Hi All:

4 Comments

1. Cindy AllenJanuary 22,2023 at 7:25PM UTC

   Transitioning from government to private sector is actually quite difficult. Is there someone in your field who has done this already that you can reach out to? In my experience those who have transitioned provide great insight in how to outline the experience you have into private sector lingo as well as let you know what to expect. Most are willing to meet for lunch or coffee to give their experience as well. I went from private sector to public sector and back. I made a point to accept meeting requests for anyone who was looking to go either way. Start networking and reaching out to those who you have even a remote connection with and then ask if they know anyone else you should talk to. Ask them all to review your resume to give feedback. Good luck!

2. Tara JacksonJanuary 23,2023 at 2:33AM UTC

   My friend Bridget is an exceptional coach. She just shepherded me through getting a PMP certification. She helped me get unstuck in my process and pursue it energetically and sustainably. I highly recommend working with her. https://bridgetrandolph.com/

3. AnonymousJanuary 26,2023 at 4:25PM UTC

   I attended a few workshops with Becca Carnahan and really loved her energy. She has a particular focus on working mothers, which is a bonus too if that's your situation: https://beccacarnahan.com/

4. AnonymousJanuary 27,2023 at 2:50AM UTC

   Long-time Washingtonian (private sector) with a husband in the federal sector. I have some advice for moving to the private sector, as well as some thinking on why it might make sense to stay put as a federal employee.

   Advice:

   1) Have you researched consulting firms that work with the DoD in your area of specialization? Your expertise should be an excellent fit for some of them. Spend some time reviewing their websites and their job postings. The job postings will point you to the certifications and credentials that are desired by these firms.

   2)Are there any industry or professional associations that deal with your area of expertise? If yes, join one or more to make connections in your field, read their newsletters and issue papers and attend some of their events and conferences, using your vacation time if needed. This will attune you to the major trends in your industry, identify employers, allow you to assess how your skills dovetail with industry needs, and get you industry contacts with whom you can network.

   3)Can you contact fellow alumni or professors from your PhD program who are working or doing consulting in the private sector? They should be good resources on how to move into a private sector role.

   4)Why do you want to leave federal employment for the private sector? Sure, you’ll get a higher salary, but job security is a lot worse and your retirement benefits won’t be as good. This is hard to fathom if you are in your 20s and 30s, but begins to make substantially more sense as you reach your 40s and beyond. FWIW, my husband is regularly approached by senior private sector employees who are eager to get a federal job, the draw being the stability, the regular hours and the enhanced retirement package.

   I always urged my husband to go to the private sector because of the higher pay, but now I’m really happy that he stuck with his federal job over the long term. His retirement savings are awesome (he saved through the federal Thrift Savings Plan with a federal matching payment) and he’ll get a pension, which very few private employers provide. His vacation benefits are outstanding — again, better than what is found in most private companies.

   Just wanted to alert you to the upside of federal employment before you jump ship!