fed2civ

GS-1654 Printing Services Transition Guide

Explore how your federal experience as a Printing Services (GS-1654) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.

GS Level Mappings

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

Transferable Skills

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.

  • Project Management: Ability to plan, execute, and oversee printing projects from conception to completion, ensuring quality standards and deadlines are met.
  • Technical Proficiency: Understanding of various printing processes and equipment, which is beneficial in industries requiring production and reproduction of materials.
  • Quality Control: Skills in monitoring and evaluating printing processes to maintain high-quality standards, applicable in manufacturing and production roles.
  • Customer Service: Experience in addressing client needs and preferences, useful in any customer-facing positions or client relationship management.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot printing issues and find solutions quickly, applicable in operations and logistics roles.
  • Attention to Detail: Strong focus on accuracy and precision in printing tasks, crucial in roles that require meticulous work, such as data entry and compliance auditing.
  • Communication Skills: Proficient in conveying information clearly to team members and clients, relevant in any team and collaboration environments.
  • Budgeting and Resource Management: Experience in managing costs and resources efficiently, applicable in finance and supply chain management roles.
  • Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively, essential in fast-paced work environments.
  • Collaboration: Experience working with design teams, vendors, and stakeholders to achieve common goals, applicable to any team-oriented job.

Certifications & Education

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.

Typical Employers

See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.

  • Commercial Printing Companies
  • Publishing Houses
  • Marketing and Advertising Agencies
  • Graphic Design Firms
  • In-Plant Printing Services for Corporations
  • Educational Institutions (Universities and Colleges)
  • Government Contracting Firms (Private Firms that provide services to government)
  • Packaging Companies
  • Large Corporations with In-House Printing Facilities
  • Non-Profit Organizations (that produce print materials)

Career Transition Advice

Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.

  • Update your resume to highlight transferable skills from your GS-1654 position, such as project management, attention to detail, and technical proficiency in print technologies.
  • Network with professionals in the printing industry, including attending industry conferences or joining relevant associations to gain insight into civilian job opportunities.
  • Consider obtaining certifications related to print production or graphic design, which can enhance your qualifications and make you more competitive in the civilian job market.
  • Tailor your job search to include roles in graphic design, print operations management, or production supervision, where your skills and experiences will be most relevant and valuable.
  • Prepare for interviews by practicing how to translate your federal experience into benefits for potential civilian employers, focusing on outcomes you achieved and challenges you overcame.

Industry Trends

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.

  • 📈 Increased demand for digital printing technologies as businesses shift from traditional printing methods to more versatile digital solutions.
  • 📈 Growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly printing practices, leading to a rise in demand for professionals knowledgeable in green printing technologies.
  • 📈 Advancements in automation and artificial intelligence in the printing process, requiring workers to adapt to new technologies and enhancing their skill sets.
  • 📈 The rise of on-demand printing and customized printing solutions, which can increase the need for skilled workers who can operate specialized printers and manage complex orders.
  • 📈 Expansion of remote work options creating a need for efficient home office printing solutions, impacting the volume and type of printing services offered.

General Transition Advice

Transitioning from Federal GS-1654 Printing Services to Private Sector Employment

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.

1. Adopt a Flexible Mindset

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.

2. Translating Federal Experience

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:

  • Use Industry Terminology: Familiarize yourself with terminology common in the private sector. For example, instead of “cost management,” you may refer to “budget optimization.”
  • Quantify Achievements: Highlight metrics that demonstrate your effectiveness. Use percentages, dollar amounts, time saved, and other quantifiable achievements to showcase your impact. For example, “Reduced printing costs by 15% while maintaining quality standards.”
  • Focus on Results: Instead of describing tasks, emphasize outcomes. Frame your contributions in terms of how they benefited the organization, such as improved efficiency, increased customer satisfaction, or enhanced service delivery.

3. Resume Strategies

Craft a Tailored Resume:

  • Custom Tailoring: Modify your resume for each job application. Highlight the experiences most relevant to the private sector position you desire.
  • Use a Skills-Based Format: Consider a functional or combination resume format that emphasizes skills and achievements rather than job titles, allowing you to showcase your qualifications succinctly.
  • Professional Summary: Open your resume with a strong professional summary that encapsulates your background, core competencies, and what you bring to the table.

Highlight Transferable Skills:

  • Focus on skills like project management, team leadership, communication, and technical skills relevant to the printing and graphics industry.

4. Interview Preparation

Research Company Culture:

  • Gain insight into the company’s values, mission, and culture. Tailor your responses during interviews to illustrate how your values align with theirs.

Practice Behavioral Questions:

  • Prepare for interviews by practicing responses to behavioral questions using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. Share specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments relevant to the job.

Show Enthusiasm and Commitment:

  • Convey your enthusiasm for the position and the organization. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who are not only qualified but also genuinely interested in contributing to their success.

5. Networking Strategies

Engage with Professional Associations:

  • Join industry-specific groups, like the Printing Industries of America (PIA), and attend local networking events or webinars to meet professionals in the field.

Connect on LinkedIn:

  • Create or update your LinkedIn profile. Connect with colleagues, managers, and industry professionals. Share articles related to printing and graphics to demonstrate your knowledge and interest.

Informational Interviews:

  • Reach out to people in roles you’re interested in and ask for informational interviews. This will not only provide you with valuable insights but also expand your network.

6. Stay Positive and Persistent

Expect Challenges but Stay Committed:

  • Understand that the transition may come with challenges such as navigating different workplace dynamics and facing potential age and experience biases. Stay proactive and keep your goals in sight.

Seek Support:

  • Consider engaging a career coach or mentor who specializes in transitioning federal employees to the private sector. They can provide personalized guidance and accountability.

Continuous Learning:

  • Enroll in training sessions or online courses related to print technologies, digital printing, or project management to enhance your qualifications.

Conclusion

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.