If you formerly worked in government consulting...

[Anonymous]

...what do you do now and how does it compare? I think it's time for me to switch gears but I'm not really sure what I want to do next. Currently doing strategy/gmc/comms type work. Very much a generalist and I feel like my skills aren't specialized enough for my level (middle management).

[Anonymous]

I have the same question, but am a lower level than you.

Also am curious to hear from anyone who leveraged DC-based federal consulting to commercial careers outside of the DC area. I feel like I'm pigeon-holing myself into DC with a federal background.

[Anonymous]

Similar question. I'd be interested to hear from people who did government consulting and then eventually transitioned into a Federal agency or non-profit, and how that move came about.

[Anonymous]

I think when I made a similar move, I considered myself to have more expertise than you are describing (although in retrospect, I was very much a generalist). I don't know if I am answering your question or providing you with any useful information, but I'll share my own personal experience.

I worked in health care consulting with mostly federal government clients. When I wanted to leave consulting, I felt like I had a ton of different options to explore:

Federal government--Health & Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid, GAO, CBO, CRS, numerous small agencies/commissions related to health care.

Commercial--given my skills and interests, options included data analysis at insurance companies and large health care providers.

Nonprofits--lobbying or policy analysis at any number of organizations--American Hospital Association, American Medical Association, National Kidney Foundation, AARP, Kaiser Family Foundation to name a few of the big ones I might have considered if I wanted to go this route.

Ultimately, for me my opportunity came from knowing someone. A person I worked for in consulting was working for a federal agency I was very interested in. She let me know when there was an opening, I applied and got the job. Have worked for the federal government in various capacities since then; I love my work and feel like I make a positive contribution to public welfare.

[Anonymous]

I moved from government contracting to association management/nonprofit work -- communications, writing, and editing. Like it so much better!

[Anonymous]

This is OP - thanks for the interesting responses.

11:17, I wish I'd gone into the healthcare market. There seem to be so many more "life after consulting" options than defense.

11:49, curious if you had to take a paycut when you moved to non profit. I've had two interviews with non profits and the salaries were lower than where I'm at now.

10:23, I feel like I have completely pigeon-holed myself! I have had a couple of calls from head hunters looking for people for small commercial consulting firms (in NY and Boston) but wasn't looking to move, so I didn't pursue it. I'm guessing it would be easier to make the leap to one of those than, say, McKinsey. Good luck to you in your search.

[Anonymous]

I went to work for government.