Description:

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022), tenure in the American job market has been trending downward, in part due to younger generations taking more bold steps in job changes. The median tenure in 2022 for workers aged 55-64 is 9.8 years, while among workers aged 25-34, that tenure drops to 2.8 years. In addition, while the public sector has historically held longer tenures in scientific, engineering, and management roles than the private sector (6.8 years compared to 3.7 years), these tenures have also been trending downwards as younger generations enter the workforce.

Between these trends, a surge in retirements in the federal sector, and new opportunities for geosciences professionals throughout the federal, state, and local government sectors, this session will provide an opportunity to hear from weather, water, and climate professionals who have taken unusual and innovative moves in their careers: What inspired the move? How easy/difficult was it to make the move? Are they happy with the move? 

We are seeking discussions about moves between government departments at the same level (such as National Weather Service -- DoC -- to FEMA -- DHS), moves between federal, state, and local echelons, and moves between the private and public sectors. Contributions from early-, mid-, and senior-career professionals will be welcomed. We will entertain talks, posters, and panel discussions.