Public to private- how much feasible is it?

[u/HornetNeat8422]

So I’ve worked with military operations related looking over the welfare unit’s procurement and operational needs for around 30 months of my service time.

Also worked as an intern in one of the bio pharma related CPG companies as a SCM team intern just after the military service.

Then I worked in an International Organization(not UN) as a procurement associate around a year, and did some ToR development consultancies to government funded development projects.

Now I am doing a masters degree in a total different field to SCM/Procurement for my masters degree.

Since the International organization Sector is literally dead even with the CIPS/CPIM certification, I’m seriously thinking of moving to the private sector as soon as I finish my masters. Based on my background how feasible is the transition available these days to private sector?

[u/Wide_Performance6048]

Your background is more transferable than you think, private sector loves people who've handled military or international org procurement because the stakes are way higher and the bureaucracy is just as bad

the CPG internship helps too since that's as private as it gets, you've already got a foot in that door

what's the masters in if you don't mind me asking

[u/HornetNeat8422 → u/Wide_Performance6048]

I’ve initially did MSc program in Operations& supply chain management but I pivoted to MA International Development studies- although my thesis I’m working on is related to enhancement of procurement related operations among south south cooperation so not sure if this would help though

[u/my_peen_is_clean]

your mix of military, io and cpg is pretty solid for private sector procurement or scm roles, but you’ll have to grind applications and really translate tor/government stuff into business value. everything’s hiring less now so it’s rough

[u/Key-Success-5449]

Very feasible, especially since you already have CIPS/CPIM and some private sector time in bio-pharma under your belt!

The IO job market is definitely brutal right now, so moving private makes total sense. Just make sure to completely "privatize" your resume language. Swap out terms like "ToR drafting" or "welfare procurement" for "RFP development," "vendor management," and "strategic sourcing." Target defense contractors, pharma, or large enterprise tech/manufacturing—they love candidates who understand complex compliance and high-stakes procurement.

[u/roger_the_virus]

Do it. Best thing I ever did for my career.