About Transition2

IBM created the “Transition2” program to encourage and support corporate employees and retirees seeking second careers in education, the nonprofit and public sector, areas experiencing large shortfalls due to retirement and overall growth.

On this site, employees and retirees interested in transitioning to these fields will find tools to assess their readiness for a transition, potential opportunities and skills required, networking and mentoring, and will be able to apply for available job opportunities.

The new transitioning programs were introduced by IBM CEO Sam Palmisano as part of the Global Citizen’s Portfolio, a suite of programs to help individuals succeed in a globally integrated economy. To be competitive in today’s global economy, any individual—like any company, community or country—has to adapt continuously, learning new fields and new skills. IBM is experienced in leading the thinking and actions in new approaches to these issues, especially in career transition.

The expanded transitioning programs were modeled after the very successful Transition to Teaching program. There is ample research documenting that many baby boomers would like to continue working in fields that allow them to give back to their communities. These employees bring a lifetime of career experience, as well as passion for their jobs and dedication to excellence -- ideal ingredients for successful second careers for individuals looking to continue to make significant contributions to society.

To implement these programs, IBM is creating public/private and civil/private partnerships with leaders in their respective areas. These partners will identify which skills are needed in high-demand areas and help IBM employees or retirees bridge to new careers.

The need for experienced candidates in these sectors is great. IBM’s partner in the public sector, the Partnership for Public Service, has estimated that more than one-third of the full-time permanent federal workforce will retire in the next five years. Also, nearly 14,000 mission-critical jobs will need to be filled at the U.S. Department of Treasury in the next two years, including 7,950 IRS agents and tax examiners, as well as procurement, IT and accounting positions. In the nonprofit sector, the Bridgespan Group, another IBM partner, published “The Nonprofit Sector’s Leadership Deficit,” a research study which estimates that in the next decade about 640,000 new senior managers will be needed to lead nonprofit organizations – nearly two and a half times the number currently employed.

As was the case with Transition to Teaching, it is hoped that these programs can be replicated by other companies and governments. IBM will share its experience so that it can be further expanded to enlarge the pipeline of individuals transitioning to a second career in the nonprofit, public, and higher education sectors.