Explore how your federal experience as a Information And Arts Student Trainee (GS-1099) 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 |
---|---|---|---|
GS-1 to GS-4 | Intern - Marketing and Communications, Junior Graphic Designer, Administrative Assistant - Creative Services | Support team in executing marketing campaigns, assist in developing visual content, provide administrative support, and facilitate communications between various departments. | $30,000 - $40,000 |
GS-5 to GS-7 | Associate Brand Coordinator, Marketing Assistant, Content Developer | Contribute to brand development efforts, assist in content creation for digital platforms, support project management tasks, and coordinate with internal teams to ensure deadlines are met. | $40,000 - $55,000 |
GS-8 to GS-9 | Marketing Specialist, Graphic Designer II, Communications Associate | Design and implement marketing strategies, create visual and written content, analyze campaign performance metrics, and collaborate with other departments to ensure brand consistency. | $55,000 - $70,000 |
GS-10 to GS-11 | Senior Marketing Coordinator, Lead Graphic Designer, Public Relations Specialist | Oversee marketing projects, lead design initiatives for promotional materials, develop and manage public relations strategies, and mentor junior team members to ensure quality outputs. | $70,000 - $90,000 |
GS-12 to GS-13 | Marketing Manager, Creative Services Manager, Corporate Communications Manager | Develop overarching marketing strategies, manage brand positioning, oversee production of marketing materials, and coordinate with sales teams to align marketing initiatives with business objectives. | $90,000 - $115,000 |
GS-14 to GS-15 | Director of Marketing, Senior Communications Director, Vice President of Creative Services | Strategically guide the company’s marketing direction, manage budgets for marketing campaigns, lead a multidisciplinary team, and establish partnerships that enhance brand visibility. | $115,000 - $145,000 |
SES | Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Executive Director of Corporate Communications, Senior Vice President of Brand Strategy | Drive the company's strategic vision for marketing and communications, oversee cross-departmental initiatives, represent the organization in high-stakes negotiations and decisions, and ensure alignment with overall business goals. | $145,000 - $200,000 |
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.
Adobe Certified Professional (ACP)
This certification demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud software, widely used in graphic design and multimedia production. For a transitioning GS-1099 trainee, it highlights technical skills in creating professional visual content, making them attractive to employers in creative industries.
CompTIA A+
While often associated with IT roles, the A+ certification also emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking skills applicable to various information and arts fields. This certification can enhance a candidate's resume by showcasing a solid understanding of technology, which is crucial for modern information management roles.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP certification showcases an individual's ability to manage projects effectively, a valuable skill in any workplace, especially in creative industries where project timelines and team collaboration are key. Having this credential indicates that a candidate can apply structured methodologies to deliver projects on time and within budget, appealing to civilian employers.
Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ)
This certification validates one's ability to use Google Analytics to gather insights from digital marketing campaigns and website performance, crucial for roles related to content creation and user engagement. It equips a GS-1099 trainee with analytics skills, making them competitive in the civilian labor market by demonstrating insight-driven decision-making capabilities.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
For those interested in the intersection of arts and information technology, the CISSP certification offers a strong background in securing digital information, a growing concern in creative industries. This credential positions a candidate as knowledgeable about protecting intellectual property and managing risks associated with digital content.
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-1099 Information and Arts Student Trainee role to the private sector can feel daunting, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can position yourself as a strong candidate. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this transition successfully.
Embrace a Growth Mindset: Transitioning careers involves learning and adapting. Acknowledge that you’ll encounter challenges but view them as opportunities for growth. Be open to feedback and new experiences, and take initiative in your learning.
Understand the Private Sector Culture: The private sector often prioritizes agility, innovation, and a results-driven approach. Familiarize yourself with this culture by reading about companies in your desired industry, observing their communication styles, and recognizing their goals. This will help you adapt your expectations and interactions.
Shift from Job Descriptions to Skills: Federal roles often come with comprehensive descriptions and expectations. In the private sector, emphasis is placed on skills and achievements. Focus on what you can do, rather than what your formal title was.
Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application. Highlight skills and experiences that align with the specific job description. Use key terms from the posting to help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Use Private Sector Language: Federal employees may use terms that are not common in private industry. Instead of "managed a team of 10" say "led a cross-functional team to achieve a 20% increase in project delivery efficiency." Emphasize outcomes rather than duties.
Quantify Your Achievements: Numbers speak volumes. Quantify your results (e.g., "Increased team efficiency by 30% through improved communication process"), as it gives a clearer picture of your contributions and impact.
Highlight Transferable Skills: Focus on skills that are valuable in any setting, such as project management, teamwork, communication, research, and creativity. Draw attention to these in the skills section of your resume.
Prepare to Discuss Your Experience: Be ready to discuss how your federal experience directly translates to the private sector role you're interviewing for. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
Practice Common Interview Questions: Be familiar with common interview questions and rehearse your answers. Questions may include "Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work" or "How do you prioritize tasks?" Practice conveying your experiences succinctly and confidently.
Show Enthusiasm for the Role: Companies want employees who are excited about their mission. Research the company and be prepared to express why you are passionate about the role and how your background makes you an ideal candidate.
Ask Insightful Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions that show you’ve done your homework on the company and are genuinely interested in the role. This demonstrates critical thinking and initiative.
Join Professional Associations: Many industries have professional organizations. By joining, you gain access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities that can help you connect with like-minded professionals.
Engage on LinkedIn: Optimize your LinkedIn profile to reflect your career aspirations. Connect with peers, join relevant groups, and share industry news or insights to establish your presence in your desired field.
Attend Career Fairs and Networking Events: Seek out industry-specific job fairs and networking events in your area. These provide opportunities to meet employers face-to-face and learn more about the dynamics of certain companies.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in roles or industries you are interested in. Request short conversations to learn from their experiences. This not only expands your network but can also provide invaluable insights into the job market.
Understand the Private Sector Goals: Research what kind of value private companies seek in potential employees. They typically look for innovation, efficiency, and the ability to improve profit. Frame your experiences to highlight how you can contribute to these objectives.
Use Action-Oriented Language: Switch passive language used in federal roles to active, engaging language. For example, instead of saying "Responsible for quarterly reports" say "Created and presented quarterly reports that informed strategic decisions."
Emphasize Collaboration and Teamwork: Collaboration is often highlighted in job postings. Remember to incorporate language that conveys your experience working collaboratively with teams, stakeholders, and clients.
Illustrate Problem Solving Abilities: In the private sector, organizations value employees who can identify problems and implement solutions. Share examples from your federal role that demonstrate your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Remember, transitioning from the federal workforce to the private sector can take time and persistence. Celebrate small victories along the way, which may include revising your resume, securing an interview, or expanding your network. Stay motivated by focusing on your end goal, and believe in your ability to successfully navigate this transition. With dedication and the right approach, you can excel in your new career path and find a position that values your skills and experiences.