Rejoining the Workforce? Find a Path Forward Through PepsiCo’s Return-to-Work Program

Although Isabela Quitzau took a career break to support her family and care for her newborn child, she knew that she would want to return to the workforce. When the time was right, she started job searching and discovered PepsiCo’s Path Forward Returnship program. 

The former Process Engineer was happy to find that this program was a great match for her technical skills. She interviewed with the PepsiCo team and, only two months later, she received an email to join the program. 

The innovative program served as a “fresh beginning” for Quitzau’s career journey. “It's a great opportunity to return to work after being out of the job market for a long time,” she explained. Quitzau experienced a smooth transition back into the workforce, initially working as a Process Improvement Engineer at a PepsiCo production plant in Tampa, FL. "I worked on several important projects, including reducing line waste while improving efficiencies," she said. After her returnship ended, Quitzau’s role turned into a full-time Production Supervisor position. In her new role, Quitzau manages the manufacturing front-line team — leading them to achieve standards related to cost, line efficiencies, waste, safety, and productivity while meeting customer needs.

Since she joined PepsiCo, Quitzau hasn’t looked back. “Knowing that I have had a respectful and supportive team that was always willing to help has been the best part,” said Quitzau. “It can be overwhelming at the beginning, and you can feel lost sometimes, but it is only a matter of time before you realize that you can do it.”

An inside look at a transformative returnship program

In partnership with Path Forward, PepsiCo established a 16-week paid program. This opportunity was established to attract professionals with at least five years of professional experience who are looking to return to the workforce after a caregiving career break of two years or more. Path Forward opportunities are for mid-career professionals and span a variety of fields and functions — both technical and corporate.  (You can learn more about this opportunity and its eligibility requirements here.)

This innovative program gives participants the opportunity to revamp their skills, update their resume with new experiences, make connections, contribute to a team, and even the chance to land a full-time position. In fact, Path Forward has a great track record of success, with the vast majority of participants offered ongoing employment during their returnship and the remainder usually finding employment within six months of the end of the program. 

What’s more, participants also have access to mentorship, guidance, and support from leaders at both PepsiCo and Path Forward.

For Quitzau, the best parts of the program were the experience and connections with new people. The knowledge and connections she gained enabled her to grow the career she wanted — even after taking time away from the job market.

How to relaunch your own career with the PepsiCo Path Forward Returnship program

Are you interested in relaunching your career? PepsiCo has partnered with Path Forward to offer Spring 2023 returnships. Head this way to apply today! You can also learn more about this program and the application process in this webinar recording. 

As Quitzau said, “It doesn't matter how long you're out of the market, you still have the knowledge and skills to succeed.”

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