A Career Change Guide for Intel, Military, Foreign Affairs, & NatSec Professionals

Where do spies, diplomats, soldiers, and FBI agents turn when their official service comes to an end? For most, full retirement isn’t an immediate option. The choice to step away from government service is difficult enough—deciding what comes next can feel even harder.

Author and Career Coach Alison P. Bouwmeester knows this journey firsthand. She spent 28 years as a senior leader in the CIA’s Directorate of Operations, followed by nearly a decade as a senior executive in the defense contracting industry, ultimately serving as Vice President for Business Development. In 2018, she became a Certified Professional Career Coach and founded Futurity to guide others through successful career transitions—drawing on her own experience as someone who has “walked the walk.”

She joins Lindy Kyzer on this episode of the Security Clearance Careers Podcast.

CAREER OPTIONS FOR THOSE THAT TRANSITION FROM GOVERNMENT SERVICE

Transitioning out of government service can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory, but the skills developed in intelligence, military, diplomatic, or federal agency careers are highly transferable and valued across many sectors. Here’s a breakdown of strong career options for government retirees.

1. Private Sector Roles

• Defense & Aerospace Contracting – Many former government professionals work with contractors supporting the Department of Defense, State Department, or intelligence community. Roles often include program management, business development, or consulting.

• Corporate Security & Risk Management – Corporations hire ex-government professionals for physical security, insider threat programs, global risk analysis, and crisis management.

• Compliance & Regulatory Affairs – Experience navigating complex regulations is highly valued in finance, healthcare, energy, and tech.

2. Consulting & Advisory Work

• Management Consulting – Firms like Deloitte, Booz Allen, and McKinsey value leadership, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.

• Independent Consulting – Many retirees build their own niche businesses advising on security, government relations, or international affairs.

• Board Memberships – Senior leaders may serve on advisory boards or corporate boards, lending expertise and credibility.

3. Second Careers in Academia & Education

• Teaching / Adjunct Faculty – Colleges and universities often recruit practitioners with real-world experience in political science, security studies, international relations, and public policy.

• Training & Mentorship Programs – Retirees can design or lead training programs for corporations, government contractors, or nonprofit organizations.

• Writing & Speaking – Publishing books, articles, or becoming a thought leader at conferences is a natural next step for those with unique perspectives.

4. Nonprofit & International Organizations

• Humanitarian / Development Work – Former diplomats or aid workers often transition into NGOs or nonprofits.

• Think Tanks & Research Institutes – Policy research organizations seek contributors with firsthand government or military backgrounds.

• Advocacy & Veterans’ Groups – Many retired professionals lead or support causes tied to military families, veterans, or national security.

5. Entrepreneurship

• Startups & Small Business – Government retirees frequently leverage their expertise to launch consulting firms, technology companies, or niche services.

• Coaching & Career Services – Those who have navigated transition successfully (like Alison Bouwmeester in your earlier example) often coach others through it.

In her book, dozens of former intelligence, diplomatic, military, and national security professionals share candid insights, practical strategies, and timeless advice. Considering a job change? Exploring a second career? Wondering what retirement could look like? This guide is here to help you take the next step with confidence.