10 June, 2020. With its "Women Back to Business" programme (WBB), the ES-HSG is committed to helping women who have taken a lengthy career break and who want to regain a foothold in the professional world or who are looking to reposition themselves professionally. By means of this programme, the Executive School of the University of St.Gallen wants to help counteract the shortage of skilled workers in Switzerland whilst, at the same time, supporting companies and organisations in the challenging search for suitable employees. This is where the extensive "Women Back to Business" network comes in. This network includes many long-standing partnerships with companies that offer internships and specific positions for women returning to work within the scope of the WBB programme.

Positioning with job seekers

In cooperation with the external partner Avenir Group, which specialises in personnel management, The WBB programme of the ES-HSG is launching the new "Career Empowerment" label. This label, or seal of approval, is intended to highlight special efforts made by companies and organisations when it comes to career re-entry and re-orientation. Companies with this label should be able to position themselves as strong and responsible employers among employees and people looking for jobs. Furthermore, the process for gaining the seal of approval should prompt companies to review their cultures, values and processes (applications, hiring, promotions, salaries, etc.) and adapt them if necessary. The label is also intended to provide guidance to job seekers and strengthen the positive visibility of companies within the job market. 

Applications to be evaluated by body of experts

The "Career Empowerment" label can be applied for by all companies and organisations in Switzerland that are committed to and active in the area of "professional re-orientation and re-entry into the job market". Applications will be evaluated by a group of experts from the University of St.Gallen and the Avenir Group. The first seals of approval will be awarded on 26 January, 2021, during the "Career Relaunch 2021" event of the University of St.Gallen in Zurich. The "Career Empowerment" label will be valid for a period of two years from the award date.