Research & Industry Exploration
Gain insights into private sector industries and identify opportunities that align with your federal experience
Thorough research and industry exploration are critical steps in your transition from federal service to the private sector. Understanding the landscape of potential industries, their cultures, and how your skills translate will help you make informed decisions and position yourself effectively for your next career move.
Why Research Matters for Federal Transitions
For federal employees transitioning to the private sector, comprehensive research is particularly important because:
- It helps you identify industries where your federal experience is most valued
- It provides insights into private sector culture, expectations, and language
- It allows you to understand compensation structures and benefits differences
- It helps you identify growth industries with long-term career potential
- It enables you to make informed decisions about additional training or certifications
Effective Research Strategies
1. Industry Analysis
Begin by identifying and analyzing industries that align with your skills, interests, and values:
- Research growth trends and future outlook for potential industries
- Identify industries actively recruiting professionals with government experience
- Analyze industry challenges and how your federal experience might address them
- Understand the competitive landscape and major players in each industry
- Research industry-specific terminology and buzzwords
Recommended Resources:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Industry Outlook reports
- Industry-specific publications and news sources
- LinkedIn Industry Insights
- Industry association websites and reports
2. Company Research
Once you've identified target industries, research specific companies within those sectors:
- Identify companies with a history of hiring former federal employees
- Research company culture, values, and work environment
- Analyze company performance, growth trajectory, and stability
- Understand the company's products, services, and customer base
- Research recent news, developments, and strategic initiatives
Company Research Checklist:
- Company website (About Us, Careers, News sections)
- Annual reports and investor presentations
- Press releases and recent news
- Employee reviews on Glassdoor and similar platforms
- LinkedIn profiles of current employees with federal backgrounds
- Company social media presence
3. Role Analysis
Research specific roles that align with your skills and experience:
- Identify private sector roles that utilize your federal experience
- Analyze job descriptions to understand required skills and qualifications
- Research typical career paths and advancement opportunities
- Understand day-to-day responsibilities and expectations
- Research compensation ranges and benefits packages
Pro Tip:
Create a spreadsheet to track roles across different companies and industries. Include columns for required skills, qualifications, salary ranges, and notes on how your federal experience aligns with each role.
4. Skills Gap Analysis
Identify any gaps between your current skills and those required in your target roles:
- Compare your current skills to those listed in job descriptions
- Identify technical skills or certifications that may be required
- Research industry-specific software or tools you may need to learn
- Identify soft skills that may be emphasized differently in the private sector
- Develop a plan to address any significant gaps
5. Compensation Research
Understand private sector compensation structures and benefits:
- Research salary ranges for your target roles in specific industries and locations
- Understand typical benefits packages and how they differ from federal benefits
- Research bonus structures, equity compensation, and other incentives
- Understand how to negotiate compensation in the private sector
- Consider the total compensation package, not just base salary
Salary Research Resources:
- Glassdoor Salary Reports
- PayScale
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Industry association salary surveys
- Robert Half Salary Guide
Your Industry Research Action Plan
Track your progress as you conduct thorough industry research. Check off each step as you complete it:
Identify Target Industries
Based on your skills, interests, and values, identify 3-5 industries to research in depth.
Research Industry Trends
Analyze growth projections, challenges, and opportunities in each target industry.
Identify Target Companies
Create a list of 10-15 companies within your target industries that align with your goals.
Research Roles and Requirements
Identify specific roles and analyze the skills, qualifications, and experience required.
Conduct Skills Gap Analysis
Compare your current skills to those required and develop a plan to address any gaps.
Research Compensation
Understand salary ranges and benefits packages for your target roles.
Refine Your Focus
Based on your research, narrow your focus to the most promising industries, companies, and roles.