Explore how your federal experience as a Printing Services (GS-1654) 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 | Print Production Assistant, Junior Print Coordinator, Office Printing Specialist | Assisting in the coordination of printing tasks, operating basic printing equipment, preparing print orders, maintaining inventory of printing supplies, and providing support in quality checks of printed materials. | $30,000 - $40,000 |
5-7 | Print Production Specialist, Print Services Coordinator, Print Operations Assistant | Coordinating print jobs, maintaining equipment, optimizing print processes, scheduling print orders, assisting with vendor management, and supporting project documentation. | $40,000 - $60,000 |
8-9 | Print Production Manager, Print Services Supervisor, Print Operations Manager | Overseeing the printing department, managing staff, ensuring quality control, optimizing printing processes, analyzing cost efficiencies, and collaborating with client teams to fulfill printing requests. | $60,000 - $80,000 |
10-11 | Print Services Director, Print Production Strategist, Senior Print Operations Manager | Directing print production operations, developing strategic printing initiatives, managing departmental budgets, liaising with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. | $80,000 - $100,000 |
12-13 | Director of Printing Services, Print Operations Executive, Senior Print Management Consultant | Leading print services strategy, overseeing large scale production projects, strategic planning for print technologies, negotiating contracts, and enhancing operational effectiveness across all print services. | $100,000 - $130,000 |
14-15 | Vice President of Print Services, Chief Print Officer, Executive Director of Print Operations | Setting the vision and direction for all printing services across the organization, cultivating relationships with key stakeholders, spearheading innovation initiatives, and ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives. | $130,000 - $160,000 |
SES | Senior Executive Vice President of Print Services, Print Services Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operations Officer for Print Division | Providing executive leadership for the entire printing division, formulating long-term strategies, driving operational excellence, managing organizational change, and ensuring profitable growth and sustainability in print services. | $160,000 - $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.
Print Industry Certification (PIA)
The Print Industry Certification offered by the Printing Industries of America (PIA) validates an individual's knowledge and expertise in printing processes and technology. This certification is beneficial for transitioning to civilian roles in the print industry, as it showcases a commitment to professional standards and helps candidates stand out to potential employers.
Lean Six Sigma Certification
A Lean Six Sigma Certification focuses on process improvement and efficiency, which is crucial in the printing services field. Having this certification demonstrates to civilian employers a candidate's ability to optimize operations, reduce waste, and improve quality control in production environments.
Certified Graphic Communications Manager (CGCM)
The CGCM certification equips individuals with advanced knowledge of graphic communication processes that are significant in the printing industry. This credential enhances a candidate's qualifications by demonstrating their capability to manage and lead complex printing projects, making them more appealing to civilian employers.
Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)
The Adobe Certified Expert designation signifies proficiency in Adobe design software, which is widely used in graphic design and printing. Earning this credential can give candidates an edge in civilian roles by showcasing their technical skills in producing high-quality graphics essential for print outputs.
Certified Printing Manager (CPM)
The Certified Printing Manager program advances one's understanding of the print industry management principles and practices. This certification will highlight to civilian employers that a candidate has the leadership and operational knowledge needed to manage printing projects effectively.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP certification is highly respected across various industries and demonstrates expertise in project management. For those in the printing services field, this certification conveys strong planning, execution, and team management skills, making candidates more competitive in civilian job markets.
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 government role to the private sector can feel daunting, especially when you’ve spent years in a structured federal environment like the GS-1654 Printing Services position. However, with the right mindset, strategies, and a proactive approach, you can successfully navigate this change. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you transition smoothly into the private sector.
Shift Your Perspective: In the federal workplace, there may be a strong emphasis on bureaucracy, compliance, and risk aversion. In contrast, the private sector often champions innovation, agility, and customer orientation. Embrace a mindset that values creativity, efficiency, and a results-oriented approach.
Be Open to Learning: Recognize that you will need to adapt to different business cultures and practices. Commit to continuous learning and be open to feedback.
Emphasize Your Skill Set: Understand that the skills you have honed in your federal role—such as project management, quality control, and customer service in print services—are transferable. Focus on identifying these skills and how they can apply to private sector roles.
Convert Your Experience to Private Sector Language: Federal job titles and responsibilities can be specific and jargon-heavy, which may not resonate with private sector hiring managers. Here’s how to translate your experience:
Craft a Tailored Resume:
Highlight Transferable Skills:
Research Company Culture:
Practice Behavioral Questions:
Show Enthusiasm and Commitment:
Engage with Professional Associations:
Connect on LinkedIn:
Informational Interviews:
Expect Challenges but Stay Committed:
Seek Support:
Continuous Learning:
Transitioning from a federal GS-1654 Printing Services role to the private sector is an opportunity for growth and new experiences. By shifting your mindset, translating your federal experience appropriately, tailoring your resume, preparing for interviews, networking strategically, and remaining positive, you’ll place yourself in a strong position to make this change successfully. Remember, your skills are valuable, and the private sector needs professionals like you who bring unique expertise and dedication.