Good answer for why leave govt for private Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hey all-

Trying to work through the main interview questions for my eventual departure to the private sector. What I've worked with so far, and what is generally true for me is that I just want to work on things that are more intellectually stimulating, more complex, and sophisticated. A huge other concern is money but don't think that's something I want to mention.

What are other good reasons to mention?

[20181989]

Client service - Meaning you derive from working to help others' problems.

Resources - Hard to do your job at the level you want in gov't.

Teams - To often on your own in a silo, less so in private practice.

[Anonymous User]

I work in “bigfed.” Several of my colleagues have left to private practice and were honest about money being at least anissue. Private employers were receptive. I think the other answers in this thread are good, too, but if your government work actually is sophisticated (and a lot of it is) downplaying that might not be so great.

[Anonymous User]

BUMP..

I think resources is a good and true answer. Client services is kind of hard to spin no?

how else can you spin good government work to wanting to work in private practice?

[objctnyrhnr]

I did this. I also talked to a bunch of people who made the jump and did some TLS research so you’re taking the right step. FWIW, I got deep in the process at a few prestigious private sector spots then landed one. Search took me maybe 8 months total.

In my opinion, don’t touch the money aspect. Often they’ll bring it up in a half-facetious tone (“I bet the money’s no drawback, eh?”) type comments. Smile and lightly agree.

I would say hit the intellectual challenge aspect hard. People like to think what they are doing takes a sharp mind, so you will effectively play into what they want to believe about themselves. Good luck.