Career Pivot Strategies: Navigating Transitions with Confidence
Your Career Pivot Strategy
Navigating Life and Professional Transitions with Confidence
At the George Washington University College of Professional Studies (GW CPS) and the Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (GW CEPL), we have been helping professionals advance their careers—whether by moving into higher leadership roles, transitioning to a different field, or retooling their skills for new opportunities. Today, as workforce shifts impact professionals across sectors, we are expanding our Career Pivot Strategy to support individuals navigating career changes, including federal employees impacted by recent workforce reductions.
Pro Bono Webinar: Career Pivot & Networking Beyond Government
(March 19 | noon - 1:30 p.m. ET)
Career Pivot & Networking Beyond Government
In a time of career transitions and uncertainty, having the right strategies and support can make all the difference. This free, interactive webinar will equip professionals with actionable tools to navigate career shifts with confidence, expand their networks beyond government, and position themselves for new opportunities.
Led by seasoned career strategists and leadership experts, this session will cover how to translate your skills across industries, build relationships that open doors, and develop a forward-looking career vision. Whether you're exploring new roles, considering a sector shift, or seeking clarity on your next steps, this webinar will provide practical guidance, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help you move forward.
Programs & Offerings to Support Your Career Pivot
Whether you are exploring a new sector, refining your leadership skills, or redefining your professional identity, our programs provide the training, mentorship, and practical strategies to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
We recognize that career pivots require more than just technical skills—they demand adaptability, resilience, and the ability to position yourself effectively in a changing landscape. That’s why we’ve designed a range of offerings to support you at every stage of your transition.
Regeneration & Resilience Circle
In collaboration with One Humanity Lab, we are launching the Regeneration & Resilience Circle, a six-session guided learning experience designed for professionals navigating career pivots, leadership transitions, or personal reinvention.
This offering blends peer learning, reflection, and coaching tools to help participants develop resilience, gain clarity on their next steps, and explore coaching as a career pathway.
Whether you are looking to transition into a new role, enhance your leadership skills, or explore coaching as a profession, this learning circle provides a supportive, structured space for meaningful growth.
Dates:
Option 1- Program Dates: Weekly on Fridays: April 11- May 16, 2025- 12:00 -1:30 pm ET
Option 2- Program Dates: Weekly on Thursdays: May 1- June 5, 2025- 12:00 -1:30 pm ET
Format: Virtual
Discounted Tuition: $300 | Regular tuition for learning circles is $1,950
Registration Deadline: March 28, 2025
Open Enrollment Programs – Build Your Leadership & Transition Toolkit
Navigating a career pivot requires more than just updating a résumé—it involves redefining your leadership narrative, expanding your professional network, and developing key skills to position yourself for new opportunities.
Whether you are transitioning into leadership, shifting industries, or rebranding your expertise, our programs provide strategic guidance, practical tools, and expert coaching to support your next move.
- Emerging Leaders Workshop
Stepping into a new leadership role or career path means shifting from technical expertise to strategic leadership. This interactive two-day workshop is ideal for professionals navigating career transitions, providing tools to develop a leadership vision, manage change, and communicate effectively in new roles. The program will also include exercises on visioning and managing transitions, helping participants confidently chart their next professional step.
2025 Dates: April 10-11
Venue: Online
Tuition: $1,950
Discounts: 10% off for GW CEPL Alumni, Groups of 5+, and Exclusive Partners (Training Officers Consortium)- Executive Women’s Leadership Programs
For women leaders navigating career transitions, this program provides executive leadership strategies, personal branding guidance, and tools to overcome professional roadblocks. Participants will gain insights from industry experts, including career visioning with Faculty Director Leslie Grossman, and a session on LinkedIn positioning with Judy Schramm — reinforcing the idea that you are more than just your job title —your career is an evolving journey.
2025 Dates: May 7-9 | Oct. 22-24
Venue: Online
Tuition: $3,220 per person
Mastermind Group: $997 per person
Bundle Price: $3,950 per person
Discounts: 10% off for GW CEPL Alumni, Groups of 5+, and Exclusive Partners- Step Up to the Mic: Executive Communications
A successful career pivot often depends on how well you tell your story. This public speaking and executive presence bootcamp helps professionals craft a compelling personal brand, master their elevator pitch, and develop a strong professional voice. Whether repositioning yourself for leadership, transitioning into a new field, or preparing for high-stakes interviews, this program equips participants with the confidence and communication skills needed for success.
2025 Dates: April 14-15 and Sept. 22-23
Venue: TBD
Tuition: Government $1,950 | Non-Government $2,145
Discounts: 10% off for GW CEPL Alumni, Groups of 5+, and Exclusive Partners
Licensed Programs through Partner Organizations
Our partnerships with leading experts in leadership development, strategy, and executive coaching allow us to offer specialized programs that help professionals successfully pivot into new roles, industries, and leadership pathways.
- Trauma-Informed Leadership & Wellness Retreat with Katharine Manning
Career transitions—whether planned or unexpected—often bring uncertainty, stress, and emotional complexity, affecting both professional performance and personal well-being. This immersive, one-day retreat provides a structured framework for building resilience, strengthening wellness, reflecting on priorities, and making sound decisions in times of change. Led by Katharine Manning, an expert in leading well through hard times, this program helps professionals manage the psychological and emotional aspects of career pivots, equipping them with practical strategies to stay grounded, focused, and adaptable. Participants will leave with tools to navigate uncertainty, set a clear path forward, and sustain their well-being while stepping into new opportunities.
Your journey doesn’t end when the retreat does. To keep the momentum going, you’ll also have access to quarterly Zoom sessions for the following year—where you can ask questions, exchange ideas, and receive ongoing support.
Date: TBD; 1-Day Session
Tuition Cost: $1,250 per person
Venue: In Person (Washington, DC area)- 1-Day Cultural Translation Training with Rich Tafel
Shifting careers requires more than just updating your résumé—it demands effectively communicating your skills, experience, and value in a new professional landscape. This hands-on workshop led by Rich Tafel equips professionals with strategies to articulate who they are, what they do, and how their experience translates into new roles and industries. Participants will learn how to navigate networking conversations, rebrand their expertise, and align their career story with evolving professional opportunities.
Date: TBD; 1/2-Day Session
Tuition Cost: $500 per person
Venue: In Person (Washington, DC area)
GW College of Professional Studies Resources
Every career transition is a chance to grow, adapt, and redefine your path. Your skills, experience, and leadership are valuable assets—our programs are designed to help you leverage them for new opportunities in any sector.
Whether you're pivoting to a new industry, re-entering the workforce, or advancing in your current field, we offer flexible learning options and career development resources to support your next move.
Explore these programs and resources below:
- RevU Sampler Course: "Student Success"
Returning to school after time in the workforce or other professional pursuits can be both exciting and challenging. The Student Success Course is a self-paced, online program designed specifically for professionals looking to refresh their academic skills, strengthen career development strategies, and build confidence in their transition back to learning.
This course provides practical tools for time management, goal setting, and balancing professional and academic demands, helping you integrate your experience into a successful educational journey. Whether you're exploring a degree at George Washington University or simply looking to refine your study habits and digital literacy, this course offers the flexibility and support needed to thrive.
- Career Transitions Workshop
Navigating a career transition—whether shifting sectors, re-entering the workforce, or pursuing a leadership role—requires a clear strategy, a strong personal brand, and the right tools for success. This interactive three-hour workshop provides practical, actionable guidance to help professionals refine their career trajectory, expand their network, and position themselves for new opportunities.
Led by Nicole Mintz, Director of CPS Career Services, this session will offer expert coaching on career strategy, job search techniques, and interview readiness. Participants will learn how to effectively translate government experience for private sector roles, craft compelling resumes and LinkedIn profiles, and confidently navigate networking conversations.
Key Takeaways:
- Personal Branding & Storytelling – Define and communicate your unique value in the job market.
- Resume Optimization – Build a professional, results-driven resume.
- Interview Strategies – Learn techniques to showcase your expertise and advocate for yourself.
- Networking for Career Growth – Expand your network and uncover hidden job opportunities.
This session is designed for professionals at all career stages, providing the tools and strategies to confidently step into new opportunities and successfully manage career transitions.
Date: TBD; 3-Hour Offering
Tuition Cost: $199 per person
Format: Virtual via Zoom- Exclusive Tuition Discounts for Federal Employees in Transition
As part of our commitment to supporting workforce development, GW College of Professional Studie (GW CPS) is offering up to a 20% tuition discount for all CPS Bachelors and Masters programs for all federal employees affected by recent reductions. This initiative is designed to:
- Help professionals transition into private sector, nonprofit, or other emerging industries
- Provide access to advanced education that enhances leadership and career mobility
- Ease financial barriers for those impacted by workforce reductions
To qualify, individuals must register for Fall semester courses by April 1st and submit a government-issued pay stub (with personal information redacted).