Government to private sector
September 13, 2010 10:58 AM Subscribe
On the hill, looking to jump off. What are your recommendations for attacking a government --> private sector job search? What kinds of positions/workplaces are a good fit??
I got a job offer during an internship and right out of college to work on Capitol Hill for a Congressperson. It was very unexpected but has been a great fit and allowed me to grow in many ways. I’ve worked for that office the past few years. I have gone up the ranks with three positions (titles are super important in that world) and seen my job responsibilities increase. I really enjoy the work and love how it connects me to my home state and the people there. I love being on the go, meeting people, selling them on tricky legislation, listening to their concerns and relaying them back,and the fast day to day pace. I have honed good people skills, have an outgoing great personality, and a driven work ethic. I am in my mid-twenties. I’m not scared of new challenges.
I was promoted earlier this year and transferred to a position in the same office (I was pleased with the whole situation), but back in my home state. Since being home, I like the work, but have gotten the itch to transition into something new and more challenging.
Keeping this vague is tricky- but basically other government (federal or state) jobs are not appealing to me because they are not in the party I would want to work for- it’s an overwhelmingly conservative state. I also want to see what life is like outside the bubble. I want to make the shift to the private sector. Staying at my current job and getting promoted to a more senior position is an option- but one that is potentially years down the road.
The problem is- where to start. I think the world of government is kind of insulated at times and I know the market is tough right now- Figuring out the kind of role I want in a company is challenging for me! I can't picture doing anything else from what I am doing now, but want to be able to picture it. I think my personality and job skills are suited to something that I just can’t put my finger on (don’t laugh, it’s hard putting this into words!)
Here are my questions:
How do I go about finding a good fit?
What position am I looking for?? Sales? Marketing?? I want to lead a team because I think I have great management skills (and I have some job experience leading a small team) and have gotten good feedback on that in my current job. I don't want to do Government Affairs for a corporation because I think it would be similar to things I am doing now. I want a shift away from that.
I am getting frustrated with my current job because I feel my skills have outstripped my current job duties- but I want to make this choice and transition in a very thoughtful, well planned way.
I am currently scouring employment ads, keeping notes, going through those brain mapping exercises of my current network of folks I know, going to lunch with people that I find interesting who might be good leads (while keeping my job search on the down low). I have joined my alumni career association and have a meeting with a job counselor this week. I've dusted off my resume.
Any help from people that have made this transition from gov ---> private sector? How do I find a suitable role?
Thanks in advance. Throwaway email is onthehilloffthehill@gmail.com
I got a job offer during an internship and right out of college to work on Capitol Hill for a Congressperson. It was very unexpected but has been a great fit and allowed me to grow in many ways. I’ve worked for that office the past few years. I have gone up the ranks with three positions (titles are super important in that world) and seen my job responsibilities increase. I really enjoy the work and love how it connects me to my home state and the people there. I love being on the go, meeting people, selling them on tricky legislation, listening to their concerns and relaying them back,and the fast day to day pace. I have honed good people skills, have an outgoing great personality, and a driven work ethic. I am in my mid-twenties. I’m not scared of new challenges.
I was promoted earlier this year and transferred to a position in the same office (I was pleased with the whole situation), but back in my home state. Since being home, I like the work, but have gotten the itch to transition into something new and more challenging.
Keeping this vague is tricky- but basically other government (federal or state) jobs are not appealing to me because they are not in the party I would want to work for- it’s an overwhelmingly conservative state. I also want to see what life is like outside the bubble. I want to make the shift to the private sector. Staying at my current job and getting promoted to a more senior position is an option- but one that is potentially years down the road.
The problem is- where to start. I think the world of government is kind of insulated at times and I know the market is tough right now- Figuring out the kind of role I want in a company is challenging for me! I can't picture doing anything else from what I am doing now, but want to be able to picture it. I think my personality and job skills are suited to something that I just can’t put my finger on (don’t laugh, it’s hard putting this into words!)
Here are my questions:
How do I go about finding a good fit?
What position am I looking for?? Sales? Marketing?? I want to lead a team because I think I have great management skills (and I have some job experience leading a small team) and have gotten good feedback on that in my current job. I don't want to do Government Affairs for a corporation because I think it would be similar to things I am doing now. I want a shift away from that.
I am getting frustrated with my current job because I feel my skills have outstripped my current job duties- but I want to make this choice and transition in a very thoughtful, well planned way.
I am currently scouring employment ads, keeping notes, going through those brain mapping exercises of my current network of folks I know, going to lunch with people that I find interesting who might be good leads (while keeping my job search on the down low). I have joined my alumni career association and have a meeting with a job counselor this week. I've dusted off my resume.
Any help from people that have made this transition from gov ---> private sector? How do I find a suitable role?
Thanks in advance. Throwaway email is onthehilloffthehill@gmail.com
You sound like a good fit for corporate public relations work. Crafting messages, selling it to the constituency etc are all valuable skills for any organization that is trying to sell something, whether it is a product or an idea.
posted by COD at 11:20 AM on September 13, 2010
posted by COD at 11:20 AM on September 13, 2010
Well, have you met anyone from the private sector through your job? If so, network with them. Ask them these questions.
posted by dfriedman at 11:32 AM on September 13, 2010
posted by dfriedman at 11:32 AM on September 13, 2010
The easiest thing to do in this circumstance is usually going to law school. Most of the young staffers I know who wanted to reboot did exactly this.
posted by Michael Pemulis at 1:02 PM on September 13, 2010
posted by Michael Pemulis at 1:02 PM on September 13, 2010
Its not quite private sector, but you might try going international. National Democratic Institute and International Republican Institute are often open to ex-hill staff looking to work on programs with legislatures in developing countries. These days most of the work is in places like Iraq and generally requires some previous substantial overseas experience and its not for everyone, but it can be rewarding and interesting in a way that a lot of post-Hill jobs are not and you may find some similarities to hill work. USAID ("USAID is hiring!") and OTI may also have some interesting assignments, if you're willing to go that route. Devex is a good source of information on development jobs more generally.
posted by RandlePatrickMcMurphy at 2:06 PM on September 13, 2010
posted by RandlePatrickMcMurphy at 2:06 PM on September 13, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Citrus at 11:13 AM on September 13, 2010