Top Substack Resources for Federal Tech Transitions
Curated tools to guide your USG-to-tech move
One of the toughest early challenges in the USG-to-tech transition is simply figuring out where to aim. Structured guidance is rare. Most of what appears in my Substack came from solving problems in real time. A clear playbook would’ve made things easier. But no one hands out instructions for turning delusions into reality
Along the way, I’ve found some resources that can give you a head start.
The best ones show what success looks like and how to reverse-engineer it.
left USG for a startup later acquired by Ford. This is great inspiration for all aspiring former feds. Ben is another trailblazer whose experience shows what works and what doesn’t. Add him to your network.So, where do you find those startups and tech firms hiring?
provides regular updates on Chief of Staff, BizOps and VC roles. Each of these three options offers an excellent opportunity to launch a new professional journey. runs a monthly newsletter highlighting early-stage startups on track to becoming generational companies. With valuable insights on market potential, product strategy, and competition, he empowers newcomers to the tech industry to identify and evaluate influential companies that often fly under the radar. helps people navigate the next step in their career journey. Resources like these make it easier to plug into new professional circles by spotlighting active communities, surfacing shared goals, and pointing toward people solving similar problems. While his Substack isn’t exactly for aspiring former feds, you’ll learn where critical conversations are happening—and how to join them in a way that builds traction. highlights, on a weekly basis, open roles at top defensetech firms. This is an ideal sector for aspiring former feds to pursue. There’s a strong likelihood these companies are actively seeking someone with your background.Okay, what’s the game plan?
Returning to
again, he also has a regular podcast outlining how founders and C-suite executives in tech pursue business opportunities. Understanding their focus on DoD contracts, team growth, and strategic execution gives you the edge in interviews and makes networking efforts more precise. ‘s recent piece on spotting a bad job before accepting offers a practical framework for avoiding the wrong fit. This is exactly why it’s valuable to understand how recruiters think; so you can evaluate opportunities with the same filters they use. Returning to archetypes, following Random Recruiter’s writings essentially gives you another reliable recruiter in your corner. knows partnerships, a core component of any strong GTM strategy. For aspiring former feds, these roles offer a natural fit. Even if it’s not your first move, learning how partnerships function gives you a real edge. The sooner you build that understanding, the more prepared you’ll be to step into one as your private-sector career progresses. authored a guest post on how former government professionals can stand out. As a serial founder now building his third company, Nathan’s work at CX2 gives a clear look at how defense startups gain traction and scale in venture-backed environments. For aspiring former feds, it’s a valuable way to learn what these companies look for and how to align with their growth priorities. offers concise, actionable insights tailored for professionals transitioning from government roles to the tech sector. A previous overview of the concept of the “learning-credibility tension” highlighted the balance between acquiring new knowledge and establishing credibility. This is an essential consideration for those entering unfamiliar industries.These resources won’t hand you a job, but they will sharpen your judgment. They show how tech companies evaluate potential, where momentum is building and how to stay aligned with roles that generate value. For former feds looking to move with purpose, learning from operators already in the field is one of the smartest moves you can make.
If you’ve found other tools, writers, or communities that helped in your transition, reply here or reach out. I’m always looking to expand the list.
