This pioneering programme was launched on International Women's Day in March 2008. In 2012, the application process was taken online, making it more convenient and accessible. Using this facility, Tata companies can post projects throughout the year and aspirants can log onto www.tatasecondcareer.com to view, select and apply for live business projects, online, just like any other job portal.

Projects with various Tata companies are offered, spanning multiple expertise domain areas such as marketing, sales, advertising / communications, human resource management, finance / accounting, legal, manufacturing, engineering, design, IT, corporate planning, hospitality, retail, corporate sustainability and other corporate functions.

As part of the programme, selected candidates get the opportunity to work on business projects offered by Tata companies with approximately 500 hours of engagement. The project is spread over five to six months on a flexi-time basis. Programme participants also get the opportunity to work with the best Tata managers, who function as guides till the end of the project.

The criteria for women seeking to sign up for the programme are: professional qualification in management / accountancy / law / IT / design or engineering; a minimum of four years of work experience; and a career break of one year (minimum) to eight years (maximum) due to personal commitments.

A dedicated SCIP team has been put in place to ensure a timely and transparent appointment process. SCIP projects are allotted based on the area of expertise of the applicant, following a rigorous selection process.

The programme currently offers opportunities in India in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and NCR (National Capital Region), and will be expanding to other cities.

Applicants can visit the SCIP portal (www.tatasecondcareer.com) for further details on projects, applications and selection procedures.