Advice on Building and Utilizing a Professional Network When Leaving the FBI
Making the jump from an FBI intelligence role to the private sector is no small feat. It represents a significant career change, and if there’s one thing that can help in this process, it’s the power of networking.
As written by one of our members:
When I first started exploring private sector opportunities, someone who had successfully made the leap told me, “Meet with as many people as possible. Grab coffee with everyone. Get yourself out there.” It seemed like solid advice, so I ran with it.
I got on LinkedIn, messaged former colleagues, friends of friends—basically anyone who I thought could give me some insight. I even reached out to people whose business cards I found at the bottom of my drawer. I was having coffee, breakfast, or lunch with people every week.
After about six months of doing this nonstop, I was exhausted. I was meeting a lot of people, but it didn’t feel like anything was coming from it. There were no outcomes to speak of. There were no job offers, and it seemed like a whole lot of effort for little payoff. I remember thinking, “Is this really worth it?” At the time, it felt like a waste.
Just when I thought the whole networking thing wasn’t paying off, opportunities started to appear. People I had met months earlier started reaching out with actual job leads, both in and outside of the government. Some of them even vouched for me during hiring processes that I didn’t know were happening behind the scenes.
That’s when it hit me: networking wasn’t a quick fix, but a long-term strategy. It was all about building relationships that paid off over time.
Above all else, the ability to represent a body of work that speaks to your drive and commitment will always be the foundation to success in future endeavors. And your ability to convey this over time while networking will not only set you apart from other professional acquaintances, but it will also help build your reputation post-government. Put yourself out there, advocate for yourself, build genuine relationships, and tend to your network for the long haul.
Here are some tips for your own networking strategy:
Your Reputation Is Everything, Let Your Work Speak for Itself
More important than your network is your professional reputation. Ensure you are known to others as someone who works hard, works well with others, and gets the job done. Understand that there are people out there who are in the business of networking, and they may not have a body of work beyond that. However, their gift may be in the power of connection or championing. It's important to recognize how your reputation precedes you and when to build relationships with industry experts, connectors who can refer you to additional contacts, and champions who will open doors for you and advocate for you in rooms that you are not in.
Takeaway: Hard work pays off. Build your reputation with your work ethic as your foundation, and recognize the different roles contacts can play in your network.
Seek Strategic Outcomes, Not Just Tactical Wins
Initially, I thought networking was just about job leads. It's actually about building genuine relationships that can benefit you later. This will happen over time, but can come from initial conversations on tactical issues. For example, you may be engaging with a contact and using networking as an opportunity to be mentored and to learn the language of the industry you're interested in. These conversations may start with you and your contact discussing how you can translate your skills and experiences in words that resonate in the private sector, and these discussions may evolve over time as you learn more about that industry and grow in your new career.
Takeaway: Focus on getting to know people, building trust, and growing your contacts into industry friendships. The more genuine your connections, the more likely they are to think of you when opportunities come up.
Cast a Wide Net, But Be Smart About It
When I first started, I was meeting with anyone and everyone. I’ll admit, some of those meetings were not helpful for me or the other person. What I learned is that while it’s important to meet a variety of people, it’s even more important to be strategic about whom you’re connecting with. After a while, I started focusing on industries and roles that interested me, and that’s when things started to happen. Also, don't think you need to spend your time meeting a lot of new people. Revisit your existing contacts and spend time reconnecting with former colleagues, classmates, and others you have crossed paths with that may be in an industry you are interested in, or career journeys you find inspiring. You may even have connections already that specialize in career mentoring and coaching that would be thrilled to reconnect with you.
Takeaway: Don’t burn yourself out by meeting with just anyone. Be selective and focus on people in industries or roles that align with your career goals.
Results Don’t Come Overnight
There were times when I thought all this networking wasn’t worth it. Six months in, I didn’t have any job offers and it felt like I was spinning my wheels. Networking is a slow burn. Eventually, opportunities surfaced, and some of those people I met months before were the ones advocating for me during the hiring process. It's important to prioritize making recontact with connections, even if just to check in with them and thank them for their continued support, or provide them with an update on your end. I love hearing from contacts weeks or months later that they valued our conversations and they were excited to be starting in new roles.
Takeaway: Be patient. Networking takes time, and the results might not show up immediately. But if you keep at it, you’ll see the payoff eventually.
Give More Than You Take
Networking involves a mutual exchange of support and resources. By offering assistance to others, you increase the likelihood of them remembering you and reciprocating. Many networking contacts are fleeting - they come with specific job postings or applications, organizations, referrals, or other elements that are situation specific and not substantive. They can feel transactional and not lead to genuine connections. Be mindful that these types of contacts will come and go, and it is on you to invest the time and effort in building a genuine connection - don't assume the other person will without you extending your hand first.
Takeaway: Consider what you can provide as well as what you can receive. Genuine generosity is valued and can positively distinguish you.
Conclusion: Networking is a Long Game, But It’s Worth It
Initially, my frustration with networking stemmed from not understanding its true purpose. It's not about instant results or immediately landing a job; it's about building a support network over time, which is invaluable and transcends job roles and organizations. Some of these contacts can turn into lifelong friends and trusted industry partners.
For those transitioning from the FBI intelligence ranks to the private sector, embrace networking as part of your career strategy. There is a world of intelligence professionals waiting to meet you and eager to help you - and excited to talk shop in the private sector. Networking may not pay off immediately, but with patience and persistence, it will become a crucial asset.
Do you have networking tips to share? Comment below!
This is a really nicely written summary of key points. Well done!