Owning the Gap and Moving Forward
This week’s Power Hour featured Yvonne Foo, who successfully reentered the tech industry after a five-year career break through a returnship at Fidelity Investments. Yvonne shared what it really takes to come back with confidence in a fast-moving tech landscape.
Her message was clear and reassuring. A career break does not erase your skills or potential. How you frame it and how you move forward matters far more.
Own the Gap Without Apology
One of Yvonne’s strongest points was the importance of owning your career gap. She encouraged returners to stop apologizing for time away and instead speak clearly about the choices they made and the skills they retained and developed during that period.
A confident narrative shows self-awareness and signals readiness to dive back into work. Employers are most focused on whether you can contribute, learn quickly, and adapt.
Lead With Transferable Skills and a Growth Mindset
Yvonne shared how she leaned into transferable skills. Communication, problem solving, curiosity, and willingness to learn helped her integrate quickly, even as she refreshed technical skills.
She emphasized that certifications can help, but they are not everything. Many companies offer free learning resources, especially in areas like cloud computing and emerging technologies. What matters most is demonstrating a growth mindset and showing that you are actively engaging with the field.
Confidence, she reminded participants, comes after action. You build it by doing, not waiting until you feel ready.
Use LinkedIn and Networking Intentionally
The session also focused on practical job search strategies. Yvonne encouraged returners to use LinkedIn as a visibility tool, not just a job board. Sharing learnings, engaging with content, and posting about what you are exploring helps signal currency and interest.
Networking does not require insider access. Yvonne shared that she applied to Fidelity’s returnship without personal connections. Many returners find opportunities through communities, word of mouth, and consistent engagement rather than referrals alone.
Attending conferences and meetups with a clear goal, even simply to learn or listen, can open unexpected doors. Preparation and follow up make those interactions meaningful.
Persistence Through Rejection
A candid part of the conversation centered on rejection. Yvonne spoke openly about the disappointment that comes with near misses and rejections, even after strong interviews. She encouraged participants to allow space for those feelings, then reset and keep going.
Tami and others echoed that job searches are rarely linear. Timing, internal changes, and shifting priorities often play a bigger role than candidate quality. Persistence, coupled with a positive but realistic mindset, is essential.
A Reminder for Returners
Yvonne’s story resonated because it was honest. This Power Hour served as a reminder that returning to work is not about proving you belong. It is about recognizing that your experience still counts and moving forward with intention. Join the WBW community today.