Explore how your federal experience as a Security Administration (GS-0080) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Security Assistant, Junior Security Analyst, Entry-Level Compliance Coordinator | Assist with monitoring security policies, documents incidents, and supports higher level security administration staff in implementing security protocols. | $35,000 - $50,000 |
| 5-7 | Security Analyst, Security Coordinator, Compliance Analyst | Conduct security assessments, assist in developing security procedures, and ensure compliance with safety regulations while investigating security incidents. | $50,000 - $70,000 |
| 8-9 | Senior Security Analyst, Security Program Manager, Risk Management Coordinator | Lead the development and implementation of security programs, analyze security threats, and provide strategic recommendations to enhance corporate security posture. | $70,000 - $95,000 |
| 10-11 | Security Operations Manager, Risk Management Specialist, Compliance Manager | Oversee all security operations, manage security teams, conduct risk assessments, and ensure adherence to corporate policies and procedures. | $95,000 - $130,000 |
| 12-13 | Director of Security, Security Policy Advisor, Senior Risk Management Director | Develop security policies for the organization, lead comprehensive security strategy initiatives, and manage high-level security programs and budgets. | $130,000 - $170,000 |
| 14-15 | Vice President of Security, Chief Security Officer (CSO), Senior Director of Compliance | Establish organization-wide security vision, lead strategic security risk assessments, and oversee compliance with all federal and corporate security laws and regulations. | $170,000 - $220,000 |
| SES | Executive Vice President of Security, Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), Executive Director of Security and Risk Management | Provide executive leadership for security functions across the organization, ensure alignment of security strategies with business objectives, and serve as the primary liaison with government security agencies. | $220,000 - $300,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
The CPP certification is widely recognized in the security industry and demonstrates a professional's commitment to the field, enhancing their credibility. It covers key areas such as security principles, risk management, and crisis management, which are directly relevant to roles in security administration within the civilian sector.
Physical Security Professional (PSP)
The PSP certification focuses on physical security assessments, application, and integration of physical security systems, and implementation of security measures. It equips professionals with the knowledge to safeguard facilities and assets, making them attractive to organizations looking for skilled security administrators.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP certification is crucial for those looking to bridge security administration with information security, showcasing expertise in security policies and risk management principles. This certification is particularly advantageous in organizations that require a robust understanding of cybersecurity alongside traditional security measures.
Security Management Certification (SMC)
The SMC is an entry-level certification that focuses on the fundamentals of security management, offering a foundational understanding applicable in both government and commercial sectors. This credential can help individuals transition smoothly by reinforcing their knowledge of essential security strategies and operations.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Training Certifications
Courses offered through FEMA provide invaluable knowledge on emergency management and preparedness, skills necessary for any security administration role. These certifications demonstrate an understanding of disaster response and recovery, which many civilian roles require when developing and implementing security protocols.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP certification is beneficial for those in security administration roles looking to manage projects effectively, ensuring that security initiatives are completed on time and within budget. This skill is highly sought after in the civilian sector, where managing resources and competing priorities is crucial.
ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certifications (e.g., APP)
ASIS certifications, like the Associate Protection Professional (APP), provide practical knowledge and skills related to security practices and principles. Achieving these credentials signifies a commitment to the field and offers a structured framework that can enhance career prospects in the civilian marketplace.
Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, or a related field
A bachelor's degree provides foundational knowledge in theories and practices related to law enforcement and security management that are applicable in civilian roles. This educational background is often favored by employers seeking candidates for advanced security positions.
Master's Degree in Security Management or Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on security
Pursuing a master's degree can significantly enhance one’s qualifications, demonstrating advanced expertise and strategic thinking capabilities in security management. This credential is advantageous for those seeking leadership positions within security administration roles in the private sector.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal GS-0080 Security Administration role to the private sector can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. As you embark on this journey, it’s important to adopt specific mindset shifts, enhance your resume, prepare for interviews, network effectively, and translate your federal experience into language that resonates in the private sector. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you along this path.
Embrace Change: Transitioning into the private sector requires an openness to change. Recognize that while your federal experience is valuable, the corporate culture may differ significantly from what you are accustomed to. Be prepared to adapt and learn new systems, processes, and expectations.
Customer Focus: In the private sector, the focus often shifts from public service to customer satisfaction. Cultivate a mindset that prioritizes understanding and fulfilling customer needs, which can be a crucial factor for success in many roles.
Results-Oriented: Federal roles can sometimes prioritize process over results. In the private sector, however, there is often a sharper focus on achieving measurable outcomes. Shift your thinking towards how your work contributes to the bottom line and how those results can be quantified.
Flexibility: Be ready to embrace ambiguity and changes in priorities. The private sector typically demands quicker decision-making and adaptability in the face of uncertainty.
Use Private Sector Terminology: Start by translating your federal experience into language that aligns with industry standards. For instance, replace bureaucratic terms like "compliance" with more general terms like "risk management" or "security strategy" to resonate better with a private sector audience.
Quantify Achievements: Corporate employers love numbers. Wherever possible, quantify your accomplishments. Instead of stating “managed security operations,” say “led a team to enhance security protocols, resulting in a 20% reduction in incidents over two years.”
Highlight Transferable Skills: Focus on skills that are transferable to the private sector, such as risk assessment, project management, and crisis response. Clearly list these skills in both your skills section and throughout your job descriptions.
Formats and Layouts: Use a clear and professional resume format to enhance readability. Avoid federal-style templates that are often lengthy and detailed; instead, aim for concise and focused content tailored to the positions you are targeting.
Understand Corporate Culture: Research the companies you are interviewing with to understand their culture and values. This not only helps you tailor your answers but will also help you evaluate if it's a place where you’d thrive.
Behavioral Questions: Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on how you handled various situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
Be Prepared to Discuss Soft Skills: Employers in the private sector often seek strong soft skills, including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Prepare examples that showcase these skills in action.
Ask Insightful Questions: At the end of the interview, ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and company. Inquire about team dynamics, company goals, and upcoming projects that show your enthusiasm to contribute and grow.
Leverage LinkedIn: Create or enhance your LinkedIn profile. Connect with former colleagues, industry professionals, and groups relevant to your field. Regularly post about industry-related topics to engage with your network and establish your profile.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to individuals who are currently working in the roles or industries you are interested in. Request brief informational interviews to learn about their experiences and advice on transitioning; this can open many doors.
Attend Industry Events: Look for networking events, conferences, and workshops in your field. Attend both virtual and in-person events to meet potential employers and industry leaders.
Join Professional Associations: Become a member of relevant professional organizations. Not only do they offer valuable resources and knowledge, but they also provide a platform for networking with others in your desired field.
Develop an Elevator Pitch: Craft a concise summary of your federal experience that highlights your strongest skills and accomplishments. This should be easily understandable to someone unfamiliar with federal systems and terminology.
De-bureaucratize Your Language: Steer clear of jargon and bureaucratic language. Instead, create narratives around your responsibilities that emphasize leadership, proactivity, and collaboration.
Focus on Impact: In discussions about your experience, focus on the impact of your work. What challenges did you overcome? How did your actions benefit stakeholders? Moving from process to impact will resonate more with private sector employers.
Transitioning from a federal security administration role to the private sector can be a fulfilling journey with the right strategies. Embrace the differences, highlight your transferable skills, network strategically, and adapt your language to fit the industry’s needs. With determination and the right approach, you can successfully navigate this transition and find a role where your contributions will be recognized and rewarded.
Good luck, and remember, every step you take is progress on your career journey!