After taking a five-year career break to focus on family responsibilities, Priya Sharma often wondered if her dream of working in technology was behind her. Once a software developer passionate about problem-solving, she found herself questioning whether the fast-paced world of STEM would still welcome her back.

“Every time I thought of applying for jobs again, doubts would creep in—am I too far behind? Will companies take me seriously after such a long gap? Do I still belong here?” Priya recalls.

The Turning Point

In 2024, Priya decided to attend a STEM Women’s Leadership Conference recommended by a former colleague. The event brought together women from diverse stages of their careers—students, professionals, leaders, and those returning after breaks. What struck Priya most wasn’t just the keynote speeches by women leading AI and data science teams at global companies, but the shared stories of resilience.

“One panelist said something that I’ll never forget: ‘A career break doesn’t define your competence. It defines your priorities at that point in life. Skills can be updated, but your passion and potential stay with you.’ That line lit a spark in me.”

From Inspiration to Action

The conference wasn’t just about motivation—it provided tangible tools. Priya attended workshops on:

• Bridging skill gaps with new-age technologies like cloud, AI, and cybersecurity
• Resume rebuilding to highlight transferable skills and achievements beyond work
• Mock interviews with IT leaders who gave her candid, actionable feedback

She also networked with mentors who had once been in her shoes and had successfully transitioned back into MNC roles.

The Results

Fueled by renewed confidence, Priya enrolled in an online certification in cloud computing, refreshed her LinkedIn profile, and began applying strategically to IT MNCs. Within months, she secured interview calls from leading companies—something she once thought impossible.

Her perseverance paid off when she landed a role with a top multinational IT firm as a Senior Technical Consultant.

The Bigger Picture

For Priya, the conference was more than a career booster—it was a reminder that women’s journeys are not linear, and breaks don’t diminish their worth.

“Walking into that conference hall, I felt like an outsider. Walking out, I felt like a comeback story in the making. Today, I want every woman who hit pause on her career to know—you can always press play again.”