Meet Ashwin Derick, Human Resources Associate at Parexel

Returning After a Career Break

Before joining Parexel, I took a seven-month career break. Like many professionals, I had concerns—would my experience still be valued? Would the gap affect my opportunities? I also wanted to stay updated in a fast-evolving HR landscape, so I focused on upskilling and learning tools like Workday.

Parexel made my transition back to work smooth and reassuring. From the transparent recruitment process to the support I received from the Talent Acquisition team and my manager, I felt valued from day one. My experience was recognized in line with market standards, which boosted my confidence and reaffirmed that capability matters more than gaps.
Since rejoining, my confidence has grown tremendously. I’ve learned to embrace challenges and see success not just as achieving results but as having the courage to take the first step. My time away taught me the importance of readiness and resilience—skills that continue to shape my approach today.

Lessons Learned and Advice

My advice to anyone on a career break: Take the leap of faith. Apply, learn, and trust the process. Every step, whether successful or not, brings growth. Stay committed and believe in yourself—the right opportunity will come.
Success for me now means being open to challenges and learning from every experience, not just chasing immediate results. Growth happens when you overcome doubts and take that first step forward.