‘Don’t Be Afraid of Your Break’ — How This Program Helped Me Return to the Finance Industry

“It’s daunting to return to work after a substantial career break,” says Sophie Thurner, BlackRock’s Vice President, ESG Product Specialist within the iShares Sustainable Indexing Segment. And Thurner is speaking from experience here — she recently returned to work after taking a break, all while pivoting her career at the same time! Before returning to the workforce, Thurner tells us that she had never worked in the asset management or ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) spaces before. So, how did she manage this career change? 

Well, Thurner tells us that a mix of hard work and previous experience in investment advisory gave her the foundation to be successful, and she also relied on another very important resource — BlackRock’s Returners Program. This returnship “provides a structured program that gives Returners the confidence to work outside of their comfort zone,” explains Thurner. The program acts as an entry point for experienced-level talent like Thurner to return to the workforce following a career break by providing job training, networking, and upskilling — along with the possibility of receiving a full-time job offer after completing the experience.

For Thurner, the structure of this program not only made acclimating to a new industry and role easier, but it also created a very smooth transition back into a full-time role in a financial corporation. “The program lasts six months, and that’s long enough to find your feet and establish yourself as a valuable contributor to the team," she notes.

In this article, Thurner takes us through her experience in this program and offers integral advice for others who are looking to take on similar journeys.

You were part of BlackRock’s Returners program. Can you tell us what a ‘Returner’ is and what this program entails?

A Returner is someone who has taken a hiatus from their career for at least 2 years and is looking to get back into the industry. Many Returners have taken a career break for several years, after which it is slightly more difficult to return to work, especially if you have done something completely different during that time, like caring for family. In my case, I went back to university and worked in health sciences during my break.

Coming into the firm through the Returners Program, you join with a cohort, so you share the experience of starting at a new company with a new job among others in a similar situation, which is nice. Returners in the U.K. also receive coaching from Women Returners, an organization specializing in returners programs that guides us through aspects like building your brand and networking effectively. 

The Returners Program makes returning to the industry and acclimating to a new role much easier and more structured. And, for companies, these programs provide access to a talent pool that would otherwise be difficult to reach.

How were you supported throughout your participation in the program?

In addition to the coaching described above, Returners are allocated a buddy and mentor, both of whom can be extremely helpful in connecting the dots and navigating the firm. We also have access to a variety of strong employee networks at BlackRock (like WIN), which can help make the transition easier as well.

Finally, what is your top advice for others who are looking to return to work after an extended time away?

1. When thinking about restarting your career, be open-minded, including to career paths you haven’t experienced before.

2. Don’t be afraid of your break. Take the time to analyze your skills and strengths, and identify how they are transferable to the roles you’re applying for, even if it’s in a new space.

3. It takes time. Be patient with yourself and use every interaction in your return-to-work journey as a learning moment.