Now that you’ve committed to the beginning, it’s time to make those first calls. Before asking for favors from a mentor or college friends, take time to speak with a person who already made a successful transition from USG to tech. These conversations are critical for inspiration and education.
First off, talking with with one of these pioneers establishes the possibility of the goal you’re pursuing.
If they can do it, then it is doable.
It will no longer be some cubicle fantasy. You can move beyond commiserating with co-workers who also want to leave but aren’t ready to make a move. A manifestation of the success you want encourages further action. It will also serve as a positive reminder on down days.
Another advantage of starting off by speaking with a pioneer is the golden opportunity to learn from their experience.
What worked for them? How did they start? What would they do differently and why? Who else do they recommend contacting? What roles are ideal of former aspiring former feds? What do positions like “business development” and “customer success manager” entail? What’s a realistic salary? How do you avoid getting pigeonholed as just a government bureaucrat?
Early in my career transition, over an 0-Dark-Thirty coffee, I received valuable insight from a former colleague who disabused me of the notion my search was going to be quick. I told her I planned to spend six months networking. In response, she kindly explained that if I was serious, I would need at least a year. This critical advice allowed me to keep going when my search stretched beyond the 18-month mark.
Once you’ve created an initial blueprint based on the experience of trailblazers, my next post explains how to turn their advice into action as you seek out the most-connected members of your network.
Not sure how to find or identify a trailblazer? Click on the following link to let me share my approach to tracking ‘em down.