Career Change & Retraining Resources

Using a RIF as an Opportunity for Change

While unexpected, a Reduction in Force can serve as a catalyst for exploring new career directions, pursuing further education, or acquiring new skills. Your federal experience provides a strong foundation of professionalism, project management, and often specialized knowledge that can be applied in diverse fields.

This page provides resources to help you assess your skills, identify potential new career paths, and find training or education opportunities.

Step 1: Assess Your Skills and Interests

Before exploring new paths, take stock of your current abilities and what truly interests you.

• Identify Transferable Skills: What core competencies did you use daily? (e.g., Project Management, Communication, Analysis, Leadership, Problem Solving, Budgeting). See the Private Sector Transition page for examples.
• List Technical Skills: What specific software, equipment, or technical processes are you proficient in?
• Consider Your Interests: What aspects of your federal job did you enjoy most? What hobbies or outside interests could translate into a career? What problems do you enjoy solving?
• Research Emerging Fields: Explore industries with growth potential that might align with your skills or interests (e.g., data science, renewable energy, healthcare tech, cybersecurity).

Helpful Assessment Tools & Resources:

Step 2: Explore Education and Retraining Options

If a career change requires new knowledge or credentials, explore various education and training pathways.

Types of Programs:

• Certificate Programs: Offer focused training in specific skills or technologies (e.g., Project Management Professional (PMP), Cybersecurity certs, technical writing). Often shorter duration.
• Associate Degrees: Typically 2-year programs at community colleges, providing foundational knowledge in a field.
• Bachelor's Degrees: 4-year programs offering comprehensive education. May be necessary for certain professional fields.
• Master's Degrees/Graduate Certificates: Advanced specialization for career advancement or pivoting into expert roles.
• Bootcamps: Intensive, short-term programs focused on specific high-demand tech skills (e.g., coding, data science, UX/UI design).

Funding Your Education/Training:

• GI Bill Benefits: If you are a veteran, explore your eligibility for education benefits.
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): Federal program offering training assistance through state/local workforce centers (CareerOneStop).
• Pell Grants & Federal Student Aid: Available for degree programs if you meet income requirements (FAFSA).
• Scholarships & Grants: Research scholarships offered by schools, professional associations, or community organizations.
• Employer Tuition Assistance: If you find part-time work, check if your new employer offers tuition benefits.
• Personal Savings/Loans: Consider using savings or exploring low-interest loans as a last resort.

Online Learning Platforms:

Step 3: Considering Entrepreneurship or Consulting

Your federal experience might uniquely position you to start your own business or consult, especially if you have specialized knowledge or worked extensively with specific industries or regulations.

Key Considerations:

• Business Plan: Develop a clear plan outlining your services, target market, financial projections, and marketing strategy.
• Legal Structure: Choose a business structure (Sole Proprietorship, LLC, S-Corp).
• Funding: Determine startup costs and funding sources (savings, loans, grants).
• Networking: Leverage your existing network to find initial clients.
• Post-Government Ethics Rules: Be aware of restrictions on interacting with your former agency or working on matters you handled personally. Consult your agency ethics official before leaving.

Resources for Entrepreneurs:

Career Change Success Stories