The Cummins Inc. RePower Program is a structured, paid returnship designed for professionals who have been away from the workforce for two or more years. Over the course of six months, participants are given the chance to reapply their expertise, skills, and experiences in areas such as engineering, IT, and supply chain planning. The program combines on-the-job assignments with training, mentorship, career development opportunities, and networking, while also offering the possibility of transitioning into full-time roles. For professionals like Amy, returning to work after a career break, this type of initiative can be truly transformative.
Amy’s career began in product and process development at a flexible packaging company, where she worked closely with clients to deliver creative packaging solutions. She also played an important role in documenting manufacturing processes for transfer to new facilities. After completing a major project in engineering, Amy decided to shift careers outside of her technical field. Although this allowed her to strengthen skills in teamwork, communication, and adaptability, she eventually realized how much she missed using data-driven approaches to solve problems. This realization encouraged her to return to engineering, and Cummins stood out to her because of its mission, values, and opportunities for professional growth.
She first learned about the RePower Program through the Society of Women Engineers’ STEM Reentry initiative. Amy recalls the process as smooth and encouraging: she applied online, received a response within a day, interviewed with a panel a few weeks later, and soon after was offered a place in the program.
For Amy, one of the most rewarding aspects of the returnship was finding a sense of community within a large organization like Cummins. Regular check-ins, mentoring sessions, and networking opportunities allowed her to learn from others who had previously completed the program and successfully moved into permanent roles. “My favorite part was meeting in smaller groups and really connecting with fellow participants and mentors,” she explained.
During the program, Amy not only built new skills but also expanded her professional network, which proved invaluable as she reentered the STEM workforce. The support she received helped her feel guided and encouraged at every step. When she transitioned into a full-time role, she remained on the same team, taking on both her existing responsibilities and new challenges. Today, she works as a Certification and Compliance Lead at Cummins, where she supports New Product Development teams by conducting formal compliance reviews throughout the development cycle.
The structure of the RePower Program made navigating a large organization easier by showing her where to find resources, who to approach for guidance, and how to exchange experiences with peers. This framework not only smoothed her transition but also gave her a clear vision of her long-term career at Cummins.
Amy now strongly encourages others to explore opportunities like RePower. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have found this program and to know that such pathways exist for people returning to STEM,” she shared. She believes it provides the right balance of support, professional growth, and connection to make reentering the workforce a successful and empowering experience. For her, the program opened doors to a fulfilling career and a supportive professional community.
Amy’s career began in product and process development at a flexible packaging company, where she worked closely with clients to deliver creative packaging solutions. She also played an important role in documenting manufacturing processes for transfer to new facilities. After completing a major project in engineering, Amy decided to shift careers outside of her technical field. Although this allowed her to strengthen skills in teamwork, communication, and adaptability, she eventually realized how much she missed using data-driven approaches to solve problems. This realization encouraged her to return to engineering, and Cummins stood out to her because of its mission, values, and opportunities for professional growth.
She first learned about the RePower Program through the Society of Women Engineers’ STEM Reentry initiative. Amy recalls the process as smooth and encouraging: she applied online, received a response within a day, interviewed with a panel a few weeks later, and soon after was offered a place in the program.
For Amy, one of the most rewarding aspects of the returnship was finding a sense of community within a large organization like Cummins. Regular check-ins, mentoring sessions, and networking opportunities allowed her to learn from others who had previously completed the program and successfully moved into permanent roles. “My favorite part was meeting in smaller groups and really connecting with fellow participants and mentors,” she explained.
During the program, Amy not only built new skills but also expanded her professional network, which proved invaluable as she reentered the STEM workforce. The support she received helped her feel guided and encouraged at every step. When she transitioned into a full-time role, she remained on the same team, taking on both her existing responsibilities and new challenges. Today, she works as a Certification and Compliance Lead at Cummins, where she supports New Product Development teams by conducting formal compliance reviews throughout the development cycle.
The structure of the RePower Program made navigating a large organization easier by showing her where to find resources, who to approach for guidance, and how to exchange experiences with peers. This framework not only smoothed her transition but also gave her a clear vision of her long-term career at Cummins.
Amy now strongly encourages others to explore opportunities like RePower. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have found this program and to know that such pathways exist for people returning to STEM,” she shared. She believes it provides the right balance of support, professional growth, and connection to make reentering the workforce a successful and empowering experience. For her, the program opened doors to a fulfilling career and a supportive professional community.