emphasizes hands-on project work on high-impact client solutions using cutting-edge technologies. Returners work alongside multi-disciplinary teams on projects matching their expertise, interests, and abilities. Part-time options are available in some locations, addressing work-life integration concerns that many career returners face.

IBM provides access to the latest development tools, cloud technologies, AI platforms, and enterprise systems. The learning component includes structured training modules with certification opportunities, building confidence alongside technical skills. This dual focus on credentials and practical experience makes the transition back to work smoother.

Positions are posted on an ongoing basis, so checking the IBM careers website regularly increases your chances of finding the right opportunity when it becomes available.

Best for: Software engineers, data scientists, cloud architects, cybersecurity professionals, technical project managers, and other IT specialists with prior technical experience.

5. Dell Technologies Career ReStart Program

Program Length: 16 weeks (Returnship track) or Direct Hire
Eligibility: 1+ year away from workforce; 5+ years prior experience
Locations: Multiple US locations

Dell offers two distinct pathways through their Career ReStart Program: a 16-week paid returnship with training and professional development, or a direct hire program that places qualified candidates immediately into full-time benefited positions with structured support.

The dual-track approach accommodates different comfort levels and career stages. Some professionals are ready for immediate full-time roles, while others benefit from the transitional returnship structure. Both tracks receive support during the reintegration process, recognizing that returning to work after an extended break requires adjustment regardless of the format.

Dell’s partnership with Path Forward adds credibility and resources. The program welcomes professionals from both STEM and non-STEM backgrounds across technology, sales, marketing, finance, operations, and corporate functions. This breadth creates opportunities for professionals from diverse career backgrounds.

Application windows vary by position, so monitoring the Dell careers website helps you catch opportunities as they’re posted. Setting up job alerts specifically for Career ReStart positions ensures you don’t miss relevant openings.

Best for: Technology professionals, engineers, sales professionals, and corporate function specialists with at least 12 months away from work.

6. Audible Next Chapter Returnship

Program Length: 16 weeks
Eligibility: 5+ years professional experience; 1+ year career break for caregiving
Locations: Newark NJ, Cambridge MA, Los Angeles CA

Audible, an Amazon company, specifically designed their Next Chapter program for professionals who stepped away for caregiving responsibilities. The program acknowledges the unique skills caregivers bring while providing structured reentry support.

The caregiving focus creates a community of participants with shared experiences. The program provides resume refreshing opportunities, professional networking, and skills updating within Amazon’s broader ecosystem while maintaining Audible’s creative culture. This combination offers the resources of a large tech company with the mission-driven focus of a content creation platform.

Upon successful completion, participants may receive offers for full-time employment. The program emphasizes both technical skill development and cultural integration within Audible’s environment focused on storytelling and audio entertainment.

The specific caregiving eligibility requirement distinguishes this program from others. If you took time away specifically to care for children, elderly parents, or other dependents, this program was designed with your situation in mind.

Best for: Caregivers with at least five years of professional experience in technology, operations, marketing, or corporate functions.

7. Intuit Again Returnship

Program Length: 16 weeks
Eligibility: Career break of unspecified length; relevant experience required
Locations: Various US locations

Intuit, maker of TurboTax, QuickBooks, Credit Karma, and Mailchimp, created Intuit Again to provide pathways for experienced professionals to relaunch their careers. The program includes comprehensive onboarding boot camps and dedicated mentorship.

Working at a company with multiple recognizable consumer brands provides diverse project opportunities. The program’s goal is transitioning participants into full-time employees, with support systems designed to facilitate this conversion. You’ll work on products that millions of consumers and small businesses use daily, creating immediate relevance for your contributions.

Intuit’s focus on financial technology and small business solutions creates opportunities for professionals with backgrounds in software development, product management, data analytics, marketing, and customer success. The fintech angle means you’ll gain exposure to payments, tax technology, accounting software, and financial services platforms.

Monitor the Intuit careers page for program announcements, as timing can vary based on business needs and hiring cycles. Understanding how to tailor your resume for fintech roles increases your application success.

Best for: Technology professionals, product managers, data analysts, and business professionals interested in fintech and small business solutions.

8. General Motors Take 2 Program

Program Length: 12 weeks
Eligibility: 2+ years career break; relevant technical experience
Locations: Various GM facilities in Michigan and other states

Created in partnership with the Society of Women Engineers and iRelaunch, GM’s Take 2 program focuses on engineering, manufacturing operations, finance, and IT roles within automotive manufacturing.

The automotive industry perspective offers unique opportunities to work on vehicle electrification, autonomous driving technology, connected vehicles, and advanced manufacturing. Participants gain exposure to cutting-edge automotive technology while refreshing core engineering or business skills. This combination of traditional automotive expertise and emerging technology creates an exciting learning environment.

The manufacturing focus provides hands-on experience with production systems, supply chain operations, and quality management alongside traditional engineering disciplines. You’ll see how vehicles move from design to production, gaining comprehensive understanding of automotive operations.

The 12-week timeline makes this one of the shorter programs, which can be beneficial if you need to return to full-time work relatively quickly. The compressed schedule means intensive learning and rapid skill updating.

Best for: Engineers (mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing), operations professionals, finance analysts, and IT specialists with automotive or manufacturing interest.

9. Chevron Welcome Back Returnship

Program Length: 12-16 weeks
Eligibility: Career break requirements vary; relevant experience needed
Locations: Various US locations

Chevron’s energy sector program provides paid returnships with formal training, integrated learning, and dedicated mentorship. Successful participants may receive full-time offers with benefits.

Energy sector opportunities span engineering, geosciences, data analytics, project management, supply chain, and corporate functions. The program provides exposure to both traditional energy operations and renewable energy initiatives, reflecting the industry’s ongoing transformation. This dual focus prepares you for the energy sector’s future, not just its present.

Participants work on energy transition projects alongside conventional oil and gas operations. The mentorship structure pairs returners with experienced professionals who understand both technical demands and career reentry challenges. These mentors provide guidance on navigating organizational culture while updating technical competencies.

The flexible timeline of 12-16 weeks allows the program to adapt to different roles and participant needs. More complex technical positions may require the longer timeframe, while some roles can be mastered in 12 weeks.

Best for: Engineers, geoscientists, project managers, analysts, and corporate professionals interested in energy sector careers.

10. Cummins RePower Program

Program Length: Varies by role
Eligibility: 2+ years career break; STEM degree and experience
Locations: US and UK

Co-sponsored by the Society of Women Engineers and iRelaunch’s STEM Re-entry Task Force Initiative, Cummins RePower targets professionals with engineering, IT, or related STEM backgrounds.

Cummins specializes in engine design, power generation, and component manufacturing. The program provides opportunities to work on diesel and alternative fuel engines, power generation systems, electrified power systems, and connected vehicle technologies. You’ll engage with both legacy technologies and emerging clean energy solutions.

Training, coaching, and professional development prepare participants for the modern manufacturing and engineering environment. The program emphasizes both technical skills and leadership development, recognizing that experienced professionals bring management capabilities alongside technical expertise.

The STEM focus means participants share educational backgrounds and technical mindsets, creating cohorts with common foundations even if specific specializations differ. This shared technical language facilitates peer learning and networking.

Best for: Mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, software engineers, IT professionals, and other STEM specialists interested in power systems and manufacturing.

11. Asana AsanaUP Returnship

Program Length: Varies by role
Eligibility: 2+ years career break; relevant experience for position
Locations: Various locations including remote options

Asana, the work management platform company, created AsanaUP to help parents and caregivers return to the workforce. Returners receive mentorship, training, and support throughout the program.

As a relatively newer, tech-forward company, Asana offers modern workplace practices including flexible arrangements. Those who demonstrate success may be considered for full-time positions. The company’s focus on work-life integration aligns well with the needs of returning professionals balancing multiple responsibilities.

Working at a company focused on productivity and collaboration tools provides unique insights into modern work management while developing relevant skills. You’ll use the products you’re helping to build, creating direct connection between your work and its impact. The program welcomes professionals from various backgrounds including engineering, product, design, marketing, and operations.

The remote options make this program particularly accessible for returners who may not be able to relocate or have geographic constraints. This flexibility removes barriers that prevent qualified candidates from accessing opportunities.

Best for: Technology professionals, product managers, designers, marketers, and operations specialists who value company culture and modern work practices.

12. Boeing Return Flight Program

Program Length: Varies (typically 18-24 months)
Eligibility: 18-24 months career break; bachelor’s degree; mid-career experience
Locations: Various Boeing facilities

Boeing’s aerospace and defense focus creates opportunities for engineers and technical professionals in aviation, space systems, and defense technologies.

Working on commercial aircraft, space exploration systems, defense platforms, and autonomous systems provides exposure to cutting-edge aerospace technology. The program serves mid-career professionals with relevant technical backgrounds, recognizing that aerospace engineering requires significant prior experience to contribute meaningfully.

Participants work alongside experienced aerospace professionals on projects with global impact. The aviation and space industry perspective offers unique technical challenges and innovation opportunities. You might work on next-generation aircraft, space exploration systems, or advanced defense technologies.

The longer timeline of 18-24 months reflects the complexity of aerospace systems and the time required to become effective in these specialized roles. This extended program provides deeper integration than shorter returnships.

Best for: Aerospace engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, systems engineers, and technical professionals passionate about aviation and space.

13. HubSpot Returnship Program

Program Length: Varies by role
Eligibility: Career break requirements vary
Locations: Various locations including remote

HubSpot, a leader in CRM and marketing automation platforms, offers returnship opportunities across their technology and business functions.

HubSpot’s strong company culture and commitment to employee growth creates a supportive environment for returners. The marketing technology focus provides opportunities to work with cutting-edge sales, marketing, and customer service platforms. You’ll gain expertise in SaaS tools that businesses worldwide use to grow their customer relationships.

The company’s remote-friendly policies and emphasis on work-life balance address concerns many career returners face. Positions span software engineering, product development, marketing, sales, and customer success. This variety allows you to find roles matching your specific background and interests.

HubSpot’s transparent culture includes publicly sharing company metrics and strategy, helping returners quickly understand business priorities and how their work contributes to organizational goals. Knowing what skills to highlight becomes easier when you understand what the company values.

Best for: Software engineers, product managers, marketers, sales professionals, and customer success specialists interested in SaaS and marketing technology.

14. Microsoft Leap Program

Program Length: 16 weeks
Eligibility: Foundation of technical training; authorized to work in US
Locations: Various US locations

While not exclusively a returnship program, Microsoft Leap includes a track for career changers and professionals reentering the workforce. The immersive, paid apprenticeship helps lifetime learners forge new tech career paths.

Microsoft’s scale and technology portfolio provide unparalleled learning opportunities. Participants gain exposure to cloud computing (Azure), AI and machine learning, productivity tools, gaming technology, and enterprise solutions. The breadth of Microsoft’s technology stack means exposure to diverse platforms and approaches.

The apprenticeship model combines structured learning with hands-on project work. The 16-week timeline allows for meaningful skill development while exploring different technology areas within Microsoft’s ecosystem. You’ll work on real products that billions of people use daily.

The program’s openness to career changers alongside career returners creates diverse cohorts with varied perspectives. This mix enriches the learning experience as participants share different professional backgrounds and insights.

Best for: Technology professionals with foundational technical skills seeking to reenter or transition into tech careers at a leading technology company.

15. PayPal Return to Work Program

Program Length: Varies by role
Eligibility: Career break requirements vary
Locations: Various global locations

PayPal offers returnship opportunities within their global fintech platform, serving millions of merchants and consumers worldwide.

Working at the intersection of payments, financial services, and technology provides exposure to digital commerce innovation. Opportunities span engineering, product management, data science, risk management, and corporate functions. You’ll work on systems processing billions of dollars in transactions, requiring both technical excellence and security mindfulness.

The global fintech focus offers diverse projects in payments processing, fraud detection, financial inclusion initiatives, and digital wallet technology. PayPal’s commitment to financial democratization creates purpose-driven work opportunities where technology directly impacts people’s financial lives.

The payments industry continues evolving with cryptocurrency, buy-now-pay-later options, and cross-border transactions creating new technical challenges. Returning to this sector means working on cutting-edge financial technology with real-world impact.

Best for: Technology professionals, data scientists, product managers, risk analysts, and business professionals interested in fintech and digital payments.

How to Choose the Right Returnship Program

With 15 strong options, selecting the right program requires strategic thinking about your background, goals, and circumstances.

Start with industry alignment. Your prior experience matters most. Finance professionals should prioritize Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase. Technology specialists should focus on Amazon, IBM, Microsoft, or Dell. Engineers should explore Boeing, GM, Cummins, or Chevron based on their specialization.

Consider program structure. Some professionals need longer transitions (IBM’s 6-month program) while others prefer shorter timeframes (Goldman’s 12 weeks). Determine what length allows you to demonstrate value while refreshing skills without creating financial strain.

Evaluate location requirements. Some programs offer remote or hybrid options while others require on-site presence. Consider your geographic flexibility and family situation when narrowing choices. Remote programs expand your options significantly if relocation isn’t feasible.

Research conversion rates. Programs that convert 80-90% of participants to full-time roles (JPMorgan, Amazon, Goldman Sachs) provide clearer paths to permanent employment than programs without disclosed metrics. Higher conversion rates indicate both program quality and company commitment.

Assess support systems. Look for dedicated program managers, structured mentorship, peer cohorts, and learning plans. These elements significantly impact your success and confidence building. Programs investing in comprehensive support demonstrate genuine commitment to participant success.

Review application timelines. Some programs have specific annual cycles while others accept rolling applications. Understanding timing helps you prepare strong applications without missing deadlines. Create a calendar of application windows for your target programs to stay organized throughout your search.

Application Success Strategies

Landing a returnship requires strategic positioning that acknowledges your gap while emphasizing your value proposition.

Address your career break directly and positively. Don’t hide or apologize for your time away. Frame it as a deliberate choice that you’re now ready to conclude. Briefly explain the reason without over-sharing personal details.

For example: “I took three years away from technology to care for my elderly parents. During that time, I maintained technical currency through online courses and contributing to open-source projects. I’m now fully available and excited to bring my 10 years of software engineering experience back to a professional environment.”

Demonstrate skills currency. Take online courses relevant to your field. Contribute to projects during your break. Stay informed about industry trends. Mention specific technologies, methodologies, or business developments that emerged during your absence and explain how you’ve remained aware of changes.

Quantify your previous accomplishments. Your pre-break experience matters enormously. Use specific numbers and results to remind employers of your proven capabilities. “Managed a team of 8 engineers delivering features for 50M+ users” carries more weight than “experienced manager.”

Show genuine enthusiasm for the specific program. Research each company’s returnship thoroughly. Reference specific aspects that appeal to you such as mentorship structure, technology stack, or mission alignment. Generic applications rarely succeed in competitive programs.

Network strategically. Connect with returnship alumni on LinkedIn. Attend company information sessions. Join returnship-focused communities like iRelaunch or Path Forward. Personal connections significantly increase application success rates by providing insider perspectives and sometimes referrals.

Customize for each application. While applying to multiple programs makes sense, each application should feel tailored to that specific opportunity rather than mass-produced. Reference the company’s specific program features, recent news, or projects that excite you.

Addressing career gaps strategically in your application materials turns a potential weakness into evidence of thoughtfulness and growth. Many returners find that their time away actually provided valuable perspective they now bring to their work.

Prepare for interviews by practicing answers to common questions about your gap, why you’re returning now, and how you’ve stayed current. Use the SOAR method to structure compelling stories about your pre-break accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities.

Interview Guys Tip: When discussing your career break in applications or interviews, spend 80% of your time on your previous accomplishments and future contributions, and only 20% on the gap itself. This keeps the focus where it should be: on what you bring to the role.

Update your resume to reflect modern formats and ATS compatibility. Many returners use outdated resume styles from their last job search. Study current resume formatting best practices to ensure your materials look contemporary and scan well through applicant tracking systems.

Prepare references who can speak to your pre-break work quality and your character during your time away. Former managers, colleagues, and even volunteer supervisors or course instructors from your gap period can provide valuable perspectives. Brief them on the programs you’re targeting so their recommendations align with your goals.

Build a narrative that connects your past, present, and future. Your career break is simply one chapter in a longer story. Help employers understand how your previous experience, the growth during your break, and your future aspirations create a coherent professional journey. This narrative approach makes your candidacy memorable and compelling.

Your Return to Work Starts Now

Returnship programs have revolutionized how companies think about career gaps and how professionals restart their careers in 2025. The 15 programs highlighted here represent proven pathways back to professional life across finance, technology, manufacturing, energy, and corporate functions.

Whether you’ve been away for 12 months or 10 years, these structured programs recognize your previous experience while providing the support, training, and mentorship necessary for successful reentry. With conversion rates exceeding 80% at top programs, returnships aren’t just trial periods but genuine hiring pipelines designed to bring experienced professionals back into the workforce.

Your next step is choosing 3-5 programs that align with your background and interests, then preparing targeted applications that emphasize both your proven capabilities and your readiness to return. The companies offering these programs actively want to hire experienced professionals like you. They’ve invested in these initiatives because they recognize the value that career returners bring.

The career break that once felt like an obstacle is simply a chapter in your professional story. These 15 returnship programs offer you the platform to write the next successful chapter. Many professionals find that their careers actually accelerate after returning, bringing enhanced perspective, renewed energy, and deeper appreciation for professional opportunities.

Ready to take action? Start by visiting the career pages of your top three program choices and setting up job alerts for returnship opportunities. Research the companies thoroughly using resources like their latest news, product launches, and company culture information. Connect with current employees and program alumni on LinkedIn to gain insider insights.

Your comeback starts now. The path back to professional life exists, and these returnship programs have created a clear roadmap for your journey. Take the first step today by identifying which programs align with your background and beginning your application preparation. Your skills, experience, and perspective are valuable, and the right returnship will help you prove it.

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