CDM Smith's Julie Lucas on the ONLY Returnship Program in the Environmental Consulting Industry

Julie Lucas is a senior Talent Acquisition Recruiter who runs the CDM Smith "Reboot Re-entry" program for people who have had career breaks of two years or more in water and environmental consulting or have relevant experience at tech firms or agencies. The program was launched in 2019 after joining the STEM Re-Entry Task Force co-created by the Society of Women Engineers and the organization iRelaunch. The program focuses on hiring candidates who have left their STEM careers for various reasons and have a minimum of three years of experience.

CDM Smith's program has had a wide range of cohorts with gaps ranging from three to 20 years, hiring engineers, scientists, GIS specialists, planners, and more. The program provides training, mentoring, and resources to support the cohort, as well as bi-weekly meetings, facilitated content, and a learning management system to provide training and development pathways.

Julie emphasizes the importance of providing networking opportunities, both internally and externally, to help the cohort build their professional network. Finally, she discusses the need for regular check-ins to ensure the cohort is supported throughout the program and to start conversations about job offers as soon as possible.

Julie discusses the importance of tailoring your resume for specific job postings and the benefits of a general interest application process for job candidates. Additionally, they mention that their company has added the option to hire candidates full-time if they express interest in the position.

Julie talks about the importance of top-down support for diversity and inclusion programs in the workplace, as well as providing the right avenues for employees to report issues. She also highlights the need for companies to address the root of problems when they arise and not just apply a "slap on the wrist". Additionally, she notes the intersectionality of racism, sexism, and ageism in the workplace and mentions the importance of considering those who have had career delays or had to put themselves through school while raising children.

Dr. Cat and Julie discuss the need for the water and environmental industries to consider developing their own programs for women (as well as men) who want to re-enter the workforce after a career break - noting that the latest CDM Smith program had 600 applicants for just 6 spots (!). Julie highlights the benefits of the program, such as the competitive pay rate and the opportunity to gain relevant work experience, and encourages interested women - as well as other companies interested in creating similar programs - to contact her directly for more information.