Inside a Modern Career Comeback: The Strategies Helping Returners Land Roles Faster
This week’s Power Hour featured a moment that reflects the heart of the Women Back to Work mission. Kavita Sah, now a Product Security Engineer at Infoblox, returned to the session not as a participant but as the speaker. Just eight months ago, she was attending these sessions as a returner herself.
Her session was honest, grounded, and full of lessons for anyone preparing to restart their career.
How Kavita Rebuilt After Layoff and Motherhood
Kavita began her career in network engineering and later moved into cybersecurity after her master’s degree. A layoff changed everything. During her break, she:
- Started a small wellness-focused business during her break
- Navigated new motherhood
- Realized she wanted to return to corporate work, collaborate with teams, and contribute to cybersecurity again
When she began applying, the reality was harsh. She submitted more than 300 applications and heard back from only a few. Most recruiters failed to recognize her seven years of experience.
The turning point came when a Women Back to Work recruiter reached out on LinkedIn and saw alignment between her skills and Infoblox’s needs.
The Returnship That Changed Her Path
Kavita shared how the Women Back to Work team helped her move from hesitation to confidence. She highlighted the impact of:
- Interview preparation that focused on real scenarios
- Honest guidance about hiring expectations
- Support that matched her strengths with the right opportunity
- A clear, structured path that made her transition smoother
This returnship gave her a fair chance to demonstrate her capabilities and step back into a mid-level cybersecurity role.
Finding Her Footing Again at Infoblox
Kavita approached her first week with intention. She scheduled weekly manager check ins to stay aligned and spent time learning Infoblox’s products, tools, and technology so she could contribute right away. With a strong support system at home, she carved out time to study, upskill, and adjust to full time work again.
She also shared how she navigated imposter syndrome. Instead of avoiding challenging moments, she made it a habit to act immediately whether that meant asking a question, reaching out to a teammate, or scheduling a conversation. Showing up consistently helped rebuild her confidence faster than expected.
Her Advice for Today’s Returners
Kavita’s guidance was simple and practical:
- Build daily habits that move you closer to your goal, even one hour at a time
- Get comfortable using AI and explore tools like GitHub Actions, Semgrep, Wiz, and Panther
- Read industry updates regularly, even during breaks
- Practice continuously so you are ready when the opportunity arrives
- Stop questioning your ability to return
Her story is a powerful reminder that returning is possible and that progress comes from steady preparation, not perfection.
Your return-to-work journey does not have to be lonely. Join Power Hour and move forward with a strong community behind you. Reach out to us.