Communities
Share this story
Copied
“More than 2.5 million women in the U.S. have science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees. Out of these, only 32 percent have engineering and computer science degrees, and nearly a quarter of them have left their technical careers to care for their families.”
- Jessica Galich, Gender Diversity and Take 2 Recruiting Lead
Solving today’s mobility challenges will require unique perspectives, experiences and ideas, all of which are also critical to achieving our vision of creating a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion. Take 2, General Motors’ 12-week program for experienced professionals rejoining the workforce, allows participants to grow their technical skills and bring fresh ideas to their teams.
Take 2 was launched in 2016 in partnership with the Society of Women Engineers and iRelaunch for professionals who have taken career breaks of two or more years. The program is geared toward individuals with technical backgrounds in vehicle engineering, manufacturing engineering, manufacturing operations, finance and IT. Participants are paid and receive training, professional development and networking opportunities. Since its launch, there have been more than 8,000 applicants, including re-launchers Annette Diver and Jennifer Fleck.
Annette Diver
Annette Diver left the workforce to start a family and returned after 15 years thanks to the Take 2 program.
“At first it was intimidating to be out of the workforce for so long and return to new technology,” said Annette. “The workplace has changed drastically, and I was surprised by the flexibility — I can now take my tools with me and work from wherever is most convenient for my work-life balance.”
Upon completing the program, Annette was offered the same job she had in 1992: a design release engineer in thermal HVAC. She has since been promoted to senior process improvement leader.
Jennifer Fleck
Jennifer Fleck returned to the workforce after coming across the Take 2 program on social media.
“After 22 years out of the automotive industry, I have returned to General Motors thanks to the Take 2 program,” said Jennifer. “Returning to GM has been an incredible experience! It would have been too overwhelming if it weren't for the support of my family and all the fantastic, helpful people I get to work with.”
Jennifer is currently a design release engineer working on the computer running the 4WD system on new full-size trucks.
“More than 2.5 million women in the U.S. have science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees. Out of these, only 32 percent have engineering and computer science degrees, and nearly a quarter of them have left their technical careers to care for their families,” said Jessica Galich, Gender Diversity and Take 2 Recruiting Lead. “The Take 2 program gives them an opportunity to reenter the workforce, build their skills and fuel their ambition.”
We believe that fostering inclusive teams with wide-ranging perspectives is the best way to solve the world’s transportation challenges. Programs like Take 2 help us discover and include a more diverse workforce that will help us progress toward our vision.