6/22/2023

ReLaunching Careers with Confidence

P&G program pairs talented professionals with training and support to restart careers.

Kathleen Grover, director of Global Business Services, Consumer & Brand Services at P&G, took a several-year corporate break to care for her three young children and start her own business.

According to P&Ger Juan Calzada, “Everyone who has taken a career break has two questions for themselves: Am I going to be useful again? And am I going to feel good about myself professionally?”

P&G’s ReLaunch program is helping professionals looking to restart their careers find meaningful work that leverages their expertise to ensure the answer to both questions is a resounding “YES!”

P&G’s ReLaunch program began in the United States in 2020 and has since expanded to seven countries across Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The program focuses on filling STEM roles and provides training, networking and mentorship to help experienced professionals transition back into the workforce.

Finding Inspiration in Opportunity

When Calzada’s wife got a new work assignment that would relocate the family from Panama to the United States, he took a step back from his IT career to care for his family and manage their international move. After a two-year break, Calzada heard about ReLaunch. He was hired by P&G as a senior purchases manager in September 2022.

Being a ReLauncher and an experienced hire has provided the best of two worlds: the ability to leverage my IT experience to create a meaningful impact, while joining an environment where I’ve been supported on all levels since day one,

- Juan Calzada

While getting up to speed has been challenging at times, Calzada said, “the fast-paced and agile environment is the biggest source of inspiration to adapt and grow quickly into this new role.”

Reconnecting to a Culture of Learning
Kathleen Grover, director of Global Business Services, Consumer & Brand Services at P&G, took a several-year corporate break to care for her three young children and start her own business. When she decided it was time to return to work, she chose to heed a mentor’s advice.

“Taking a big step is difficult. A mentor once told me, ‘Just jump. You’ll learn along the way,’” she said.

Grover began her career in IT with P&G out of college, holding multiple roles before transitioning to another company in IT roles and leadership positions. When it came time to restart her corporate career, she turned to the P&G ReLaunch program.

“P&G feels like home to me,” she said. “The supportive culture, focus on learning and the ability to be challenged professionally — plus working with driven, collaborative and diverse people — are all key factors in why P&G is a great place to work.”

Grover credits a supportive family, a good manager, the ReLaunch community and her network of P&G contacts, as keys to her transition. And she knows her experience is bringing value to the role.

“Strong leadership skills carry with you wherever you are,” she said. “And it’s important to remain curious, always challenging yourself to learn more.”

Regaining Purpose with Encouragement and Support
Soumya Murthy had done a lot in her career as a founder member and full-stack engineer for start-ups, but after two career breaks — one to stay home with her children and another because of the pandemic — she was worried her experience was outdated.

When it came time to look for work, she was concerned companies wouldn’t even consider her. However, her experience with P&G recruiters was different from the start. Through ReLaunch, Murthy updated her interview preparation skills and secured a job as a senior application manager for P&G in August 2022.

“P&G is known for its inclusive culture, and it’s true,” she said. “My manager believed in me more than I did. That was huge for someone re-entering the workforce. The warmth, motivation, and backing I experienced is uncommon within a corporate environment.”

With support from all areas of the business, Murthy is regaining her confidence and sense of purpose.

“ReLaunchers are prepped for growth,” she said. “We’ve gone through experiences that staying in a career wouldn’t have allowed.”

How to Apply
The ReLaunch program hires primarily in STEM roles in Information Technology, Research & Development and Product Supply. Potential ReLaunchers can apply at the P&G Careers ReLaunch page.