Explore how your federal experience as a Realty (GS-1170) 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 | Real Estate Assistant, Real Estate Coordinator, Property Management Assistant | Assist in property management activities, maintain records, support real estate transactions, and coordinate administrative tasks for real estate projects. | $35,000 - $50,000 |
| 5-7 | Real Estate Analyst, Junior Property Manager, Facilities Coordinator | Conduct property evaluations, assist in lease negotiations, analyze real estate market trends, and support senior management in project execution. | $55,000 - $75,000 |
| 8-9 | Real Estate Manager, Senior Property Manager, Facilities Manager | Oversee property management operations, manage tenant relations, lead real estate projects, and ensure compliance with regulations and company policies. | $80,000 - $110,000 |
| 10-11 | Real Estate Director, Regional Property Manager, Real Estate Development Manager | Develop and implement real estate strategies, oversee multiple properties or regions, manage budgets, and lead real estate development initiatives. | $120,000 - $160,000 |
| 12-13 | Senior Director of Real Estate, Corporate Real Estate Manager, Vice President of Real Estate | Direct company-wide real estate planning, manage a team of professionals, negotiate high-value transactions, and align real estate strategy with business objectives. | $170,000 - $220,000 |
| 14-15 | Chief Real Estate Officer, Executive Vice President of Real Estate, Senior Vice President of Property Management | Shape and execute the organization’s real estate vision, lead strategic partnerships, oversee large-scale property acquisitions and developments, and report directly to the C-suite. | $230,000 - $300,000 |
| SES | Chief Operating Officer (Real Estate Focus), Executive Director of Real Estate Strategies, General Manager of Real Estate Operations | Define long-term real estate strategies, manage extensive real estate portfolios, ensure alignment with overall corporate strategy, and cooperate with executive leadership in decision-making. | $300,000 - $450,000 |
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 Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)
The CCIM designation is highly regarded in commercial real estate, providing expertise in financial analysis, market analysis, and investment analysis. This credential can significantly enhance a candidate's profile in the civilian sector, showcasing an advanced understanding of real estate investments that is attractive to private sector firms.
Real Estate License (varies by state)
Obtaining a state real estate license is essential for those looking to engage in real estate transactions legally. This certification demonstrates a formal recognition of the candidate's understanding of real estate laws and practices, making them more competitive in job markets requiring direct involvement in real estate sales and negotiations.
Real Property Administrator (RPA)
The RPA certification focuses on the management and administration of real property, covering topics such as leasing, finance, and property management best practices. This credential is beneficial for transitioning professionals, indicating proficiency in the operational aspects of real estate and enhancing employability in property management roles.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP certification is ideal for individuals in realty roles, especially those who may oversee large projects or multiple properties. It signifies the ability to manage complex real estate projects, coordinating between various stakeholders, which is a critical skill in any civilian role related to realty.
Accredited Residential Manager (ARM)
The ARM designation demonstrates expertise in residential property management, covering critical topics such as tenant relations and property maintenance. This credential enhances credibility for those looking to manage or operate within residential complexes in the private sector, making them stand out to potential employers.
LEED Green Associate
The LEED Green Associate certification provides knowledge about sustainable building practices and principles. It is increasingly important in the civilian real estate market, where a focus on sustainable development is gaining momentum, thereby giving the credential holder a competitive edge.
National Association of Realtors (NAR) Membership
Membership in NAR and its associated certifications denotes a level of professionalism and commitment to ethics in the real estate industry. This status can improve a candidate's marketability in the civilian sector as it reflects dedication to the field and ongoing professional development.
Certificate in Real Estate Development (CREDA)
This specialized certificate program covers the essentials of real estate development, including feasibility analysis and market studies. Holding such a certification may open doors in the civilian sector, where understanding the development cycle and market trends is crucial for success.
Court Certified Expert Witness in Real Estate
Being a court-certified expert in real estate demonstrates a deep knowledge of property laws, valuation, and dispute resolution. This designation could position an individual favorably for roles that involve litigation support, mediation, or consulting in real estate matters.
Certified Property Manager (CPM)
The CPM designation is a significant credential for property management professionals, endorsing their ability to manage different types of real estate effectively. This certification enhances competency in overseeing properties and can lead to higher-ranking positions in civilian property management firms.
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-1170 Realty role to the private sector can be an exciting yet challenging journey. It’s an opportunity to leverage your valuable experience while adapting to a new work environment. Here’s comprehensive advice to help you navigate this transition:
Embrace a Growth Mindset: Recognize that the private sector often values adaptability and innovation. Shift your perspective from a fixed role in the federal environment to the possibilities that the private sector offers for growth and development.
Understand the Value of Your Experience: Your federal experience in a Realty role has likely equipped you with skills in negotiation, regulatory compliance, property management, and project oversight. Understand how these skills can translate to a fast-paced corporate environment.
Be Open to Change: The corporate culture can vary significantly from government work, often emphasizing speed, flexibility, and a more informal communication style. Prepare yourself to adapt to these changes.
Translate Your Federal Role: Use civilian terminology to describe your experiences. For example, instead of "property acquisition processes," use "real estate transaction management."
Focus on Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments rather than just duties. Use metrics to demonstrate success. For example, "Successfully negotiated a property acquisition that resulted in a 20% cost savings for the agency."
Tailor Your Resume: For each application, tweak your resume to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the job description. Use keywords from the job posting to increase visibility in applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Education and Certifications: Ensure any relevant education or certifications (like a real estate license or certifications in negotiation or project management) are clearly listed, showcasing your qualifications.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Expect questions that ask you to describe past situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your answers. Practice articulating how your federal experiences relate to the challenges faced in the private sector.
Research the Company Culture: Understand the company’s values and culture. Tailor your responses to align with their mission and how your background can contribute to their goals.
Dress Professionally but Adapt: While business formal is often the standard for interviews, be mindful of the company's culture and dress code. When in doubt, opt for business casual to balance professionalism with approachability.
Ask Insightful Questions: Prepare questions that reflect your interest in the company and role. For instance, inquire about the team culture, challenges the company faces in the real estate sector, and opportunities for professional development.
Leverage LinkedIn: Optimize your LinkedIn profile to reflect your skills and experiences applicable to the private sector. Highlight your federal accomplishments with an emphasis on their business impact. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions.
Reach Out to Former Colleagues: Connect with former colleagues who have made similar transitions. They can provide valuable insights and might know of openings that fit your skillset.
Attend Industry Events: Participate in real estate and industry networking events, trade shows, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals in your desired field and learn about job openings.
Informational Interviews: Request informational interviews with individuals in roles you're interested in. This is a good way to build connections and gather information about the industry and potential job openings.
Focus on Transferable Skills: Identify skills that are relevant across sectors, such as negotiation, compliance management, budgeting, and relationship building. Highlight these skills in both your resume and interviews in a way that resonates with the private sector.
Use Industry Terminology: Familiarize yourself with common terms and jargon used in the private sector. This can ease communication and demonstrate your understanding of the industry. Replace phrases like "government procurement" with "strategic sourcing."
Be Results-Oriented: Private sector employers often prioritize results over processes. Emphasize how your federal role generated positive outcomes rather than just describing tasks performed.
Transitioning from a federal GS-1170 Realty role to the private sector is not only possible but can be highly rewarding. Your skills and experiences are invaluable; it’s all about packaging them correctly and presenting them in a way that appeals to private sector employers. Take it step by step, remain adaptable, and don’t hesitate to seek out resources (both online and offline) to help you along the way. Remember, every significant change is an opportunity for growth and new successes. Good luck on your journey!