Career Transitions from Public to Private Sectors

Illustration of a businessperson looking across a mountain range, seeing the path he must climb to reach his goal

Focus on Career Transitions from Public Service to the Private Sector

Adjust Your Expectations: Tough Truths About Cross-Sector Career Transfers

The private and corporate security field can feel like a natural fit for many veterans and former law enforcement personnel, since their existing crisis management, security, and investigative skills are highly transferrable.
But while there are many commonalities between public and private security, the transition can still be challenging.

Your Two-Year Map for Public to Private Career Transitions

How you choose to prepare or not to prepare for the end of your public service will become evident on your very first day as a civilian.

Corporate Vernacular, Translated

Just as the military and law enforcement professions have specific jargon, the corporate world has a language of its own, too.

A Strategic Approach to Transitioning from Police Work to the Business World

Before embarking on the transition from police work to the private sector, it's crucial to undertake thorough preparation and self-assessment.

A CSO Career Change: Scott Wolford, CPP

The skills Scott Wolford, CPP, developed as a state trooper were valuable to corporate America, so after an injury forced him to retire from the force, he started expanding his horizons into private security.

A CSO Career Change: James Mehta

Most public service skills tend to translate well to the private sector since they mirror the skills desired in employees: dedicated work ethics, clear and timely communication, reliability, and integrity, says James Mehta, CSO for Acuity International, LLC.

A CSO Career Change: Anders Noyes, CPP

When moving from law enforcement to private security management, Anders Noyes, CPP, had to learn how to influence others by linking their work and decisions to the success of the organization.

3 Steps to Prepare for A New Position in Security Management

This three-step approach is an excellent way to get hiring managers and prospective employers to see how you are professionally engaged and active.

Editor’s Note: Beyond the Job, Who Are You?

Military, law enforcement, and private security professionals often over-identify with the job. While professional pride is admirable, letting it take over your personality can be risky.

4 Ways Leaders Can Drive Private-Sector Employee Growth

Helping employees grow beyond their roles allows them to understand the bigger picture, fostering a deeper connection to the company’s mission and goals.

How to Cope with Cross-Sector Culture Differences

Will Knehr built a successful career in the military as a cryptologist before transitioning into private sector cybersecurity. Here’s what he learned.

Fast Facts: How to Develop an Effective Private Sector Résumé

For security professionals changing from the public to the private sector, their résumés often fall flat with recruiters and HR professionals.

Q&A: How Public Sector Experience Can Benefit Security Technology Development

For professionals in law enforcement and the military, transitioning to a career in the private security sector can present opportunities and challenges.