Rukhsar, James and Sharika found that taking a break has led to new opportunities.
The motivation for taking a career break are wide-ranging. From gaining new qualifications to raising a family, setting up a new business, to travelling the globe - Rukhsar, Sharika and James all have unique stories. But they all share something in common - their experiences away from the corporate ladder have helped them gain new perspectives and take the next step in their career. It’s this rich tapestry of skills and experiences that makes them so valuable to the bank
"Deutsche Bank enabled me to take a break for my personal growth” – Rukhsar.
Rukhsar was already an Associate achieving great success when she decided to pause her career and study for an MBA to continue her growth and learning.
During her three-year break from the workplace, she gained an MBA from Hult International Business School, and seized the opportunity to connect, network and be inspired by her diverse peers. By the end of her time there, she’d cultivated a deeper understanding of the finance industry and all its possibilities. She was able to apply her enhanced skills and broader insights in her career.
The next step is sometimes sideways
James decided to step away from his high-profile career in Technology to spend more time with his family, including his new-born twins. He left a successful and fulfilling job to take a year’s sabbatical. An encounter with a new ice cream company in a Bangkok shopping mall quickly led to him discussing the potential for the company elsewhere. One thing led to another and months later he launched the business in Hong Kong. He always knew that he would return to his career in finance technology, but it was an ‘itch he needed to scratch’. In his own words, "it was the right time for me to take a breather".
A challenge ahead
Sharika also had big career ambitions before leaving to have her baby. She planned to return in 2016, but between long commutes and long hours, she couldn’t find an employer flexible enough for her needs as a working parent. As a result, her confidence took a hit.
She eventually found the right opportunity with the bank but, having spent so much time away, was worried that it would be challenging re-entering the workplace. She was very grateful to receive practical training on her return, but more importantly, she also received ongoing emotional support from colleagues and managers so she could build her confidence.
A smooth transition back to the workplace
For Rukhsar, business school had provided invaluable theoretical knowledge but she was concerned about navigating the increasingly digitised workspace. She was pleased to find lots of on-demand training was available and with the support of her colleagues quickly mastered the new systems. So far she’s been impressed by her managers as they support her to take on greater responsibilities at the bank and work towards achieving her career goals.
In a different way, readjusting to life at Deutsche Bank was straight-forward for James. His peers could recognise his focus on driving quick improvements – harnessing the skills of everyone on the team and making a difference each and every day.
From James’ entrepreneurial skills to Sharika’s versatility and resilience; and Rukhsar’s business savvy, the career breaks these professionals took were key to unlocking their further professional development. With fresh perspectives and abilities, they have been able to reignite exceptional careers, realise their potential, and help to shape the future of finance.