Rewriting her story

For the past 15 years, Hemlata Bisht dedicated herself to raising her beautiful daughter, Meera.

She also caught the writing bug, penning four novels on subjects like parenting, immigration and romance.

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Hemlata and one of her published novels

But like so many women, Hemlata had a successful career before motherhood, working in software development and TATA consultancy services.

In December last year when Hemlata decided to return to paid work, it was hard not to feel despondent as she scoured the internet for jobs.

“There are so many challenges in the job market that I faced. And I started to believe in ageism. I started to believe that I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere in the industry.”

That was until Hemlata stumbled upon ANZ’s Return to Work (RTW) initiative on LinkedIn.

“I saw Angie’s (Angela Wells, ANZ Journey Expert, Technology) post and I just jumped on it! The name of the program itself was just so inviting because I was applying for so many roles and just never hearing back.”

Impressively, Hemlata edged out 188 applicants to secure a Software Engineer role at ANZ Plus through the 2025 RTW program. This is the fourth year the program has run and over that time it has supported over 100 people in re-entering the workforce.

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From left to right: Kathy Au Yeung, Hemlata Bisht and Lakshmi Kattamuri at ANZ’s Head Office in Melbourne in their first week of the program

First impressions count

On her first day at ANZ, Hemlata was understandably nervous. She hadn’t stepped foot in an office for over a decade!

“For a long time I had been so confident in myself. And I forgot what it was like to be scared.”

As part of her induction program, she met other RTW Alumni.

“They really reassured me that everything was going to be fine.”

Such was the feeling of relief, Hemlata penned a heartfelt piece to her Program Leader, Angie.

“So many have walked this path before me, and looked at this office with the same sense of wonder that now fills my eyes. In these moments of awe, my gaze often drifts—until suddenly, I stumble upon echoes of past RTW journeys.”

A safe bet

As Hemlata embarks on this new stage of her career, she has a strong message for those who may have once overlooked candidates like her.

“Bet on us and give us a chance. Even if we have taken a break, we haven’t gone off in some silo, oblivious of everything. We don't just forget whatever we have learned during our professional years.”

And there’s also a message for those still out there, like Hemlata was, scouring job sites for a new opportunity.

“If you are sincere, if you are willing to take chances, if you are willing to put in extra effort, it all helps. Don’t give up on your dreams.”

Alicia Muling is Senior Writer at ANZ