Taking time away from work – whether to care for family, explore other industries, or simply pause and reassess – can be both rewarding and daunting. For many women in tech, returning to the sector after a break brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty. At RSA an Intact company, women like Pip Henderson and Ruchi Gupta are proving that with the right support, mindset and opportunities, it’s more than possible to relaunch a tech career with confidence.
In this feature, we share the stories of two remarkable women from RSA who returned to tech and found renewed purpose, challenge, and community.
From chemistry to change: Pip’s journey back to tech
Pip Henderson didn’t start her career with a grand tech plan – like many people, she “fell into” the industry after university. With a background in science (A-Levels in Maths, Physics and Chemistry, followed by a Chemistry degree), her analytical mindset naturally led her into systems delivery and project management.
After several years in tech consulting and project-based roles, Pip took time away from the industry to focus on family and try something different. But when the post-COVID shift towards hybrid working opened up new opportunities, she was ready for a new challenge – and RSA proved to be the perfect fit.
“Since joining RSA, I’ve worked on a couple of different system delivery projects – mostly managing them through the initiation and discovery phases,” she says. “It’s been amazing. I feel incredibly supported by everyone around me, and I’m just so excited to be back working in tech.”
Her role as Senior Project Manager in RSA’s Technology & Change division plays to her strengths in problem-solving, communication and leadership – all skills she had long before her “career break”.
Still, she acknowledges that returning after time away wasn’t without its challenges – particularly in an industry where women are still underrepresented.
“I’ve been really impressed here at RSA, as I feel the gender balance is better than I’ve seen elsewhere. But I still don’t see many junior female staff, and I do worry about where our future female leaders are going to come from.”
That’s why Pip now takes an active role in outreach through RSA’s Inspire Programme, which supports local secondary schools. She believes early exposure and strong role models are key to shifting the gender imbalance in tech.
“It’s all about educating and empowering young women to explore the full variety of roles within tech,” she says. “And showing them that a career break doesn’t have to be the end of your story – it can be the start of a new one.”
A passion for STEM: Ruchi’s path back to the profession
For Ruchi Gupta, the decision to pursue a career in tech was more deliberate – and came from a deep-rooted love of STEM.
“I was a STEM student in school, and technology was rapidly changing the world. It offered so many exciting opportunities,” she says. “So I decided to study computer science at both undergraduate and master’s level.”
Ruchi began her career in software development and gradually moved through all phases of the software development lifecycle – eventually finding her passion in managing projects from a technical perspective.
Today, she’s a Technical Project Manager at RSA, combining strategic oversight with hands-on technical insight. But returning to the industry after a break wasn’t simple.
“It took me a while to get that interview call,” she admits. “But I upskilled myself – completed certifications in PRINCE2 and Scrum Master – and kept my patience and motivation. My first day back was a mix of excitement and nerves. I wanted to shout, ‘Hello world, I’m back!’”
Three years on, she looks back on that moment with pride – and gratitude for the opportunity to return.
“I wish I’d had a returner community at the time – someone to talk to, ask questions, feel understood. Mentoring and sponsorship really matter when you’re coming back to work.”
Ruchi now uses her own experience to advocate for better support systems and greater inclusion – especially for women who face additional challenges, such as caring responsibilities or a lack of exposure to tech growing up.
Breaking stereotypes and building futures
Both Pip and Ruchi are clear that stereotypes about tech careers still persist. “There’s an assumption that it’s a male-dominated space,” says Pip. “And that can influence how girls choose subjects at school.”
Ruchi agrees – and adds that the language we use really matters. “Gender-neutral job adverts, visibility of different tech roles, and highlighting transferable skills – all of that helps. Women shouldn’t feel like they have to tick every box before applying.”
At RSA, both women found an environment where flexibility, inclusion and progression are prioritised. “There are women-friendly policies, supportive leaders, and real efforts to elevate women into leadership roles,” Ruchi notes.
The company’s approach includes outreach to schools, showcasing diverse role models, and encouraging women of all ages to explore careers in tech. As Pip puts it: “It’s about showing what’s possible.”
Words of wisdom for career returners
So, what advice would they give to women either starting their careers or considering a return?
“Take the opportunities given to you,” says Pip. “Step outside your comfort zone and just give it a go. And remember – if you ever need to take a career break, we’ll welcome and support you back.”
Ruchi echoes that message but adds her own powerful guidance: “Take risks. Make bold choices. Don’t agree to everything just to please people. Own your development and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
She’s also a strong believer in visibility and responsibility. “Women in tech need to help improve the industry. Let’s leave it better than we found it – and show others why we love our work.”
Conclusion
Pip and Ruchi’s stories are a powerful reminder that a career in tech doesn’t have to follow a straight line – and that’s more than okay. With courage, curiosity and the right support, you can return, reinvent, and thrive.
RSA’s commitment to inclusion isn’t just about numbers – it’s about creating real, human stories of growth and opportunity. And these two women are living proof of what’s possible.
