Sara Lee Creates Returnships -- So Smart!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Many moms have done or are doing the whole flextime, part-time, opting out, opting in dance and oftentimes find themselves wanting to return to the workforce full-time after their children are old enough to spread their wings a bit. This decision is too often fraught with obstacles, especially for moms as they tend to remain out of the corporate world longer. To counter this, Sara L
ee has created an internship-like opportunity for experienced mid-career professionals to re-enter the workforce following an extended leave. Sara Lee's CEO, Brenda Barnes created the program; she has her own unique return-to-work story, having left PepsiCo North America as CEO in order to raise a family before being tapped by Sara Lee.
Program Objective
The Returnships @ Sara Lee (SM) program is designed to attract experienced mid-career individuals who have been out of the workforce for a number of years and who are interested in returning. Sara Lee believe this is a largely unrealized potential pool of talent; a pool consistent with our consumer profile.
Designed as internships for experienced professionals, Returnships allow candidates to re-engage with the corporate world through flexible, meaningful work and to "test the waters" prior to exploring permanent -- not necessarily full-time -- roles.
Candidate Profile
Candidates should possess the following qualifications
Education
Minimum BA or BS; advanced degree desired but not required
Years experience
Minimum 5 -- 10 years professional experience; Likely 3+ years out of the workforce
Career level
Mid-level professional in functions/roles such as marketing, sales, human resources, legal, finance, operations, ta
x, treasury, internal audit, IT
Interest
Initial 4 - 6 month "Returnships" with interest in potential permanent (possibly flex/not full-time) position; Minimum 20 hours per week for four to six months
Additional Leadership Experience
Not-for-profit, community, school, etc. leadership roles desired but not required
ee has created an internship-like opportunity for experienced mid-career professionals to re-enter the workforce following an extended leave. Sara Lee's CEO, Brenda Barnes created the program; she has her own unique return-to-work story, having left PepsiCo North America as CEO in order to raise a family before being tapped by Sara Lee.Program Objective
The Returnships @ Sara Lee (SM) program is designed to attract experienced mid-career individuals who have been out of the workforce for a number of years and who are interested in returning. Sara Lee believe this is a largely unrealized potential pool of talent; a pool consistent with our consumer profile.
Designed as internships for experienced professionals, Returnships allow candidates to re-engage with the corporate world through flexible, meaningful work and to "test the waters" prior to exploring permanent -- not necessarily full-time -- roles.
Candidate Profile
Candidates should possess the following qualifications
Education
Minimum BA or BS; advanced degree desired but not required
Years experience
Minimum 5 -- 10 years professional experience; Likely 3+ years out of the workforce
Career level
Mid-level professional in functions/roles such as marketing, sales, human resources, legal, finance, operations, ta
x, treasury, internal audit, ITInterest
Initial 4 - 6 month "Returnships" with interest in potential permanent (possibly flex/not full-time) position; Minimum 20 hours per week for four to six months
Additional Leadership Experience
Not-for-profit, community, school, etc. leadership roles desired but not required
On the Net: www.saralee.com
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 8:33 AM,
5 Comments:
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At October 24, 2008 11:40 AM,
Mary said...
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What a great program. Thanks for sharing. I work at a community college and we have many degree'd returning women who could benefit from a program of this sort.
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At October 24, 2008 1:31 PM,
Jennifer James said...
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You're welcome. This is great news for moms especially. I'm sure this will catch on with other corporations.
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At October 24, 2008 8:51 PM,
Michele @ The Integrated Mother said...
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What a great program! I need to remind my sister to apply for a position at Sara Lee. I'm going to spread the word!
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At October 24, 2008 11:21 PM,
MelADramatic Mommy said...
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That's a great program. I wish more companies would follow suit.
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At October 25, 2008 4:18 AM,
Jennifer James said...
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I think more and more companies are going to see this and quite frankly imitate it at least on some level. That will be great for moms!
