Hi All, I am a woman that held several elite finance jobs (investment banking, private equity, etc.) in New York in my 20s and got my MBA from a top business school. I recently took some time off to care for my dad who was ill and other personal stuff (focus on my hobbies, etc.). I am trying to get back into the workforce now and am struggling a bit (as I am generally a bit rusty). Anyone else out there in a similar position? Perhaps we can help each other... Particularly interested in meeting other women, but open to anyone in a similar boat). .. or anyone who has been through this transition in the past that can offer some advice? Thanks!
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some actionable steps and advice for re-entering the workforce after a career break:
Leverage Your Network: Reach out to your career office or alumni network from your MBA program. Specifically, ask for a list of female graduates in finance (IB, PE, etc.) from the last 5-7 years. Platforms like LinkedIn can also help you identify and connect with individuals who have navigated similar transitions. Many will be open to sharing their experiences and offering guidance.
Address the Career Gap Strategically: Be upfront about your career break in interviews, framing it as a time for personal growth and caregiving. Highlight the skills you maintained or developed during this period, such as time management, adaptability, or any relevant hobbies or projects.
Refresh Your Skills: If you feel rusty, consider taking online courses or certifications to update your technical knowledge. This demonstrates initiative and ensures you're up-to-date with industry trends.
Start Networking Actively: Begin attending industry events, webinars, or meetups. Networking is crucial to getting your resume in front of the right people and understanding current market dynamics.
Consider a Step Back: If you're struggling to land a role at your previous level, be open to taking a slight step back in terms of title or compensation. In the context of a long career, this can be a strategic move to re-establish yourself.
Seek Flexible Opportunities: Look for firms or roles that offer flexibility, such as part-time positions, consulting gigs, or roles with generous leave policies. These can be a great way to ease back into the workforce.
Find Supportive Mentors: Identify senior professionals who understand your situation and can advocate for you. Having the right mentors can make a significant difference in your transition.
Stay Positive and Persistent: Re-entering the workforce can be challenging, but persistence is key. Keep refining your approach, learning from each interaction, and staying focused on your goals.
If you're open to connecting with others in a similar position, consider starting a discussion thread on platforms like WSO to share experiences and advice. Many professionals have successfully navigated this transition and can offer valuable insights.
Sources: IB exit opportunities for women that want to have kids, IB exit opportunities for women that want to have kids, Female 27, 2nd thoughts during MBA, To Those Who's Had A Successful Career In CRE, What Advice Do You Have For Younger Generations?, New girl from non-target school considering IB - how to break into the boy's club?
I think the job market for high paying "elite" jobs is just extremely crappy right now, and there are plenty of candidates with shorter/no gaps.
How long was your career break? 12 months?
8 months or so
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