Emma's relaunch leads the way
Emma spent ten years working as geologist before pivoting to photography, a profession that gave her the flexibility she needed while raising her four young children.
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The right career fit
After spending some time working on Lord Howe Island in NSW, Marguerite was inspired to pursue a career as an environmental scientist. Once she completed her studies, Marguerite worked for a remediation contractor for several years until she decided to take some time off to focus on her family. Now she is back working in consulting with the help of GHD’s Career Relaunch Program, read on for Marguerite’s story.
After spending some time working on Lord Howe Island in NSW, Marguerite was inspired to pursue a career as an environmental scientist. Once she completed her studies, Marguerite worked for a remediation contractor for several years until she decided to take some time off to focus on her family.
A focus on family
After enjoying some time at home raising her children, Marguerite was ready to ease herself back into corporate work. Marguerite says, “I reached a point after the birth of my second child, where I felt I was unable to perform to the best of my ability in either role as a scientist or a mum. I decided to take some time off to focus on my family.” Just over two years later Marguerite felt like she was ready to return to the workforce, when she applied to be part of GHD’s Career Relaunch Program. Following the 10 week program, Marguerite was offered an ongoing role as an environmental scientist with the Contaminated Land and Environmental Management Team in Sydney.
Embracing a new change
When she first got accepted to join GHD, Marguerite was looking forward to working on some interesting projects, engaging her brain and learning new things – she was excited to bring her experience and perspective to GHD. Marguerite says, “I’m so thankful that I was accepted into the program and that it still ran in 2021 despite the lockdown. It has been such a fantastic experience and a great way for me to ease back into the workforce and regain my confidence.” In her current role, Marguerite has diversified her skills through multiple contaminated land projects by either writing reports, conducting fieldwork or managing subcontractors.
The right career fit
It was important for Marguerite to find a part-time role with a company that actively encourages flexible working. Marguerite says, “I had been looking for work for around 18 months on and off before I came across GHD’s program. I even interviewed for a few roles before GHD, however, I wasn’t convinced that I had found the right fit.” GHD’s flexible working policy allowed Marguerite to rejoin the workforce while still managing school and childcare requirements for her two children. “It was wonderful to see that people understood what the Career Relaunch Program was all about and that I may need a little extra time to find my feet.” For Marguerite, the return to work was made simpler as she joined GHD while Sydney was in lockdown, so she worked flexibly and remotely for most of the program’s 10 week period.
About GHD’s Career Relaunch Program
At GHD, we think differently about returning to work after a career break. We offer a 10 week, paid, flexible program with the opportunity and goal of ongoing employment. This program is offered Australia and New Zealand-wide each year.
FAQs Career Relaunch stories
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Return to corporate life
Towards the end of 2020, Sam travelled south from Cairns to Hobart for the start of a total lifestyle change.
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The right career fit
After spending some time working on Lord Howe Island in NSW, Marguerite was inspired to pursue a career as an environmental scientist.
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Academic and career advancement
Shahed had been working in the maritime industry as an engineer for almost 10 years when he immigrated to Australia and started his PhD. He had to rebuild his professional network in a new environment supporting himself with casual work while pursuing an advanced degree. Now, he works at GHD as a Senior Maritime Engineer after completing GHD’s Career Relaunch Program.
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Building a sustainable career
For Perth’s Anna Jacobs, returning to the Western Australian (WA) workplace after a two-year break was proving to be a challenge, despite many years of experience as an engineer in the oil and gas industry.
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Rural life - careers, children and cattle
After working across Queensland for more than eight years, Jessica took a 14 year career break to raise her four children on their cattle grazing farm.
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