Explore how your federal experience as a Education And Vocational Training (GS-1710) 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 | Training Assistant, Education Coordinator, Vocational Training Specialist | Assist in the development and delivery of training programs, support trainers, manage training materials, and maintain records of training activities. | $35,000 - $50,000 |
| 5-7 | Training Specialist, Instructional Designer, Corporate Trainer | Design and implement training programs, evaluate learner outcomes, adapt training methods to meet varied learning styles, and oversee training logistics. | $50,000 - $70,000 |
| 8-9 | Education Program Manager, Training Manager, Learning and Development Coordinator | Manage educational programs, lead teams in curriculum development, evaluate program effectiveness, and coordinate training with department heads to align with business goals. | $70,000 - $90,000 |
| 10-11 | Learning Consultant, Director of Training and Development, Talent Development Manager | Lead strategic training initiatives, assess organizational training needs, develop comprehensive training strategies, and manage a team of trainers on multiple projects. | $90,000 - $115,000 |
| 12-13 | Chief Learning Officer, Director of Education and Training, Senior Training Strategist | Develop and execute a corporate learning strategy, oversee multiple training departments, ensure compliance with industry standards, and assess return on investment for training programs. | $115,000 - $150,000 |
| 14-15 | Vice President of Learning and Development, Head of Corporate Education, Executive Director of Training Programs | Shape the organizational learning culture, establish long-term training and performance goals, align education initiatives with business strategies, and influence leadership development across the company. | $150,000 - $200,000 |
| SES | Chief Human Resources Officer, Senior Vice President of Learning and Development, Executive Vice President of Training and Education | Drive overall educational vision for the organization, provide strategic leadership for training and skill development, ensure alignment of workforce training with future organizational needs, and represent educational interests at the executive level. | $200,000 - $300,000 |
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 Workforce Development Professional (CWDP)
The CWDP certification provides recognition for professionals who assist workers in developing skills necessary for employment, which directly aligns with the responsibilities of the GS-1710 series. Holding this certification demonstrates a commitment to workforce development and enhances credibility with potential employers in the civilian sector.
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
The NCC certification equips individuals with advanced counseling skills, crucial for those transitioning from federal education roles to civilian careers focused on vocational training and career counseling. This credential increases employability by showcasing evidence-based practices in client support and career services.
Adult and Continuing Education Certification (ACE)
This certification focuses on methods and practices related to adult education, reflecting expertise in teaching and program development, important for the GS-1710 series. It is highly valued in the civilian sector as it demonstrates the ability to design and implement effective training programs for adult learners.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP certification signifies strong project management skills, essential for planning and executing training programs within the GS-1710 role. In the civilian job market, this certification is recognized across industries, improving job prospects in project coordination and management positions.
Career Development Facilitator (CDF)
The CDF certification highlights knowledge and skills in career development processes, which are pivotal for GS-1710 positions focused on vocational training. This certification allows for better attainment of roles in career services and employee development within various organizations.
Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)
The CPLP certification demonstrates expertise in designing and implementing educational programs, an important skill set for those in the GS-1710 job series. This certification is well-regarded in civilian sectors, making candidates more marketable as training and development professionals.
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-1710 Education and Vocational Training role to a private sector position can be a fulfilling but challenging endeavor. However, with the right mindset, preparation, and strategy, you can successfully navigate this process. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make this transition smoother and more effective.
Embrace Change: Moving from federal employment to the private sector may feel daunting. Acknowledge that the cultural environment and expectations differ, but view this as an opportunity for growth and new experiences.
Think Like a Job Seeker: In the federal system, job progression may have been linear with clear pathways. In the private sector, you will need to adapt to a more competitive and dynamic job market. Be proactive and treat your job search as a sales campaign—selling your skills and experiences.
Be Open to Learning: The private sector often values continuous improvement and innovation. Stay open to learning new skills, adapting to different workplace cultures, and possibly facing setbacks as part of your growth.
Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application. Emphasize experiences and accomplishments that are relevant to the private sector. Utilize keywords from the job description to ensure your resume aligns with the employer’s needs.
Translate Federal Language: Use language that resonates in the private sector. Federal terminology may not be familiar to recruiters—translate your duties into industry-relevant terms. For example, instead of "managed grant funding," say "oversaw project budgets and resource allocation."
Highlight Impact and Results: Focus on quantifiable achievements rather than simply listing tasks. For example, say "Improved training program efficiency by 30%" rather than "Conducted training programs."
Use a Reverse-Chronological Format: This is generally preferred in the private sector. Include a summary statement that captures your professional identity, key skills, and what you bring to potential employers.
Add Relevant Certifications or Skills: If you have taken any courses or received certifications pertinent to your target role, be sure to include them. This may include training in project management, instructional design, or specific educational software that is used in the industry.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, framing your federal experiences in a way that showcases your problem-solving skills and achievements.
Practice Your Elevator Pitch: Develop a concise summary of your background and what you hope to achieve in the private sector. This is your chance to make a memorable first impression.
Do Your Research: Understand the company culture and values. Prepare thoughtful questions about the company, demonstrating your genuine interest in becoming part of their team.
Mind Your Body Language: Non-verbal cues are significant during interviews. Make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and maintain an open posture to communicate confidence and professionalism.
Leverage LinkedIn: Update your LinkedIn profile. Connect with former colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals. Participate in relevant groups to share insights and expand your network.
Attend Industry Events: Look for networking events, seminars, and workshops within your field of interest. Engage in conversations, ask for advice, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people in roles you aspire to.
Utilize Informational Interviews: Reach out to individuals working in companies or positions you’re targeting and ask for informational interviews. These can provide insights into the industry and help you establish valuable connections.
Follow Up: After meeting someone, send a thank-you note or a message expressing appreciation for their time. This helps strengthen your network relationships.
Focus on Transferable Skills: Identify skills that are applicable across sectors, such as project management, communication, and training development. Use examples that highlight these skills in action.
Shift Your Perspective: Depending on the job you’re targeting, reframe your experiences. For instance, if you’ve provided training, emphasize how your contributions increased efficiency or employee satisfaction.
Use Concrete Examples: Whenever possible, tie your experiences back to industry-standard practices. For instance, if you conducted evaluations, translate that into creating quality control benchmarks for private industry.
Stay Current: Keep abreast of trends and developments in the private sector that relate to education and vocational training. Being knowledgeable about the current landscape and expressing that in conversations will position you as a strong candidate.
Remember, transitioning to the private sector is an exciting journey filled with potential. Focus on your strengths, be adaptable, and seek support from networks and mentors. You have valuable skills from your federal experience that can be a significant asset to private employers. With patience, persistence, and a strategic approach, you can secure a fulfilling private sector role.
Believe in your capabilities and the unique value you bring—this mindset will empower you as you embark on your new career adventure.