I am Asma Akram, an IT professional and a mother of 2 daughters. I worked at TCS for 4 years. In 2009, I did something that many women end up doing – I quit my job when I had a child.
I had always intended to get back to work, but when I finally had the opportunity to start looking for a job again, 12 years had passed and I had already fallen far behind the latest technological innovations.
I started upskilling with some online classes and that’s when I got to know about Aspire For Her. As a part of the Return To Work Network, I got access to IBM SkillBuild, where I completed many courses successfully. But aside from the learning opportunities, I also enjoyed mentorship, training, and job opportunities, and attended many webinars for women returnees.
In December 2021, I applied to a large multinational software company, through their Career Restart Program. I attended their pre-interview workshop, which I cleared. I went back for all the subsequent rounds of interviews – and I was able to prove my technical skills and clear every round, thanks to the training I received.
My advice to other women returnees would be this – equip yourselves with knowledge, start learning and no one can stop you.