Ten years ago, I left the Foreign Service. Since then, I’ve joined a Series A micromobility startup as an early employee, helped it get acquired by Ford Motor Company, served as Director of Business Development at Ford, and now run my own business.
It was a big leap—but a rewarding one. If you're a public servant wondering what’s next, here are a few hard-earned lessons that might help you make the jump to business or tech:
1. Learn the language of business.
In government, we say “interagency coordination.” In business, it’s “cross-functional collaboration.” “Public outreach” becomes “marketing.” “Program management” becomes “project management.” Translate your experience. Speak in terms that make sense to hiring managers—especially in your resume and LinkedIn profile.
2. Don’t overlook startups.
Startups value people who can think creatively, solve problems, and get things done. Sound familiar? You don’t always need industry experience—just the ability to figure things out when the path isn't clear. They are perfect places to learn the ropes from the ground up.
3. Be kind to yourself.
Career change takes courage. I loved serving my country, but I’ve also found immense fulfillment in solving open-ended problems creatively in tech and business.
The first of those problems? Your career transition itself. Treat it like the complex, high-stakes project it is—and don’t go it alone. Let me know your thoughts!
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