This seminar is a joint effort by the Asian American Government Executives Network (AAGEN) and Pan-Pacific American Leaders and Mentors (PPALM).
The sweeping federal job cuts driven by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) eliminated roughly 350,000 civil service jobs. The terminations impacted a wide variety of professionals across the country, particularly hitting the greater Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland areas.
Both host organizations have put together a panel who will tell us their journey and how they navigated transitioning from one job to another.
Program Agenda:
10:00 AM - Welcome & Opening Remarks
- Welcome from the event host
- Overview of the day's objectives
- Setting the stage for honest conversations about career, growth and resilience
10:30 AM - Panel Discussion: Navigating Your Career - The Highs, Lows and Lessons Learned
Transition is rarely a straight path. Whether moving from military service, changing careers, starting a business, or reinventing yourself after adversity, every journey comes with challenges and opportunities.
Topics include:
- Identity shifts and finding purpose after major life changes
- Career pivots and unexpected opportunities
- Navigating setbacks, failures, and uncertainty
- Building resilience through adversity
- Lessons learned from success and failure
- Leveraging your skills and experiences in new environments
- Mental health, support systems, and maintaining perspective
- Family situations - balancing career and family
- Thoughts on AI and impacts on professional and personal lives
- Advice for those currently navigating change
Audience Q&A Session
12:30 PM - Networking Lunch
A chance to connect with fellow attendees, panelists, mentors, and industry professionals.
Discussion prompts at tables:
- Biggest challenge you've faced in transition
- Career goals for the next 12 months
- Lessons learned from previous career experiences
- Opportunities to collaborate and support one another
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Interactive Small Group Discussions
Participants will rotate through facilitated small-group discussions focused on practical career and professional development topics.
Resume Reviews & Personal Branding
- Resume critiques and recommendations
- Translating military and leadership experience
- LinkedIn profile optimization
- Building a compelling personal brand
Career Progression & Advancement
- Identifying career pathways and growth opportunities
- Developing a career roadmap
- Preparing for leadership roles
- Navigating promotions and career changes
Confidence Course
- How do you enter a room
- How do you get dressed
Interview Preparation
- Common interview questions and best practices
- Telling your story with confidence
- Communicating your value proposition
Entrepreneurship & Alternative Career Paths
- Starting a business or consulting practice
- Side hustles and passion projects
- Lessons learned from entrepreneurs and business owners
Open Discussion: Ask Me Anything
- Opportunity to ask mentors and facilitators questions
- Personalized guidance and feedback
- Peer-to-peer learning and collaboration
4:00 PM - Closing Remarks
- Key takeaways from the day
- Resources and next steps
- Final networking opportunity
- Group photo
