You’ve spent time building your career, but now you find yourself at a crossroads. Maybe you’ve taken time off to care for family, or perhaps you’re craving a fresh start in a completely new field. You sit at your desk, staring at your resume, wondering how to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to go. It’s a daunting place to be, but it’s also a moment filled with possibility.
Sound familiar?
Making a career pivot — whether you’re returning to the workforce after a break, transitioning to a new industry, or looking to make a lateral move — can feel uncertain. But with the right insights, strategies, and support, you can confidently take the next step in your professional journey.
At PowerToFly, we offer free webinars featuring industry leaders, career coaches, and returnship experts who provide actionable guidance on these pivotal career moments. From understanding what hiring managers seek in returnship candidates to strategies for pivoting to a completely new field, these sessions are invaluable for anyone navigating a career pivot.
Top chats on making a career pivot
What Are Hiring Managers Looking For in a Returnship Candidate?
Consider this the bread and butter of chats for any professional returning to the workforce.
Featuring Jennifer Howland, past managing director at iRelaunch, this conversation covers what a returnship is, why there’s a need for it, and the different types available. Jennifer is a pro in the field with three years under her belt at the company pioneering the career reentry space. She helped support over 200 employers to launch and expand their in-house return-to-work programs and lead a community of close to 100,000 "relaunchers.”
You’ll also gain insights into what hiring managers value most in candidates for returnship programs.
(Cue us digging up our outdated resumes.)
Careers Beyond 40: Adapting to the Job Market with Complete Confidence
After 40, it’s too late to make a career pivot, right?
Wrong.
This birthday may feel like a milestone moment, personally and professionally, but it’s not the end of your winding career path. In this chat, the founder of Allora Collective — a team of coaches who guide people through their job search, career growth and transitions, and relocations — breaks down the unique challenges and opportunities of making a career pivot at this stage.
You’ll walk away with the know-how to build a supportive network, boost your confidence, and explore viable career paths. Plus, you’ll receive advice on harnessing your experience, demonstrating resilience, and showcasing your expertise.
Navigating Career Transitions: Strategies for Success in a Changing World
This top-performing chat brings together leaders from Expedia Group for a panel discussion on the roadblocks, benefits, and motivations behind career transitions. From seeking new challenges to responding to industry shifts, the panelists explore diverse perspectives on why people pivot — and how to do it successfully.
Through self-reflection, goal setting, and continuous learning, you’ll start creating an outline for how you can make your transition a success. Plus, you’ll get an inside look at how Expedia Group supports employees through career transitions, offering strategies for professional growth and development.
(Psst… Expedia Group is hiring.)
Diversifying the Relauncher Talent Pool
This one’s for you, hiring managers. Think career breaks are a reason to hit “next” on an application? Think again.
Relaunching a career isn’t just a personal victory; it’s a golden opportunity for organizations to discover untapped talent hiding in plain sight.
Join Janet Peterson, diversity lead at iRelaunch, as she unpacks the secrets to bringing more underrepresented professionals back into the workforce. Drawing from her experience, Janet shares examples of impactful outreach campaigns, events at partner organizations, and customized initiatives that have helped expand iRelaunch’s community of nearly 125,000 professionals.
Packed with insider tips and real-world success stories, this session is your go-to guide for shaking up the talent pipeline and embracing diversity.
Exploring The Path Forward with Tami Forman
Getting back into the workforce after a career break can feel daunting, but Path Forward is proving it doesn’t have to be. Founded in 2016, this nonprofit works with employers to create mid-career internships and training programs that empower caregivers to successfully re-enter the workforce.
In this fireside chat, Path Forward’s Executive Director Tami Forman shares actionable steps for both women and businesses to bridge the gap. Tami’s expertise comes from a career dedicated to empowering individuals, working with over 80 top-tier companies — including Amazon, Netflix, Walmart, and Apple — to build return-to-work programs that work.
Her insights make this chat an inspiring and practical resource for anyone looking to relaunch their career or champion programs that make it possible.
Tips and Tricks to Navigate Career Pivots
Feeling stuck on how to change lanes in your career? It can feel like you’re staring at a maze of questions: How do you network in a new industry? What skills should you build? How much should you ask for? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.
In this session, Career Exploration Coach Rachel Serwetz breaks down how to approach career pivots with clarity and strategy. From assessing whether a career change is feasible to selecting the right upskilling opportunities, Rachel offers tips and tricks to help you transition smoothly into your ideal role.
Expect expert advice on building a strategic job search, networking like a pro, and avoiding common pitfalls. With the right plan, your career pivot can be more than a leap of faith — it can be the start of something extraordinary.
Pivoting to Tech: 5 Mistakes I Made So You Don't Have To
Tech might be the hottest field to pivot into, but that doesn’t mean the journey is without its bumps. Just ask Ashima Sharma, founder of Dreami, who thought her career in the energy industry was set for the next decade — until she realized it wasn’t what she wanted.
In this candid session, Ashima pulls back the curtain on the five biggest mistakes she made while pivoting to tech, offering up her hard-won lessons so you can avoid the same pitfalls. From figuring out what you really want to sharpening how you market your past experiences, this chat is full of actionable insights.
You’ll also learn how to manage your time effectively during a career pivot and stay optimistic throughout the process. If tech is calling your name, this chat might just be the guide you need to make your pivot a success story.
After the Transition, Navigating Your Civilian Career
Transitioning from military to civilian life is no small feat, but it’s a journey packed with potential.
In this fireside chat, Kevin Traw, vice president of Optum Financial Services Contact Center at UnitedHealth Group, shares his expertise on navigating this significant life change. Drawing from his 20 years of Active Duty in the United States Air Force, Kevin offers practical advice on leveraging your military background to excel in the civilian workforce.
From resume optimization to networking strategies and interview preparation, you’ll walk away with the tools you need to confidently take the next step in your post-military career.
Ageism in the Workplace
We’re not surprised this is one of our top-performing chats. Ageism at work is a hot topic, and for a good reason: 93% of workers 50 and above assert that ageism in the workplace is a regular occurrence. So, how do we break the cycle?
In this conversation, Helen Sanchez, founder of Tanagui LLC, joins Ursula Wolz, founder of RiverSound Solutions LLC, and information systems professional Rita Taylor to explore solutions.
From Helen’s 20 years of expertise in coaching women over 40 to Ursula’s mission of empowering individuals with technology and Rita’s impressive leadership in IT systems, this conversation is rich in practical strategies for overcoming bias and showcasing your value, no matter your age.
Want more of where this came from? Don’t miss out on our upcoming Chat & Learns, where you can dive deeper into career pivots, growth strategies, leadership advice, and more! Explore upcoming Chat & Learns here.
