IRSE officers have opportunities outside railways also.
1. They can go on deputation, in JAG, SG & SAG, to other ministries in Delhi and other parts of country also.
2. They can go on deputation as CVO of various PSUs.
3. Opportunities for studying further in reputed foreign universities also exit and Government of India provides partial funding for it.
Various links and policy letters regarding above are available below.
http://persmin.nic.in/dopt.asp (Deputation related)
http://persmin.nic.in/cvo/cvomain1.htm (CVO Deputation related)
http://persmin.nic.in/otraining/Index.aspx (Training related)
Guidelines for DOPT Deputation
Procedure for selection for DOPT Deputation
Partial funding for Foreign Training