Explore how your federal experience as a Economics Assistant (GS-0119) 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 Economics Analyst, Research Assistant, Economic Research Intern | Assist with data collection, entry, and preliminary analysis; support higher-level economists in the preparation of reports and presentations; conduct literature reviews. | $40,000 - $55,000 |
| 5-7 | Economics Analyst I, Junior Economist, Market Research Associate | Conduct economic research and analysis on various data sets; produce reports and visual presentations under guidance; assist in quantitative and qualitative assessments; support project managers in data interpretation. | $55,000 - $80,000 |
| 8-9 | Economics Analyst II, Senior Research Associate, Economic Consultant | Lead economic studies and data analysis projects; provide insights based on research findings; mentor junior staff; communicate results to stakeholders; develop and refine econometric models and predictive algorithms. | $80,000 - $110,000 |
| 10-11 | Lead Economist, Senior Economic Consultant, Manager of Economic Research | Oversee complex economic research projects; design methodologies and frameworks for analysis; collaborate with cross-functional teams; present findings to upper management; manage budgets for research initiatives. | $110,000 - $140,000 |
| 12-13 | Principal Economist, Director of Economic Analysis, Head of Market Research | Set strategic direction for economic research initiatives; oversee multiple projects and teams; influence key business decisions with in-depth economic analyses; engage with senior leadership for policy formulation; ensure compliance with regulatory standards. | $140,000 - $180,000 |
| 14-15 | Chief Economist, Senior Director of Economic Strategy, Vice President of Economic Affairs | Lead the organization's economic policy framework; represent the company in external economic discussions; drive long-term economic strategy; influence industry standards and practices; ensure alignment with overall organizational objectives. | $180,000 - $250,000 |
| SES | Executive Vice President of Economics, Senior Executive Economist, Chief Economic Officer | Formulate and oversee the execution of high-level economic strategies; serve as the primary advisor on economic policies; engage stakeholders at the highest levels; represent the organization in international forums; align economic research with corporate goals and stakeholder needs. | $250,000 - $350,000 |
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 Business Economist (CBE)
The CBE certification, offered by the National Association for Business Economics, is designed for professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in economic analysis and business decision-making. This credential is particularly valuable for transitioning economics assistants because it showcases a commitment to continuous professional development and provides recognition in the civilian sector, making candidates more competitive.
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
The CFA designation is a highly respected credential that covers a wide range of financial and economic principles, investment valuation, and portfolio management. Having a CFA signals strong analytical skills and a robust understanding of the financial markets, which is beneficial for GS-0119 professionals looking to enter roles in finance or investment that require a deeper economic perspective.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP certification demonstrates a high level of competence in project management and the ability to lead and direct projects effectively. For Economics Assistants transitioning to civilian roles, this certification equips them with essential skills for managing economic research projects or initiatives in private-sector firms where project management is integral to success.
Google Data Analytics Certificate
This certification provides practical skills in data analysis, including data visualization, statistical analysis, and data-driven decision-making. For those in the GS-0119 job series, acquiring this certification would enhance their ability to analyze economic data and present findings clearly, making them valuable in data-centric roles in the civilian workforce.
Certified Economic Development (CEcD)
The CEcD designation, offered by the International Economic Development Council, focuses on the skills needed to initiate and manage economic development strategies. This certification will be advantageous for economics assistants transitioning to roles in community or urban development, as it demonstrates knowledge of local economies and the ability to apply economic principles to real-world challenges.
Master's in Economics or Applied Economics
Pursuing a Master's degree in Economics equips individuals with advanced knowledge in economic theory, quantitative methods, and policy analysis. This higher education credential significantly enhances employability in specialized roles in the private sector, research, and consultancy where advanced economic understanding is required.
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-0119 Economics Assistant role to a private sector job can be an exciting yet challenging experience. It requires not only a re-evaluation of your professional identity but also strategic planning and an openness to learning. Here are some comprehensive strategies to help you pivot successfully into the private sector.
Embrace Change: Moving from federal to private sector often involves a different corporate culture. Be open to change, embrace flexibility, and recognize that corporate environments may emphasize efficiency, speed, and agile problem-solving.
Value of Your Skills: Understand that the skills and experience you gained as a federal employee—analytical skills, research proficiency, project management, and communication—are highly transferable. Shift your mindset to see these attributes as major selling points.
Results-Oriented Thinking: Unlike many federal roles that may focus on process over outcome, the private sector often prioritizes measurable results. Think about how your work affected broader economic policies or institutional goals, and be prepared to discuss these impacts during interviews.
Translate Your Experience: Federal jargon may not resonate in the private sector. When writing your resume, translate your federal experience into language that emphasizes outcomes over duties. For example, instead of "conducted research for policy analysis," consider phrasing it as "led data-driven analysis that influenced strategic economic policies."
Quantify Accomplishments: Use numbers to highlight your impact. Did your economic reports save the agency money? Did your recommendations improve efficiency? Quantifying these outcomes makes your experience more compelling: "Contributed to a 15% increase in operational efficiency through comprehensive economic analysis."
Choose a Modern Format: Use a clean and modern resume format. Limit the use of federal formats that may seem outdated in the private sector. Ensure that your resume is easy to read and highlights key skills relevant to your desired job.
Tailor for Each Job Application: Customize your resume for each position by using keywords from the job description, focusing on the requirements and responsibilities outlined in the posting.
Prepare to Discuss Your Transition: Expect questions about why you are leaving the federal sector and what draws you to the private sector. Craft a narrative that reflects positive motivations—such as seeking new challenges or the desire to work in a dynamic environment.
Demonstrate Your Knowledge of the Company: Research the organization you're applying to. Be familiar with their products, services, culture, and recent news. This will enable you to connect your skills to their specific needs during the interview.
Behavioral Questions: Prepare for behavioral interview questions, which are common in the private sector. Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, showcasing how you’ve handled challenges and contributed positively in your role.
Ask Insightful Questions: Your interview is also an opportunity for you to assess the company. Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the company and its goals. Inquire about team dynamics, growth opportunities, and company culture.
Leverage LinkedIn: If you haven't already, update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your private sector ambitions. Connect with former colleagues, new contacts in industries of interest, and participate in relevant groups to stay engaged with industry insights.
Join Professional Associations: Look for associations related to economics, business analysis, or your specific industry interests. Attend meetings, webinars, and networking events to build your professional network.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to individuals in positions you aspire to, and request informational interviews. These conversations can help you understand industry trends, potential career paths, and give you insights into how to tailor your experience for your target roles.
Attend Job Fairs and Conferences: Participate in job fairs and industry conferences to meet potential employers and expand your network. Prepare your pitch about your experience and aspirations to communicate clearly and confidently.
Focus on Transferable Skills: Highlight relevant skills such as data analysis, economic modeling, and report writing. Employers in the private sector value these abilities, especially in roles related to market research, finance, consultancy, or business analysis.
Use Industry Language: Familiarize yourself with industry-specific terminology. Reading industry articles, reports, and job descriptions can help you understand the lingo and showcase that you are already in tune with the private sector environment.
Showcase Adaptability: Federal roles may emphasize stability, but demonstrating your adaptability and eagerness to take on new challenges can be attractive to private sector employers. Share your experiences where you adapted to new situations or learned new skills.
Transitioning from a federal job to the private sector can feel daunting, but with the right strategies, you can make this shift successfully. Embrace the opportunity to showcase your unique experiences and skills, and take pride in the value you bring. Remember, many companies are looking for innovative thinkers and data-driven decision-makers, qualities you developed during your federal career. Stay positive, actively network, and prepare strategically for your next steps, and you will find a fulfilling private sector role that matches your skills and aspirations.