P&G India to introduce career relaunch program for STEM professionals

FMCG major Procter & Gamble India is launching an initiative that aims to welcome back talented professionals – both women and men - who took a break from the workforce and are looking to restart their careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) roles.
The initiative called ‘P&G ReLaunch program’ is part of the company’s commitment to strengthen diversity in STEM and will focus on people looking to relaunch their careers in IT, research & development, and product supply, the company said in a press statement on Tuesday.

“The program will be a holistic platform that will not only provide an opportunity to talented and experienced professionals but also empower them, through customised trainings, mentorship programs, networking platforms, and flexibility, to have a successful career,” said PM Srinivas, Vice President and Head – Human Resources, Indian Sub-Continent, Procter & Gamble.

The program will have key components focusing on work, training, networking, and mentorship. Professionals will be hired directly into a role and will have the flexibility and support required to restart their career. They will also be provided customised trainings designed to help them transition back into the work environment. The company will also focus on broadening the ReLauncher’s professional network by creating platforms that enable relationship building throughout P&G. The professionals will also have access to senior mentors and buddies which will create a support network for them where they can get advice and the help, they need to navigate the organisation.

Though the programme is gender agnostic, women – who drop out of active professional career at key life stages of maternity or care giving - will be one of its major beneficiaries.

“Keeping and supporting women in technology is important to us,” said Srinivas.

P&G India will also introduce ‘P&G Shiksha Betiyan Scholarship Program’ to provide financial aid and mentorship to girls wanting to pursue STEM education. This program will be introduced across more than 50 colleges including technical institutes, undergraduate colleges and post-graduate universities. The program will be aimed at underprivileged girls and will provide them with financial support and mentorship as they pursue STEM education.

“Access to technical education will provide an opportunity to girls to create their own pathway towards a successful career in manufacturing, engineering, and technology roles across industries, and will also advance equality in these roles,” said Srinivas.