Happen To Your Career - Meaningful Work, Career Change, Career Design, & Job Search From Academia to Federal Government: Michal’s Second Career Pivot
Aug 14, 2025
Michal Balass, a cognitive psychologist and researcher, shares her journey from academia to the federal government. She discusses how her first career change taught her essential lessons in self-discovery and resilience. Michal emphasizes the importance of rebranding skills for different industries and details strategies for tailoring resumes to beat application hurdles. She highlights the role of networking in uncovering hidden job opportunities and reflects on recognizing when to move on from unfulfilling roles. A must-listen for anyone contemplating a career pivot!
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Applying On A Tip Led To Federal Role
- Michal applied to many federal jobs on a tip, forgot about them, and months later got multiple interview requests.
- She discovered the federal government valued her skills and that led to her current role.
Focus On Who, Not Just The Title
- Michal learned to focus on who she wanted to be instead of what title she wanted.
- Reframing identity from a specific title to a type of person opened more career possibilities.
First Pivot Builds Meta-Awareness
- The first career transition teaches what you want, what you won't tolerate, and creates a 'sixth sense' for fit.
- That meta-awareness makes subsequent pivots faster and less uncertain.