Facing a mid-career crisis is common, prompting many professionals to reassess their career goals. You could be a working professional or a person wanting to make a come after a sabbatical – navigating mid-career crisis is a real issue. Some feel stagnant in their roles, while others believe they’ve been denied deserved promotions. Technological advancements, the challenge of leading teams, and the need for organizational and leadership skills are also common concerns.

Executive programs for women offer a strategic solution for professionals navigating this phase. Why consider them? Firstly, they provide opportunities to upskill and gain confidence in areas of interest. Secondly, they facilitate career growth and may unlock coveted promotions. Thirdly, they offer the opportunity to get certifications from prestigious institutions, often unattainable in earlier years due to competition. Fourthly, they foster networking and collaboration opportunities, beneficial for job transitions or entrepreneurial endeavours. Lastly, they offer flexibility, with options ranging from fully online to hybrid models, allowing professionals to balance learning with their schedules. Investing in your career at this stage not only boosts your skillset but also enhances your confidence in navigating complex work environments.

Various programs cater to diverse needs, ranging from short term- 2-day courses to long term courses lasting up to 12 months. They span disciplines such as industry-specific training, leadership, organizational skills, critical thinking, and strategy, amongst many other popular streams. Executive programs for women typically fall into two categories: skill enhancement and behavioural or leadership programs. While the former targets specific sectors, the latter focuses on interpersonal skills and leadership development, often taken by senior executives aiming for career advancement.

Here are a few executive programs for women designed to aid professionals in returning to work or advancing their careers:

  1. Women Leadership Program by Indian School of Business (ISB):
    • Program: Covers leadership development, strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and personal branding.
    • Benefits: Participants gain leadership skills, expand their network, and receive mentorship, earning a certificate upon completion.
  2. Women Leadership and Empowerment Program by IIM Bangalore:
    • Program: Focuses on leadership styles, communication, decision-making, and work-life balance.
    • Benefits: Develops leadership understanding, boosts confidence, and offers networking opportunities.
  3. Back to the Front by IIM Ahmedabad:
    • Program: Helps women re-enter the workforce with career planning, skill enhancement, and networking strategies.
    • Benefits: Provides personalized guidance, updates skills, and boosts confidence for a successful return.
  4. Women Leadership Program by XLRI Jamshedpur:
    • Program: Enhances strategic leadership, emotional intelligence, and diversity management.
    • Benefits: Develops a leadership mindset, offers practical strategies, and builds a supportive network.
  5. Avanti Women Leadership Program by Indian School of Business (ISB):
    • Program: Focuses on leadership agility, change management, and stakeholder engagement.
    • Benefits: Enhances leadership effectiveness, expands network, and supports career advancement.
  6. Leadership Development Program by IIM Lucknow:
    • Program: Focuses on emerging leadership trends, innovation management, and strategic decision-making.
    • Benefits: Equips participants with advanced leadership skills and prepares them for high-level roles.
  7. Executive Program in Strategic Management by SPJIMR Mumbai:
    • Program: Emphasizes strategic thinking, business model innovation, and competitive strategy.
    • Benefits: Provides tools and techniques for strategic decision-making and competitive positioning.

So, get going and recharge your professional journey armed with skills and learnings that provide a competitive advantage.