Life and Work After the Hill

This program addresses the distinct challenges and opportunities that come with leaving the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of politics. 

The Iron Network Life and Work After the Hill

This program is designed to give you the best advice and concrete tools to help you find fulfilling, impactful work after your experience on Parliament Hill.

Public service is a lifelong calling that takes on many forms. Our workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions feature professional women who have built impressive careers across sectors, often beginning their journeys in politics. Whether they started on the Hill or elsewhere, you'll hear from former staffers, ex-journalists, and career bureaucrats who have navigated fascinating roles in government, public affairs and the private sector.

They’ve been where you are now—early in their careers, wondering what’s next. With a wealth of experience and insight, these women will share their stories, offering invaluable advice you won’t want to miss.


Half-Day Workshop + 3 Individual Coaching Sessions

Kickstart your career transition with a focused Half-Day Workshop and personalized coaching. Begin the day with breakfast and welcoming remarks from Frédérique Tsai-Klassen, Founder of The Iron Network, followed by casual roundtable introductions to set the tone and foster connections.

The workshop includes three expert-led presentations offering key career insights. Discover what a government career entails, explore private sector opportunities, and learn strategies to build and leverage your network effectively across both sectors.

The morning wraps up with a luncheon featuring a guest speaker who will share personal stories and practical tips on managing stress and prioritizing self-care during professional transitions. Gain actionable advice to stay grounded and ready for your next chapter.

The Half-Day Workshop will be complemented with three personalized coaching sessions designed to help you succeed:

  1. Crafting Your CV & Cover Letter – Build tailored resumes and compelling cover letters that highlight your skills for both government and private sector roles.

  2. Applying for Government or Private Sector Jobs – Master the federal hiring process (screening, exams, interviews) or learn private sector strategies to showcase your transferable skills.

  3. Interview Preparation & Mock Interview – Practice realistic interview scenarios and receive personalized feedback to boost your confidence and readiness.

This program ensures you’re professionally, mentally, and emotionally prepared to excel in your next career step.


Customize Your Experience —Pick and Choose from Our Modules

If you’re seeking specific expertise, you can customize your learning by selecting individual modules from our workshop menu. Whether you want to focus on job search strategies, networking, or financial planning, you can build your own path based on your current career needs.

This à la carte option allows you to book sessions that matter most to you, while still benefiting from expert insights and practical tools.

Our Modules:

Building Your Professional Network & Actionable Outreach Plan (1.5 hours)

Your network is bigger than you think! Every day, you interact with people who could help you find your next opportunity. This session will teach you how to identify and engage the right contacts, expand your network, and feel confident asking for support in your career journey.

Beyond just identifying key connections, we’ll help you develop an actionable outreach plan. You’ll learn how to approach contacts strategically, craft effective outreach messages, and leverage both existing and new relationships to open doors to opportunities. By the end, you'll have a clear, step-by-step plan to activate your network and move forward with purpose.

Crafting Your CV & Cover Letter (1.5 hours)
Applying for jobs outside of politics—whether in government or the private sector—requires a fresh approach. In this module, you’ll learn how to create multiple versions of your CV, tailor your cover letter to each position, and craft statements that make your experience come alive.

LinkedIn Level-Up: Master Your Profile & Get the Perfect Shot (2.5 hours)
Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression you make in today’s job market. In this module, you’ll discover how to optimize every section of your profile, from the headline to the experience entries, so recruiters instantly understand your strengths. We’ll guide you in crafting an engaging summary, and to complete the package, we’re organizing a professional photo shoot to capture the perfect profile picture that reflects your unique brand. After this session, your LinkedIn profile will be polished, professional, and primed to attract the opportunities you’re after.

Clarifying Your Career Goals & Partnering with a Headhunter (1.5 hours)

Knowing where you want to go in your career is key to finding the right path. This session will guide you through the process of defining your short- and long-term career goals, and how to clearly communicate your preferences to a headhunter.

You’ll learn how to articulate what motivates you in a role—whether it’s leadership opportunities, work-life balance, or company culture—and how to outline your must-have factors, like location and salary. Additionally, we’ll cover how to craft a strong personal pitch that highlights your key accomplishments and expertise, and how to discuss your resume with confidence. By the end of the session, you'll be prepared to engage with a headhunter, showcasing your value and setting clear expectations to ensure your job search aligns with your goals.

Applying & Competing for Government of Canada Jobs (1.5 hours)
Landing a job in the federal government requires a unique set of skills. From tailoring your CV and using key words to mastering the screening process, exams, and interviews, this module will give you the tools to compete with confidence. We’ll demystify the hiring process so you know exactly what to expect.

Applying & Competing for Private Sector Jobs (1.5 hours)
Landing a job in the private sector demands a different approach and set of skills. From crafting a results-driven CV to showcasing your transferable skills, this module will teach you how to stand out in a competitive marketplace. You’ll learn how to navigate the application process, ace interviews, and align your experience with the needs of private employers. We’ll break down what to expect, helping you position yourself as the ideal candidate with confidence.

Interview Preparation & Tailored Mock Interviews (3 hours)
Preparing for an interview can be nerve-wracking, but it’s your opportunity to make a powerful impression. In this module, we’ll help you refine your elevator pitch, highlight your key skills, and align your responses with the role you’re targeting. You’ll also learn techniques to handle both common and challenging interview questions with confidence.

A key feature of this session is the tailored mock interview, designed specifically for the type of job you’re seeking—whether it's a government position or a private sector role. You’ll practice in a realistic setting and receive personalized feedback to improve your performance. By the end, you’ll feel equipped and ready to excel in any interview scenario.

Financial Planning & Goal Setting (1.5 hours)
Retirement may seem far off, but it’s never too early to plan. Whether you want to retire before 60, at 65, or keep working beyond traditional retirement age, your financial plan is key. If you’ve worked in politics, you’ve contributed to a defined benefit pension—but what does that mean for your future? This session will explain how your pension fits into your retirement goals and help you make informed financial decisions.


Let’s Get Started!

Ready to take the next step in your journey beyond Parliament Hill? Email us at frederique@theironnetwork.ca to enroll in the Life and Work After the Hill Program. Let’s turn your transition into an exciting opportunity for growth and success!