Trust the Process: Lessons From a Successful Government-to-Private-Sector Transition
My absolute favorite call or email to get is "I got the job!" My close second favorite is "I want to give you an update on the new job and it's going so well!"
I was lucky enough to have one of those catch-up calls last Friday with a former client who started a role at a defense tech startup a month ago. When I asked him what advice he'd give to others making the same leap from government (in his case, the Intel community) to the private sector, he said, "Trust Robyn's process. The process works!"
He first came to me focused on his resume and LinkedIn profile, and during our time together, we worked on expanding his thinking about the types of companies he could potentially - and happily - work for.
One of the biggest unlocks for him was getting specific about what he really wants to do. When you come at a career transition from the mindset of everything you COULD do, you end up overwhelmed and you spread yourself way too thin. Once he shifted his focus to what he WANTED to do, everything started falling into place!
From there, we talked a lot about the power of networking, putting himself out there, and not taking any of the inevitable curveballs personally. Everyone is really busy, and just because one thing falls through or one person doesn't get back to you right away isn't a commentary on your value as a person.
In the end, the networking is what landed him his current role. He had a ton of agency in making it the right fit for him, he's doing really, really well there, and I'm just so proud of him and happy for his success!
Since he gave me permission to share his journey, I wanted to pass along a few of the biggest takeaways from his transition that might help you if you're making a similar leap:
Focus on what you want, rather than what you could possibly do. Getting clear and specific prevents overwhelm, makes every other decision easier, and makes it easier for others to help you.
Expand your target list. It's great to have dream companies, but opening your scope to adjacent industries or smaller startups often reveals incredible opportunities you didn't even know existed.
Network as if your career depends on it (because it does). Reaching out to people feels vulnerable, but connecting with others opens doors that cold applications never will.
Practice resilience. Rejection and radio silence are part of the modern hiring landscape (insert one of my regular comparisons to online dating here). Keeping your confidence intact while staying engaged is incredibly important.
If you're currently in it, trying to navigate a move from government or military service into tech or other parts of the private sector or nonprofit world, keep at it! It takes patience and a lot of courage to put yourself out there, but finding the right fit on the other side is so worth it!
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If getting specific about what you WANT to do is where you’re stuck, MissionPivot™ can help you narrow your direction and identify the organizations and roles that fit you.
