Explore how your federal experience as a Guide (GS-0090) 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 | Junior Guide, Entry-Level Outdoor Educator, Guide Trainee | Assists in conducting guided tours and outdoor activities, provides basic information, maintains equipment, and ensures safety protocols are followed. | $35,000 - $45,000 |
| 5-7 | Tour Guide Coordinator, Outdoor Activities Coordinator, Interpretive Guide | Plans and leads outdoor activities, trains junior guides, develops educational content, and manages equipment and logistics for excursions. | $45,000 - $60,000 |
| 8-9 | Senior Outdoor Educator, Lead Tour Guide, Program Manager - Outdoor Education | Oversees the design and execution of programs, supervises guide staff, engages with clients for feedback, and assesses program effectiveness. | $60,000 - $80,000 |
| 10-11 | Regional Guide Supervisor, Adventure Program Director, Guiding Operations Manager | Manages multiple guide operations within a region, develops strategic initiatives, oversees safety compliance, and collaborates with local stakeholders. | $80,000 - $100,000 |
| 12-13 | Director of Adventure Programs, Chief Guide Officer, Outdoor Education Program Director | Leads the overarching outdoor education strategy, ensures program quality and compliance, oversees budgets, and develops partnerships with organizations. | $100,000 - $130,000 |
| 14-15 | Vice President of Outdoor Operations, Senior Director of Guiding Services, Chief Adventure Officer | Directs company-wide strategic initiatives in outdoor guiding, evaluates performance metrics, manages high-level partnerships and funding opportunities. | $130,000 - $180,000 |
| SES | Executive Director of Outdoor and Environmental Education, Senior Vice President of Guiding and Adventure Services | Provides executive leadership for all outdoor education initiatives, shapes organizational vision and strategy, and influences policy and regulations at national levels. | $180,000 - $250,000 |
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 Meeting Professional (CMP)
The CMP certification signifies expertise in meeting management, which includes planning, execution, and evaluation of meetings and events. This is particularly beneficial in civilian roles that require event coordination and project management skills.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP certification demonstrates a strong understanding of project management principles and practices, which is critical in guiding event management tasks and ensuring project objectives are met on time and within budget. Civilian employers value this certification as it indicates proficiency in managing multifaceted projects and leading teams.
Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA)
The CVA certification equips individuals with skills to effectively manage volunteers, a vital component in organizing events that may require community engagement and volunteer coordination. This credential can set candidates apart in civilian roles that involve extensive outreach or volunteer management.
Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
The PHR certification validates knowledge in HR operations, compensation, and employee relations, which can be essential when coordinating events that involve human resources or community participation. Understanding HR practices enhances one's ability to work effectively alongside personnel and manage local partnerships.
Certificate in Event Management
A Certificate in Event Management provides essential knowledge of event planning, budgeting, logistics, and marketing strategies. This specialization gives an edge in civilian roles focused on event delivery, ensuring that candidates can effectively handle diverse event-related challenges.
Lean Six Sigma Certification
Lean Six Sigma certifications improve process efficiency and problem-solving skills, valuable in roles that require optimization of event processes and resource management. This certification is appealing to employers seeking candidates who can enhance productivity and manage events with minimal waste.
Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
This certification enhances understanding of financial management within government contexts, which is beneficial for roles involving budgeting and financial oversight of events. Civilian employers appreciate professionals who can navigate complex budgetary constraints and ensure fiscal accountability.
Certificate in Public Administration
A Certificate in Public Administration gives a foundational background in governmental structures and operations, which is relevant for roles in civic engagement or community program management. This credential helps in transitioning to civilian positions that interact with public agencies and stakeholders.
Social Media Management Certification
This certification focuses on promoting events through digital platforms, a crucial skill in today’s marketing landscape. A strong grasp of social media strategies can give candidates an advantage in civilian roles that require outreach for events.
Training and Certification in Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and Inclusion certifications prepare professionals to create inclusive environments in their workplaces, particularly essential in events that aim to reach diverse audiences. This knowledge can significantly enhance a candidate's appeal in roles focused on community relations and event inclusivity.
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-0090 Guide role to a private sector job can be an exciting opportunity for growth and new challenges. Below is a comprehensive guide that outlines key mindset shifts, resume and interview strategies, networking tips, and advice on translating your federal experience for the private sector.
Value Your Experience: One of the first shifts you need to make is to recognize and value the unique experience and skills you bring from your federal role. Understand that your expertise in government operations, critical thinking, and customer service can be a significant asset in the private sector.
Be Open to Change: The private sector often operates at a faster pace than federal employment. Be open to a more fluid work environment where adaptability is key. Embrace the idea that you might have to adjust your working style to fit new team dynamics and business objectives.
Emphasize Results-Driven Mindset: In the private sector, results and impact are often emphasized. Shift your mindset from compliance and process focus to an outcome-oriented perspective. Think about how your contributions directly impact organizational goals and customer satisfaction.
Prepare for a Cultural Shift: Corporate culture can differ significantly from the federal atmosphere. Familiarize yourself with concepts like teamwork in a diverse setting, office politics, and a performance-driven environment. Be ready to engage in discussions and negotiations differently than you might in a government context.
Translate Job Titles and Responsibilities: Federal job titles can be confusing for private sector employers. Use common terms and phrases that match the private sector's needs. For example, instead of "Guide", consider terms like "Advisor", "Consultant", or "Coordinator" depending on your specific responsibilities.
Focus on Achievements: Highlight accomplishments rather than duties. Use quantifiable metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as "Improved customer satisfaction ratings by 15% in 12 months" or "Managed a team of 10 to complete projects ahead of schedule."
Use Appropriate Language: Avoid government jargon and acronyms. Use plain language that reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant in the private sector. For instance, instead of saying "developed guidelines", say "established best practices".
Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application. Identify keywords in the job listing and align your experience with the skills and requirements mentioned. Highlight transferable skills, such as project management, stakeholder engagement, or analytical skills.
Keep it Concise: Aim for a one-page resume if you have less than 10 years of experience or a two-page resume for more extensive backgrounds. Ensure clarity and conciseness to make your resume easily digestible.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Be ready to answer behavioral interview questions that require you to describe specific situations where you adapted to challenges, worked in teams, and achieved results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
Practice Your Pitch: Develop and practice a succinct elevator pitch that summarizes your background, skills, and what you are looking for in a new role. Make sure it conveys your enthusiasm for the transition and what you bring to the table.
Demonstrate Cultural Fit: Research the company's culture and values. Prepare to discuss how your experiences and professional values align with the organization's mission. Cultural fit is often a critical factor in hiring decisions in the private sector.
Ask Insightful Questions: Use the interview as an opportunity for two-way dialogue. Preparing insightful questions about the company, team dynamics, and performance expectations not only displays your interest but also gives you valuable information.
Be Yourself and Stay Positive: Authenticity resonates well in interviews. Stay positive about your experiences in the federal sector, emphasizing adaptability and eagerness to learn new systems and practices.
Leverage Professional Networks: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with former colleagues, industry professionals, and recruiters. Join groups relevant to your field of interest and engage with members' posts and discussions.
Attend Industry Events: Seek out workshops, conferences, and job fairs related to your desired industry. These events are great opportunities to meet professionals, learn about industry trends, and potentially discover job openings.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to people in your network or the companies you are interested in for informational interviews. These conversations can help you gain insights into the industry and job roles, as well as expand your network.
Follow Up and Stay Connected: After meeting someone, send a brief follow-up note thanking them for their time and insights. Maintain contact by sharing articles or information that might interest them, thereby nurturing the relationship.
Offer Help: Networking is mutual. Be willing to help others in your network with information, introductions, or insights based on your experiences. This builds goodwill and encourages reciprocal support.
Identify Transferable Skills: Make a list of your skills developed during your federal career. Focus on problem-solving, analytical thinking, communication, and project management. Identify how these skills relate to the private sector’s job demands.
Use Case Studies from Your Role: Develop case studies or narratives about projects you have led or been part of. Showcase challenges faced and how you successfully navigated them, emphasizing applicable skills and insights gained.
Showcase Soft Skills: In addition to technical skills, highlight your soft skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and adaptability. These qualities are highly valued in the private sector and can differentiate you from other candidates.
Network with Transitioned Individuals: Connect with former federal employees who now work in the private sector. They can provide testimonials, share experiences, and offer advice on how to approach the transition successfully.
Build Confidence: As you prepare to translate your experiences, remember that being a guide in a federal capacity has equipped you with valuable skills that are essential in any organization. Emphasize your ability to contribute positively to new environments.
Transitioning to the private sector can seem daunting, but it's also an exciting opportunity for personal and professional growth. Approach this journey with a positive outlook, resilience, and a willingness to learn. Remember, your federal experience is not just a limitation but a unique perspective that can add extraordinary value to any organization. Embrace the process—your next adventure awaits!