Returning to work through the Reconnect Program

Nicola, a Partner in Business Consulting shares her journey through the Reconnect Program.

Stepping back into the business world
 

Hello, my name is Nicola Commins, and I am a Partner in Business Consulting at EY Oceania. I had a break from work to focus on the learning needs of one of our children. This included a 2-year stint living in Canada with our daughter to access a specialised learning program. Prior to my career break, I worked at IBM across a diverse number of roles in customer experience, digital enablement, and sales as well as holding roles on several not-for-profit boards and committees.

Having had several years out of the workforce and returning to work has meant that I have boosted my confidence and skills. I enjoy coming to work each day and being challenged within the workforce. I saw a post on LinkedIn explaining the EY Reconnect program. I knew several people who were working at EY, and they spoke very highly of the organisation’s culture as well as the variety of purposeful work on offer.  I was also studying part-time for a Master of Applied Positive Psychology and it was important for me to find an organisation that lived its purpose. Having the belief that I could capably transition into the new role, being able to trust in myself and believe that I was bringing to EY not only the skills that I had developed from my previous work roles but also the experience, networks and perspective that I gained during the period when I was out of paid employment.
 

I found that the EY Reconnect program provided me with a real example of EY living its purpose of building a better working world by acknowledging all the strength that comes from a diverse and supportive workforce.  I found the coaching that came with the program helped me talk through emotions I was feeling and strategies to help me adjust to my new responsibilities and learnings.

Since commencing with EY more than 3 years ago, I was given the flexibility to complete my post-graduate studies, whilst enjoying diverse and challenging roles working in Business Transformation, namely in the Government sector.  I have been inspired by the many examples of transformational leadership styles evident across our leadership team and the support and encouragement I have received  My career has flourished at EY, I have loved the many challenges I have been presented with since starting.  I particularly enjoy the culture of continual learning and how I am always exposed to new skills and ideas. Several of the work engagements I have completed have made a significant impact on local communities and this has been very rewarding. I find significant purpose and meaning in the work that I do.

Three tips for those who are thinking of returning to work would be;

• First, get on and apply! Have faith in your own abilities. It’s like riding a bike, your skills will all come back to you but you will be amazed at the additional skills you now offer having had your break.
• Secondly, find out what other people’s skills are and tell others what yours are. I’ve learnt that doing so makes everyone’s work easier as you know who to ask when looking to solve a problem.
• Lastly, think about your own personal brand and how valuable it is to be able to communicate it succinctly.