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I’m retiring from my government job, but I still want to work. How can I transition into an industry role after a decades long career in government?

Elaine Varelas provides advice and guidance on making the leap from government to industry.

Ask the Job Doc. Boston.com

June 14, 2023

2 minutes to read

Q. I have worked for the federal government for over 30 years. I want to pivot to industry, but I have no idea how to do it. What guidance can you provide?

A. Congratulations on 30 years with the federal government! That is a significant accomplishment and when you present your credentials the right way for industry, you will find a warm welcome.

Federal jargon in government resumes may be challenging for industry leaders, so modify your resume to translate your government work experience and skills into marketable industry skills. Recognize that those reviewing your resume may not be aware of the classifications that government uses to show success, growth in a role, and increased responsibility, so it’s up to you to translate your accomplishments into language that industry readers can easily understand. Make sure that you’re not breaking confidentiality as you list your governmental work, projects, and accomplishments. Try to quantify as much as you can, whether it’s dollars or people, or increases or decreases, utilizing whatever measure of success was used within the organization.

Activate your network, and ensure you ask great questions in your networking meetings. Network with people in the industries you are most interested in joining. As you talk about your work experience, ask them what they find most compelling as it relates to their organization and industry in general. You won’t list everything you’ve accomplished in the past 30 years, just the most recent significant highlights. If the person you network with can provide insight into what accomplishments you should highlight and which are not as important, that can help you get more attention from hiring managers. Networking is also a great way to find out how others made the transition from government to industry. Research LinkedIn looking for people who have left the government and are now in industry to talk about their experience. Most will be very willing to talk to you.

If you’re having a hard time identifying an industry to focus on, consider looking at your vendor relationships, if that is something that is allowed for your role as you leave the government, and then ancillary organizations to those vendors. Your areas of expertise can be very powerful as you look at using those skills in other industries. One area in which government employees are typically knowledgeable about is other regulated industries, such as healthcare, finance, or investments. You might start by focusing on those areas and continue to expand that network. Ensure that your network doesn’t just include government employees, but also other government employees who have successfully transitioned to the private sector.

I recently met a woman who transitioned from a 25-year career in government into a role with a world-renowned healthcare institution. She was able to do this because of the depth of her background, the willingness of the executive leadership team to ensure that they understood the breadth of her role, and her commitment to translate government speak into the world of industry accomplishments. If you are willing to push yourself to make those same translations, either through working with a career consultant or talking with people who don’t understand government jargon, you will be able to turn that experience into job opportunities outside the government.