The returnship is a paid, temporary mid-level position tailored for experienced professionals reentering the workforce after a career break. While similar to an internship, it is not intended for individuals starting their career. Depending on the role and projects, the returnship spans 12-16 weeks and participants receive specialized programming, mentorship, peer support, and other resources to ease their transition back into the workplace.

A returner is an experienced professional who has taken an extended break from their career and is now looking to reenter the workforce. Their career pause can be due to various reasons, such as illness, parental leave, caregiving, un-retirement, or military service. Generally, returners have been out of full-time employment for more than one year.

Returnships were introduced as a way to address the perceived risk of hiring professionals returning to work after extended career breaks. Returnships allow employers to evaluate a candidate's skills through real-world work rather than relying solely on interviews. At the end of the returnship program, participants leave with updated, marketable skills that enhance their chances of securing future employment. 

Eligible applicants must meet the following general criteria for consideration in Seek Labs’ Returnship program:

• Previously employed professional with two or more years of work experience.
• Career break of 1 year minimum*
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

*Any applicant affiliated with the military as a service member, veteran, or military spouse may apply without a career break.