The recent federal work changes are having a significant effect on SIS students and alumni. For those seeking support please view the resources below and our list of "Additional Resources" on the right-hand side of this webpage.

Review our resources

If you've recently been laid off, we'd love to help. Please see below for a list of resources and email us (siscareer@american.edu) if you have any questions. 

How to Prepare for Potential Termination:

The American Foreign Service Association has compiled a checklist and resources, or a "virtual go bag," to help individuals prepare in case of sudden departure from the workplace and/or restrictions on returning to the workplace. See their website to learn more.

Where to Find Available Jobs & Top Skills Employers are Searching For:

Jobs:

• Check our SIS LinkedIn group where we post opportunities multiple times daily (request to join if you’re not already a member, and be sure SIS is on your LinkedIn profile) 
• Check our job boards in areas of interest (scroll down to Explore Job and Internship Opportunities), including the Washington Information Directory with comprehensive information on federal agencies and nongovernmental organizations in the DC area.
• Check out a list of places to look for non-federal jobs. Created by SPA Faculty Member, Tricia Bacon.  
• Check out the Association of International Risk Intelligence Professionals (AIRIP) job board.

Skills:

• We have compiled a list the top skills that employers are looking for based on the jobs that have been shared with us and posted on our SIS LinkedIn group recently:
  • Top Hard/Technical Skills: R, Language, Project Management, Salesforce, Data Analysis, Policy Analysis, Public Speaking, Budgeting, & Strategic Planning.
  • Top Human (Soft) Skills: Leadership, Communication, Collaboration, Initiative, Attention to Detail, Interpersonal Skills, Integrity, & Teamwork.

Resources for Workers Impacted by Federal Changes:

Comprehensive list of resources for those laid off, furloughed, or generally impacted by federal work changes. View this document for information on unemployment benefits in the DMV, career sector transition advice and resources, public service organizations to consider in lieu of federal government, and more.

• Also, check out wellfed, an organization offering free support for professionals navigating career transitions. wellfed offers three recurring weekly virtual programs [monday meditation, wednesday workshops and friday career co-working] designed to provide structure, support, and momentum. 

Considerations for those pursuing specific regions and fields:

Please note, these resources are only available with an AU email address. If you are an AU alum and are having trouble accessing them, please email us (siscareer@american.edu).

• Where to Find Work in Development and Social Impact (and using relevant skills)
• Where to Find Work in Intelligence (and using relevant skills)
• Tips for Getting a Job in Washington Right Now

Q: What happens to your security clearance during a government hiring freeze? ClearanceJobs explains this and much more. 

 

Relevant Events:

• Find our full schedule of events here, which we’re constantly updating 
• Highlighted events connected to federal work changes:  

  • Saturady, 10/4: "Legacy in Leadership: Translating Federal Excellence for Your Next Move." Hosted by the Public Servant Planning and Skills Network (10-2pm ET; In-person, Washington, DC – register here. Note, this event requires a $35 registration fee, which includes lunch.)

  • Tuesday, 10/28: "WITA Academy Pathways to Opportunity: Careers in International Affairs, Business, and Trade." Hosted by Washington International Trade Association (2-3pm ET; Virtual – register here.)

• Check out past recordings from Pivot with Purpose Seminar Series, a series desgined to provide career transition support for affected international development professionals while they pursue new job opportunities and career paths. Past sessions include topics such as pivoting from public to private sector, best tips on utilizing AI in your career search, and much more! 

Other Tools and Potential Connections:

• NOVAnext: Helping Displaced Federal Workers Transition to New Careers - NOVA helps unemployed federal workers and federal contractors quickly and effectively transition their talents to new careers through a new partnership called NOVAnext. Eligible participants can access free virtual workshops and certification and skills training courses.
• Former Diplomat Rebecca Yang – various articles on her transition from federal government to the private sector. 
• FedsForward - Supports federal employees in their transition and growth with resources, community, and guidance. Resources include skills translator, steps to transition, and resume refresh.

Paid and Discounted Services: 

1. Coaching Collaborative by Grounded Idealist – Sign up to receive 3 pro-bono career coaching sessions and other resources which support public servant or mission-driven professionals in transition. 
   1. Please note, a $50 administrative fee is required upon sign-up. (Scholarships available for individuals unable to pay. Message “info at groundedidealist.co” for more information.)
2. Root to Rise by Grounded Idealist – Root to Rise is a 3-month career navigator program designed for mission-driven professionals navigating uncertainty, sector shifts, and career change. Whether you’re recovering from job loss, exploring new sectors, or reimagining your career, you don’t have to do it alone.
   1. Discounted price for displaced workers: $250 (regular price: $1250)
3. FREE resume review, consultations, and discounted career writing resources from writing service company, Your Writer by Nazran Baba (AU BA’12 alum) 
   1. Please reach out to Nazran with further inquiries: nazranbaba@your-writer.com; 443-805-8433.
4. 10% off career coaching services for AU alum/students from Sarah Beller (SIS MA'09 alumna), founder of Realize Change, a global coaching and community building practice offering career support for women and non-binary folks. Please note, this discounted offer runs now until May 2026. 
5. Impact Coach: Hub for career, leadership/executive, and specialty coaching for the social impact global dev sector. 

6. Friend of SIS Vandana Das offers executive coaching after 14 years at the World Bank/IFC. With over 25 years of leadership experience and ICF-accredited certification, she specializes in helping executives and professionals unlock their full potential. Her coaching approach is designed to foster self-awareness, gain goal clarity, and elevate your leadership style—empowering people to achieve meaningful goals and navigate complex challenges effectively. 

   Beyond leadership growth, she also specializes in career decision-making and strategic career planning. Whether you're at a crossroads, considering a leadership transition, or looking to define your next career move, she provides the insights and support to help you make confident choices, chart a clear path forward, and create a career that aligns with your aspirations. Her coaching approach is results driven, yet deeply personal, designed to help you grow, thrive, and drive meaningful change.

   1. Coaching packages range from 3-12 months. Email VANDANADAS@GMAIL.COM for a free 15-minute discovery call.