In the first seven weeks of 2025, more than 100,000 federal employees, including 75,000 who accepted deferred resignations, were cut by the new administration in the U.S., according to a report from USA Today.
These recent mass layoffs have many government workers contemplating what’s next for their careers.
Where can government workers go now? One option worth considering is the tech industry. How do you decide whether this transition makes sense for you, and how do you successfully pivot into tech?
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Similarities and differences between working in government and the tech sector
- How to effectively transition from a government job to the tech industry
- Whether you can actually break into tech as an older worker
Throughout the piece, I draw upon experiences from clients who have successfully broken into tech after lengthy careers in city, county, state, and federal government; military; and military and defense contracting.
By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident in your ability to make the leap from government to tech. Ready to dive in?
Similarities Between Working In Government And In The Tech Sector
Although every organization is unique, here are some of the similarities between the public sector and the tech industry:
- Both sectors can have small teams (startups and small cities) or be large organizations (corporations and federal agencies).
- Various roles are available in both sectors.
- Both sectors can be cross-functional and highly matrix-oriented.
- Both sectors are increasingly focused on digital transformation and innovation.
Differences Between Working In Government And In The Tech Sector
Here are some key distinctions between the public sector and tech industry:
- Government workers ultimately serve the public, while tech employees serve customers or users.
- Compensation packages can vary dramatically in tech, offering significant bonuses, stock options, and other perks.
- The tech culture tends to differ significantly, with tech being considered more fast-paced and agile.
- The tech sector tends to be more flexible regarding work arrangements, including remote and hybrid options.
- Government can offer more work-life balance and job stability (though this appears to be less true in the current administration).
- The tech sector faces unique challenges in technology adoption.
- Tech companies often have more resources for innovation and can move faster in implementing new technologies.
- The tech sector can have a much faster pace and more demanding expectations for employees than government, so be ready for a challenge.
As you prepare for your transition, keep in mind that the GovTech industry is also growing rapidly and can be a great fit if you want to leverage your government experience in the tech space.
How To Transition From Government To The Tech Industry
Here’s how to make a successful pivot from the public sector to a job in tech:
1. Target the right tech companies.
Begin by getting clear on the companies you’re targeting, as you want to set yourself up for a successful job search.
Consider companies that align with your government experience. For example, if you worked in cybersecurity for the Department of Defense, you might look into tech companies that offer security solutions.
BuiltIn is a fabulous tool for exploring potential tech companies and startups that you may have not otherwise known about. You can filter by industry, company size, and location. You can further sort by benefits, culture, and technology stack (among other parameters).
Once you’ve identified companies of interest, you can use LinkedIn to explore similar companies.
2. Aim for appropriate roles.
Once you’ve identified potential tech companies, review the Careers Pages (for example: https://www.disneycareers.com/) of potential tech companies to understand the types of roles they’re hiring for.
Many roles within government have counterparts in the private sector with different titles and slightly different responsibilities. A few examples:
- If you worked in HR or training in the military, consider targeting HR and L&D roles in tech.
- Defense experience could translate well to defense contractor positions.
- Engineering and other technical roles often have direct equivalents in tech.
- Finance and accounting roles exist in both sectors, with similar responsibilities.
[Read: “Which Tech Job Is Right For Me?” Answered]
3. Highlight your transferable skills and accomplishments.
Identify transferable skills and relevant career accomplishments that align with current needs of the tech industry.
Focus on your most impactful accomplishments rather than listing everything you’ve done. You can create a simple T-table, with job posting requirements in the first column and your relevant experiences in the second.
What’s great about working for the government is that you have a plethora of strengths and talents—like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—that you can highlight.
If you possess in-demand skills, such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, or AI, be sure to call attention to them too!
4. Cut the government jargon.
Be sure to translate your experience into language that tech companies will understand. In other words, you want to connect the dots so recruiters and hiring managers can see how your government experience is relevant to the tech industry.
Expert tip: Think about modifying your titles while including the actual titles in parentheses for reference checks. For example, “Project Manager (GS-13 Program Analyst)” clarifies your experience for employers.
5. Network your way into a tech role.
Use LinkedIn to connect with former government employees who have successfully transitioned to tech. Many are willing to share their experiences, answer questions about company culture, and provide referrals.
Reach out to recruiters as well; many tech companies are eager to hire former government employees.
[Read: How To Better Cold Message On LinkedIn For A Job (With Examples)]
You can also attend tech meetups and join online networking communities to broaden your network. There are countless opportunities available both in person and online to connect with those in the industry. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and put yourself out there.
6. Optimize your LinkedIn profile to be discovered by recruiters.
Update your LinkedIn profile with relevant keywords for the tech industry. Pay special attention to your headline, About section, and Experience section.
If you’re targeting technical project management roles, for instance, you’ll likely want to include phrases like, “Technical Project Manager,” “Technical Project Management,” and “Scrum & Agile Methodologies” to ensure your profile populates in relevant searches on the platform.
Important: You don’t want to just stuff your resume with keywords, though; it should also be readable once they land on your profile.
7. Prepare for the tech interview process.
Tech interviews differ significantly from government interviews, often focusing more on storytelling and less on specific skills.
You want to highlight what distinguishes you from other candidates, which can feel new for those who are coming from the government, since the sector is often considered more reserved. With this in mind, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during your interviews.
Is It Hard To Switch From Public To Private Sector?
Making the transition from the public to private sector can be challenging, especially if you’ve been working for the government for many years (or even your entire career). However, it’s more than possible if you have a strategy and are willing to put in the time and effort.
Can You Break Into Tech Without Industry Experience?
Yes, you can absolutely break into tech without industry experience. Remember that everyone in tech started without experience at some point. I’ve had many clients successfully make the transition from government into tech.
Importantly, you want to set realistic expectations for your search. Although it doesn’t hurt to apply to work for the Magnificent Seven, consider targeting companies that are less competitive as you make a name for yourself in tech.
Can You Transition To Tech In Your 40s?
Transitioning into tech in your 40s and 50s is not only possible, but also more common than you might think. Many mid- and late-career professionals make a successful transition into tech.
In fact, as a tech career coach, the vast majority of professionals I work with are over 40.
Yes, transitioning into tech later in your career may bring challenges, including the potential for ageism, but you also have unique advantages over younger candidates. These include additional experience to draw upon and a more robust network to tap into.
Final Thoughts
The tech sector can be an exciting and truly rewarding career path worth pursuing. If you’re considering the transition and would like the support of a trained professional, please feel free to schedule a consultation—I’d love to discuss how I can partner with you to make it happen. I’m here for you! You’ve got this!
