The federal work changes since January 2025 continue to have a significant effect on SIS students and alumni. For those seeking support please view the resources below and our list of "Latest News & More" on the section of this webpage.

Review our resources

If you've recently been laid off, or are continuing to navigate job uncertainty, we'd love to help. Please see below for a list of resources and email us ([email protected]) 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.

Skills:

• Based on our most recent SIS Employer Survey (conducted every 5 years), here are the skills and experiences employers value most right now. 

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.

Relevant Event Recordings

Check out these organizations that in the past year have hosted relevant webinars and events:

• Pivot with Purpose Seminar Series - A past series designed to provide career transition support for affected international development professionals while they pursue new job opportunities and career paths. Please see their past recordings if you are interested in learning more.  
• FedSupport (created by Partnership for Public Service) - Check out their past webinars and events and stay up to date on their upcoming ones. 
• Find our full schedule of events here, which we’re constantly updating. 

Additional Tools

• wellfed - An organization offering free support for professionals navigating career transitions, including weekly virtual programming.
• 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.
• FedsForward - Supports federal employees in their transition and growth with resources, community, and guidance. Resources include skills translator, steps to transition, and resume refresh.
  • While blogs are free, they also offer a paid, 6-week career transition program for federal professionals ($450 cost). 
• FedSupport (created by Partnership for Public Service) - Curated resources on a wide range of timely topics. 
  • Career Pivot Bootcamp (created by FedSupport, a project of Partnership for Public Service) – This free bootcamp provides participants with actionable content to guide them through a career pivot from the federal government to a non-federal sector such as private sector, nonprofit, higher education and state/local government.
• Former Diplomat Rebecca Yang – various articles on her transition from federal government to the private sector. 

• TalentCapital.AI – Talent Capital is a regional initiative housed by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. We combine trusted employer networks with Celeste, our advanced AI Agent, to match your skills with opportunities in DC, MD, and VA instantly.

Paid and Discounted Services

1. Grounded Idealist – Offers various career services and resources at different pay levels.
   1. Coaching Collaborative – Sign up to receive 3 pro-bono career coaching sessions and other resources which support public servant or mission-driven professionals in transition. 
      • Please note, a $50 administrative fee is required upon sign-up. (Scholarships available for displaced workers unable to pay. Message “[email protected]” for more information.)
   2. Root to Rise – A three-month career navigator program designed for mission-driven professionals navigating uncertainty, sector shifts, and career change. 
      • Standard rate: $1,500 (for individuals currently employed and/or financially able)
      • Impacted worker rate: $500 (for individuals currently unemployed or underemployed)
      • Partial scholarships avaiable (email “[email protected]” for more information)
   3. Public Service Incubator - A three-month cohort-based program designed to turn social impact ideas into action.
2. 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: [email protected]; 443-805-8433.
3. 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. 

4. 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. 

   1. Coaching packages range from 3-12 months. Email [email protected] for a free 15-minute discovery call.