During times of uncertainty and transition, the Schar School Career Development team is here to assist you, whether you are a current student or alumni. Transitioning from a job or looking for a new career can be challenging, but they are also opportunities to explore new paths and continue to make a positive impact on our communities. The Career Development team at the Schar School is here to help you do just that. We provide services for career coaching, job searching, resume/cover letter reviews, interview prep/mock interviews, and salary negotiation. Our office also provides many workshops (in-person, hybrid, and virtual) on various career topics.
Upcoming Events
Rebuild. Recover. Rise: Support Group for Former Federal Workers
Dates: Thursday, March 20, March 27, April 3, April 10, April 17, and April 24
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Sponsor: George Mason University Counseling Program
Contact: Shaunda Thompson
Register to attend the Rebuild. Recover. Rise: Support Group for Former Federal Workers event.
Losing a job is more than just losing income – it’s losing stability, purpose, and a sense of direction. If you’re a former federal worker struggling with uncertainty, grief, or stress, you don’t have to face this journey alone.
- Join this free 6 week support group to:
- Gain emotional support
- Rebuild Confidence
- Create a new resume
- Learn coping, networking and job search strategies
Interviewing Skills Clinic
Date: Wednesday, April 2
Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
Location: Mason Square, Van Metre Hall, Student Services Suite, Room 560.
“Tell me about a time ... ” “Give an example of … ” These types of questions are commonly asked during a behavioral style interview. This workshop will teach you how to prepare for the behavioral interview, how to organize your answers, and which information to highlight. Each student will have the opportunity to practice answers and receive feedback.
Preparing for Your Next Job
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Jamie Heagy, BS '05, SHRM-SCP, CMC
Learning and Development Manager
CohnReznick, LLP
Transferable Skills Workshop: Thriving Beyond the Federal Workforce
(sponsored by City of Alexandria Workforce Development Center)
Date: Thursday, April 3
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Location:
4850 Mark Center Drive, 6th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Losing a job can be overwhelming, but your skills remain valuable! This workshop is designed to help former federal employees identify their transferable skills, build emotional resilience, and take proactive steps toward their next career opportunity.
- What You’ll Gain:
- Understanding of transferable skills and how they apply across industries
- Strategies for overcoming career transition challenges
- Guidance on certifications, networking, and career advancement
- Tips to maintain emotional well-being during this transition
- Who Should Attend?
- Former federal employees navigating career transitions
- Professionals looking to apply their skills in new industries
- Anyone interested in learning about career resilience and upskilling
Career Pivot: Staying Resilient and Navigating the Job Search after a Layoff - (hosted by Georgetown University’s Graduate Career Center)
Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Time: noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Navigating job loss can be a challenging and anxious experience that can leave you feeling adrift. Join Annie Rao, Director of Georgetown University's Graduate Career Center. This virtual session will help attendees to identify transferable skills, leverage their existing network, break into new professional spheres, identify goals, and create a plan.
Alumni Panel: Pivoting Careers Under a New Administration Park 2 (cohosted by Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
Date: Wednesday, April 9
Time: 1 to 2 p.m. EDT; 10 to 11 a.m. PDT
NASPAA schools are hosting panel discussions featuring alumni who have navigated federal administration transitions through diverse paths. Join us for a candid conversation on their experiences, challenges, and insights. Confirmed speakers as of February 27: Beyza Seflek (NYU Wagner), Associate Manager, Global Real -Estate PepsiCo; Jody Davin (Pitt GSPIA), Grants Management Specialist, Bureau of Reclamation; Derek Corbin (IU O'Neill School), Biologist, EPA.
Salary Negotiation and Expectations Webinar
Date: Wednesday, April 9
Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
Location: Virtual
What should you say when an employer asks you for salary requirements? What should you do if you don’t like the salary, but want the job? Come learn how to evaluate a job offer and gain tips for initiating and managing the negotiation process.
Transferable Skills Workshop: Thriving Beyond the Federal Workforce
(sponsored by City of Alexandria Workforce Development Center)
Date: Thursday, April 10
Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Losing a job can be overwhelming, but your skills remain valuable! This workshop is designed to help former federal employees identify their transferable skills, build emotional resilience, and take proactive steps toward their next career opportunity.
- What You’ll Gain:
- Understanding of transferable skills and how they apply across industries
- Strategies for overcoming career transition challenges
- Guidance on certifications, networking, and career advancement
- Tips to maintain emotional well-being during this transition
- Who Should Attend?
- Former federal employees navigating career transitions
- Professionals looking to apply their skills in new industries
- Anyone interested in learning about career resilience and upskilling
Transferable Skills Workshop: Thriving Beyond the Federal Workforce
(sponsored by City of Alexandria Workforce Development Center)
Date: Thursday, April 10
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Location:
4850 Mark Center Drive, 6th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Losing a job can be overwhelming, but your skills remain valuable! This workshop is designed to help former federal employees identify their transferable skills, build emotional resilience, and take proactive steps toward their next career opportunity.
- What You’ll Gain:
- Understanding of transferable skills and how they apply across industries
- Strategies for overcoming career transition challenges
- Guidance on certifications, networking, and career advancement
- Tips to maintain emotional well-being during this transition
- Who Should Attend?
- Former federal employees navigating career transitions
- Professionals looking to apply their skills in new industries
- Anyone interested in learning about career resilience and upskilling
Bowie State University Spring 2025 Career Fair
Date: Wednesday, April 23
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Location:
Bowie State University
14000 Jericho Park Road
Martin Luther King, Jr. Center room 224
Bowie, MD 20715-9465
Elevate your career at Bowie State University's Spring 2025 Career Fair, presented by the Career Development Center! Connect with over 100 top employers eager to meet talented students and alumni like you. This is your moment to network, showcase your skills, and take the next step in your career journey. Don’t miss out; this opportunity could be the start of something great!
Find Your Next Calling: State and Local Opportunities for Former Feds
Date: Thursday, May 15
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Virtual on the Radancy platform
This career expo is open to any former federal employee who is interested in continuing a career in public service at the state and local levels of government. It will feature opportunities from across the country in a variety career fields for all experience levels from early career professionals to senior executives. The event will be hosted virtually on the Radancy platform, allowing you to visit booths with state and local agency representatives in direct conversations. You will be able to join conversations with the agencies you are most interested in, share your resume, and browse current job openings in-between conversations. The career expo will also feature multiple webinars on career development topics to sharpen your skills. Sign up and secure your spot today!
Hire Vets Now Networking and Hiring Fair
Date: Thursday, May 15
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location:
Fort Myer Community Center
228 McNair Road, Bldg. #405
Fort Myer, VA, 22211
This event is a networking reception and career fair offering transitioning service members, military spouses and veterans the opportunity to connect with Virginia employers looking to hire military talent. Participating employers are offering career opportunities in IT, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, defense, government, law enforcement and more!
Expand your Opportunities: How to Conduct a Long Distance Job Search
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Saskia Campbell
Executive Director
University Career Services
Resources
Handshake – George Mason University’s job board features employers actively seeking applicants. Requires university email and password for login. If you have not used your George Mason email in three months, then you will need to reactivate it with Information Technology Services (ITS) by calling 703-993-8870. If you have never used Handshake, or if your Handshake account is disabled, please contact University Career Services (UCS) at 703-993-2370.
Tips for Navigating a Job Loss
FedsForward - Serves our federal workers with resources and support to transition into the next stage of their careers.