IBU Back-To-Work Program (Cohort 2025/2026)
A supportive initiative by IBU Family to empower moms returning to the workforce through connection, confidence building, experienced mentorship and a supportive community.
Whether you’re a mother preparing to rejoin the workforce after a break or a mother who simply wants to gain working experience while staying connected to your family priorities, IBU’s Back To Work program offers an organizational environment that reflects the pace and expectations of today’s working world, without compromising on flexibility.
Application Deadline: Sep 7, 2025
Running from 1st October 2025 to 31st March 2026, IBU’s Back-To-Work Program offers a flexible, part-time working program designed for mothers preparing to return to the workforce or simply looking to gain real-life work experience while juggling other responsibilities.
Successfully hired mothers can expect to commit just 30 minutes to 1 hour per weekday, making this program ideal for mothers re-entering the workforce or seeking hands-on experience while balancing other responsibilities.
Designed for Moms Who Are...
Currently unemployed or on a career break
Have access to a laptop and the Internet
Applicants can be from any state in Malaysia
(Those applying for the Events team must be based in Klang Valley, as in-person involvement is required)
Fluent in English (written and spoken)
Able to commit 3 to 4 hours per week from
October 2025 to March 2026
What You'll Be Doing
You will work on fixed projects with clear deliverables, guided by experienced mentors and surrounded by a supportive, like-minded community of mothers.
We’re welcoming mothers to join us across five departments: Marketing, Sales, Events, HR and Operations.
Depending on your placement, this cohort’s IBU Back-To-Work Fellow can expect to experience or learn more about:
MARKETING
Campaign planning, content creation (social media, email), digital marketing execution, analytics, and branding
OPERATIONS
Workflow improvement, administrative support, internal systems management, SOP writing, and project documentation
HUMAN
RESOURCES
Develop systems for recruitment, onboarding, and sustaining volunteers and Back-To-Work Fellows
SALES
Client outreach process, pitch deck creation, data tracking, and partnership development
EVENTS
Coordinate events, develop SOPs for event planning, budgeting, team roles, and execution to ensure efficiency and profitability
Program Benefits
One-time allowance
Based on project scope
(up to RM800)
Build Relationships
Access to IBU’s professional network, exclusive workshops, and industry touchpoints
Onboarding and Upskilling
Onboarding and upskilling sessions to help you work confidently
Regular Check-Ins
Bi-weekly team reviews & monthly 1-on-1 check-ins for ongoing guidance
Mentorship
Mentorship from experienced mothers who’ve walked the path before you
Certificate & CV Reference
Certificate of Completion and CV reference to strengthen your resume or portfolio upon successful project completion
Who Can Apply?
For Mothers Ready to Reclaim Their Career
Been out of the workforce for a while and unsure how to step back in? IBU’s Back To Work program is designed to ease the transition.
You’ll gain:
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Relevant, recent work experience for your resume
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Exposure to project management, digital tools, and departmental dynamics
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A Certificate of Completion upon graduating the cohort to show future employers that you're ready and capable
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Mentorship and feedback to help you improve in real-time
For Mothers Exploring or Gaining Experience
If you’re not quite ready for a full-time job but want to build your portfolio, test your skills, or explore a new field, this program is for you too.
You’ll get to:
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Try hands-on tasks in your chosen department
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Work on clear, purposeful projects
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Learn from supervisors who understand both your ambitions and your life stage
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Be part of a supportive, mother-centric environment
Apply for IBU’s Back-To-Work Program, Cohort 2025/2026
Whether you're returning after a break or simply exploring new skills, this program is a launchpad toward clarity, confidence, building a network and career momentum.
Application Deadline: Sep 7, 2025
Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the IBU Back-To-Work Program?
It’s a cohort-based program designed to help mothers re-enter the workforce through paid, project-based roles under different departments (Marketing, Operations, Sales, Event, etc).
2. Who can apply?
Mothers (Malaysian only) based in Malaysia who are not currently in full-time employment and have relevant skills or backgrounds suited to the roles offered. This program is great for mothers who are looking to re-enter the workforce soon, and those who merely want to gain experience while taking care of their homes (that’s a full-time job right there!)
For non-Malaysians, you may apply as an IBU volunteer here instead.
3. I am not an IBU member, but I am an IBU volunteer. Can I apply?
Yes, absolutely. IBU’s existing volunteers, member and non-members are welcome to apply as long as you are a Malaysian citizen based in Malaysia.
4. When does the program run?
The 1st cohort will run from October 2025 to March 2026. Successfully hired candidates can complete their project within the 6-month period.
5. Is this a full-time or part-time opportunity?
All roles are project-based, offering flexibility in hours depending on the project requirements. They are not full-time jobs. The projects require an average of 3-4 working hours per week. All work are based online.
6. Will I be paid?
Yes, payment will be released upon project completion. Each role is paid per project, with payments based on the scope and deliverables of the assigned work.
7. What kind of roles are available?
Openings are available in Marketing, Operations, Events, Human Resources, and Sales departments.
8. Can I choose the department or role I’m most interested in?
Yes. You may indicate your preferred departm
ent during the application process, and placements will be based on your background and project availability.
9. Do I need prior experience to apply?
Relevant experience is helpful but not always required. IBU offers onboarding and guidance to support those looking to upgrade their skills or stay up to date with the latest work trends.
10. How long is each project?
Each project lasts up to 6 months, but some may conclude earlier depending on the scope and deliverables.
11. What kind of tasks will I be doing?
Tasks vary by department. For example:
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Marketing: Campaign planning, content creation (social media, email), digital marketing execution, analytics, and branding.
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Sales: Client outreach process, pitch deck creation, data tracking, and partnership development.
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Events: Coordinate events, develop SOPs for event planning, budgeting, team roles, and execution to ensure efficiency and profitability.
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Operations: Workflow improvement, administrative support, internal systems management, SOP writing, and project documentation.
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Human Resources: Develop systems for recruitment, onboarding, and sustaining volunteers and Back-To-Work Fellows.
12. How will my performance be reviewed?
There will be:
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Bi-weekly group check-ins with your direct mentor for the first month
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Monthly reviews thereafter for ongoing feedback and support.
13. Will I receive a certificate at the end of the program?
Yes. Upon successful completion of the project, participants will receive an IBU Back-To-Work Program Certificate.
14. Can I complete the project earlier than March 2026?
Yes, depending on your project timeline and deliverables, you may complete and graduate from the cohort earlier.
15. Will there be training or mentorship provided?
Yes. Each department lead will provide guidance and feedback to help you grow professionally. Group reviews also serve as mini mentorship sessions.
16. What’s the time commitment per week?
It varies by role, but all positions are designed to be flexible and mother-friendly. More specific hours and expectations will be shared during interview and onboarding.
17. Can I work remotely?
All roles are fully remote except for those who apply as an Event Coordinator. However, to enhance your experience, IBU will organize one or two in-person meet-ups (midpoint get-together). These meetings act as networking sessions, they’ll be fun!
18. What support is available if I need help with my responsibilities?
Your mentor and other IBU volunteers will support you through regular reviews, and we understand the importance of flexibility for mothers juggling many things at once.