Kathy Bayert

Kathy Bayert

Senior Manager, Organization Effectiveness, Sara Lee
6 year career break

"After a career break of six years, I was researching flexible work options when I ran across a news release about the Returnships@Sara Lee program -- it seemed like a natural fit.  With an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and experience as an organizational development consultant for Fortune 500 companies, including past roles at IBM Business Consulting Services and PricewaterhouseCoopers, I kept my skills current during my time as a stay-at-home parent by being actively involved in local community organizations. Since joining Sara Lee in February 2009, I've found a great deal of support at home and with my team, making the transition back to work a smooth one. The Sara Lee Returnships program is now part of our regular experienced hire recruiting process, so a person returning from career break can apply to any Sara Lee open posting. I am working on the evolution of the program which has been especially rewarding since Sara Lee Returnships was so critical to me as a springboard back into the workforce."

Background: Human Resources, Consumer Products Industry
Pre-Break: Consulting, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Relaunch Connection: Friend of iRelaunch
Key Job Search Factor: Career Reentry Program