Almost one year ago, we hatched the idea for Après because we kept hearing the same story: an impressive woman wants to reenter the workforce—she’s well-educated, previously successful, and, well, basically a wonder woman—but she couldn’t get a job. She didn’t even know where to look. We understood this woman, she was kinda like us (ok, maybe minus the wonder woman part). It didn’t make sense—companies want more female employees. In fact, they’re shouting from the rooftops about the gender diversity problem facing corporate America. And incredibly capable women want to return to work. It should be a perfect match. But it’s not happening.

After months of research, focus groups, and interviews, we had our “a-ha!” moment. Yes, companies do want and need women returning to the workforce—they just don’t have an efficient or cost-effective way to reach them. Our mission at Après is to change that.

We estimate there are more than 3 million women in the United States with college or graduate degrees who took time off for personal reasons (to raise a family, care for a sick relative) and are now looking to get back to work. The existence of this untapped pool of talent is relatively new—Boomers were settled, Gen Xers are the first generation to opt out and opt back in. As such, there isn’t a guidebook for employers on how to welcome these women back in, and there’s limited advice for women on how not to let a career break break your career.

We created Après to accomplish two main goals:

  1. Instill confidence in our members to reenter the workforce and provide them with a job market curated just for them.
  2. Create a community of corporate partners who are committed to hiring women returning to the workforce.

Here are a few things we’ve learned so far:

  1. The vast majority of women who leave the workforce want to return at some point.
  2. It can be very challenging to reenter the workforce—emotionally and logistically. The good news is you’re not alone.
  3. Each woman’s journey is unique—don’t compare yours to someone else’s. The fact is, the only journey that matters is your own.

Our Promise to You

Here at Après, we promise to work hard every day to bring you information that’s helpful, content that inspires you, and jobs of all types from across the country. We’re growing every day, and we’re excited that you’re allowing us to be a part of your journey.

What We Need From You

Most important, your feedback! We want to hear from you about what you need to launch the next phase in your life. Share your ideas and suggestions to feedback@apresgroup.com.

Next, join the movement, get involved, and spread the word! The bigger OUR network, the bigger YOUR network. Follow us on social (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn), share our stories, tell your friends to sign up. We are on a mission to find you the best jobs from the best companies, and we need your help to do it.

Let’s take the journey together!

Jen & Niccole