In 2015 I had a child and it was the hardest time in my life and I needed time to adjust. So, I took some time off and thought I would get back into the workforce after 6 months.

 

Two years later after countless coffee chats, meetups and networking events I attended the iRelaunch conference. I spoke to many companies at the conference. I stopped by the Moody's table and talked with the facilitators about the work experience at Moody's and the Moody’s culture. It was then that I learned about Re-Ignite which is Moody’s return to work program.

 

I really liked what I heard but I was not going to apply to the program because I only knew Moody's as a ratings agency and that was not a part of my expertise. Melba, a Moody's employee took a brief look at my resume and encouraged me to apply. I decided to research the Moody's Analytics (“MA”) operating division that was mentioned at the conference and decided to apply to the Re-Ignite program. It turned out that that skillset matched the talent that MA was seeking.

 

If you are trying to re-enter the workforce and finding it challenging:

Don’t give up - Keep going you never know from where your break will come. Believe in yourself.

Speak up - Talk to as many people as possible and let them know you are looking for work. I found out about iRelaunch at a networking event.

 

Take action – if you learn about a conference or a networking event then take part, even if it's virtual. 

 

Click here for a profile of Shameka and her advice for today's relaunchers.