Career Forward - Marymount University X Virginia Works

Ready to move your career forward?

If you're a displaced federal worker or contractor trying to figure out what comes next, this day is for you. Not a job fair, not a networking event, Career Forward is a full-day, working summit designed to help you translate your experience into your next opportunity and leave with an actual plan.

What to Expect

You'll choose one of two tracks based on the move you hope to make — Public & Civic Sector (state/local government, nonprofits, education, human services) or Private Sector & Entrepreneurship (consulting, corporate, tech, freelance) — and spend the day in focused sessions tailored to that path.

The day includes:

• Expert-led breakout sessions on navigating state and local government hiring, starting a consulting practice, managing change and new work environments through improv techniques, building your LinkedIn brand, and financial planning during a career transition
• A hands-on AI workshop: Bring your laptop and learn how to use AI tools in your everyday workflow and for career navigation (no tech background needed)
• Sector Salons at lunch: Small-group conversations hosted by leaders in healthcare, cybersecurity, defense contracting, financial services, education, entrepreneurship, and more. Think candid industry intel over a meal, not a panel from a distance.
• An Action Planning Lab: The capstone session where career coaches help you build your personal 30/60/90-day transition plan before you walk out the door

Who Should Attend

Federal employees and contractors who have been laid off, are facing uncertainty, or are proactively exploring what a career transition looks like. Whether you're ready to move quickly or still figuring out your direction, this event meets you where you are.

Why This Is Different

Most career events give you information. This one gives you a plan. Every session is designed to be immediately actionable, preparing you to leave knowing your target roles and with a tactical plan for the next 30, 60, and 90 days.

Speakers and facilitators include leaders from Virginia Works, the Virginia Department of Human Resources Management, Marymount University, Northern Virginia Community College, the Virginia Office of Education Economics, and private and public sector executives who have made their own career pivots and hired career changers just like you.

Opening remarks by (tentative) Virginia Secretary of Labor Jessica Looman and Marymount University President Irma Becerra.

This event is free, and refreshments and lunch will be provided. Space is limited! Register now to secure your spot.

Info: Start the morning right! Grab some coffee along with a resource folder.

Info: Welcome from the Marymount University community and the Virginia Works leadership team. Explore how to reframe federal experience as a powerful competitive advantage with a keynote presentation.

Info: Select the morning breakout session that aligns with your goals! Pick “Your Federal Skills, Translated” for a session revealing how GS competencies align with roles across state, local, and nonprofit sectors. Alternatively, choose “Corporate Career Entry Points” to explore private‑sector hiring practices and the unique advantages federal employees bring to corporate spaces.

Info: Move into another breakout session. Dive deeper into application systems, salary expectations, and interview culture in "Navigating State & Local Government Hiring." Or, learn about LLC's, pricing, SBA resources, and finding clients in "Starting a Consulting Practice or Small Business."

Info: Take a break to network and visit the exhibitors!

Info: Learn how to use AI tools for resume optimization, job searching, skill gap analysis, and personal branding.

Info: Sit with employers and leaders from your sector of interest. Each table is hosted by an industry insider who will share hiring trends, answer questions, and make introductions. See the list below for featured sectors!

• Healthcare & Life Sciences
• IT, Cybersecurity & Data
• State & Local Government
• Arts and Design
• Defense Contracting & Cleared Careers
• Entrepreneurship, Consulting & Freelance
• Financial Services & Accounting

Info: Take your pick of our two featured afternoon sessions! Sit in on "The Nonprofit Pivot" to gain insight on program management, grants, and mission-driven careers. Or join "Building Your Brand on LinkedIn & Beyond" a workshop on positioning your federal background for the private market.

Info: Sit in on your last breakout session of the day. Either "Education Pathways: Teaching, Training & Credentialing," a deeper look at fast-track certifications, adjunct opportunities, and career & technical education, or "Financial Planning for Career Transitions" to look at benefits, retirement rollover, health coverage, and budgeting during a gap.

Info: Map out your 30/60/90-day transition plan. Take advantage of one-on-one support from career coaches and Marymount faculty.

Info: Sit in on a panel of successful career pivoters, followed by an overview of Virginia Works resources, Marymount University continuing education pathways, and ongoing support.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Virginia Works