3 Questions Smart Women Ask Before Cross-Sector Career Transitions

For mid-career women contemplating cross-sector career transitions between government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, the decision involves much more than applying for a new job. After coaching dozens of women and drawing from my own 30+ years of cross-sector success, I've identified three critical questions and considerations that can make the difference between a fulfilling transition and a challenging road ahead.

1. "Does the new sector's culture align with my values?"

Each sector operates with fundamentally different driving forces. Before making a move, it's important to understand not just the work itself, but the underlying values and cultural expectations.

• Government environments focus on mission and public service, with clear hierarchies and established procedures. Success typically means implementing policy effectively, serving citizens, and demonstrating accountability for public resources.¹

  
  

• Corporate settings prioritize market responsiveness, financial performance, and competitive advantage. Decision-making tends to be faster but may involve less stakeholder input. Success is defined primarily by measurable business outcomes—revenue growth, market share, and profitability.

  
  

• Nonprofit cultures typically center on mission impact and community benefit. These organizations often feature collaborative decision-making and strong emphasis on stakeholder perspectives. Success means demonstrating measurable progress toward social goals while maintaining financial sustainability.

Consider: Does the culture and value system of your target sector align with your personal values and working style? The most successful transitions occur when women find alignment between their authentic selves and their new environment.

2. "How will I translate my strengths in the new sector?"

Each sector has its own language and priorities. What impresses in one environment may create tension in another.

For example, women transitioning from government to corporate sectors are often surprised that their detailed knowledge of regulations isn't as valued as their ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments. Similarly, corporate professionals moving to nonprofits may find that their focus on efficiency needs to be balanced with community engagement and mission alignment.

Research by McKinsey shows that women are particularly effective at developing transferable leadership skills like building inclusive teams and fostering collaboration—capabilities valued across all sectors². Yet women frequently underestimate the transferability of their strengths.

Consider: Have you identified your truly transferable strengths and learned to articulate them in language that resonates in your target environment? Success requires translating your experience in terms that demonstrate clear value to your new sector.

3. "Am I prepared for the emotional aspects of this transition?"

Cross-sector transitions require not just practical adjustments but emotional resilience. Moving between sectors often means renegotiating your professional identity and stepping into uncertainty.

Many women I've coached experience a period of disorientation as they learn new norms and build new relationships in new environments. Those accustomed to being recognized experts in previous roles may temporarily feel like novices, despite their substantial expertise.

This emotional journey is normal and navigable with the right support structures³. Establishing connections with others who have successfully made similar transitions can provide both practical guidance and emotional reassurance.

Consider: Have you created a support system to sustain you through the challenging emotional aspects of your transition? Building relationships with mentors who understand both your current and target sectors can provide crucial perspective during periods of doubt.

Making a Smart Move

Before making a cross-sector transition, take time to:

• Research the culture and values of your target sector through informational interviews to learn from those who work there.

  
  

• Practice articulating your accomplishments in language that resonates with your target sector.

  
  

• Build a transition support network that includes people familiar with both your current and target environments.

Remember that successful transitions aren't about leaving everything behind. Rather, they involve strategically applying your expertise, experience, and wisdom in new contexts. With thoughtful preparation, you can approach cross-sector moves with confidence and clarity.

Let's keep growing! 🌱

About the Author

Dr. Erica Walls is a Women's Career Strategist & Leadership Coach who empowers mid-career women to achieve authentic success through continuous growth. To learn more about professional nuances between the sectors, download our complimentary "Sector Comparison Guide."  Available until April 30, 2025.

¹ Skillsoft. (2024). "Women in the Workplace 2024: Leadership Skills and Career Development." Annual Report.

² McKinsey & Company. (2023). "Women in the Workplace 2023." LeanIn.Org and McKinsey.

³ Zheng, W., & Surgevil, O. (2024). "Cross-Sector Career Transitions: Strategies for Professional Women." Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 31(1), 28-41.