Explore how your federal experience as a Education Services (GS-1740) 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 | Administrative Assistant - Education, Junior Training Coordinator, Education Support Specialist | Assist in the development and coordination of educational programs, support training logistics, maintain records, and perform clerical tasks as required. | $35,000 - $49,000 |
| 5-7 | Training Specialist, Education Coordinator, Program Analyst - Instructional Design | Develop and deliver training programs, analyze educational needs, collaborate with subject matter experts, and evaluate program effectiveness in achieving learning goals. | $48,000 - $67,000 |
| 8-9 | Senior Training Coordinator, Learning and Development Manager, Program Manager - Education Initiatives | Oversee the planning and execution of educational programs, manage teams, develop curriculum, and assess educational impact on employee performance and organizational goals. | $68,000 - $90,000 |
| 10-11 | Education Program Director, Learning Strategist, Training and Development Director | Lead education and training efforts, develop strategic plans for workforce education, assess training programs' alignment with organizational objectives, and manage budget and resources effectively. | $91,000 - $120,000 |
| 12-13 | Director of Learning and Development, Chief Education Officer, Senior Manager - Training and Development | Direct the overall education and training strategy for the organization, integrate educational initiatives with business objectives, and analyze trends to ensure continuous improvement in learning methodologies. | $121,000 - $150,000 |
| 14-15 | Vice President - Learning and Development, Chief Learning Officer, Senior Director of Educational Services | Set and guide the vision for the organization's learning and development strategy, influence culture through education initiatives, and liaise with executive leadership to align training with business goals. | $151,000 - $190,000 |
| SES | Executive Director of Education Services, Chief Academic Officer, Senior Vice President - Training and Development | Oversee all aspects of educational policy and program development, serve on the executive team to shape strategic direction, and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability and quality assurance in educational services. | $191,000 - $230,000 |
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 Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)
The CPLP certification demonstrates expertise in the field of learning and development, covering various competencies relevant to education services. Having this credential can enhance credibility and showcase commitment to professional growth, making a candidate more appealing to civilian employers seeking skilled training and development professionals.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP certification emphasizes project management skills that are beneficial for planning and executing educational programs effectively. Civilian organizations often have similar needs for managing projects, and this certification can signify a candidate's ability to deliver results within a structured framework.
Instructional Designer / Developer Certificate
This certification equips individuals with the necessary skills to design and develop effective learning programs and materials. It is highly valued in civilian roles that require strong instructional design capabilities, ensuring that educational initiatives meet learner needs and organizational goals.
Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP)
The CTDP certification focuses on advanced training and development principles, which are crucial for working in educational services. This credential underscores a professional’s ability to assess training needs and implement effective learning solutions, making them a stronger candidate for civilian positions in training and human resources.
Educational Leadership Certification
This certification prepares individuals for leadership roles in education, providing them with strategies for curriculum development and organizational management. In the civilian sector, it conveys the ability to lead educational initiatives and improve learning outcomes, which is beneficial for roles in academia or corporate training.
Adult Learning Certificate
A certificate in Adult Learning focuses on methods and principles specific to instructing adult learners, a key aspect of many educational services jobs. This knowledge is directly transferable to civilian jobs that involve training adult employees, making candidates with this certificate more attractive to organizations in various sectors.
Human Resources Certification (SHRM-CP or PHR)
These certifications provide a foundation in human resources, including employee development and organizational behavior, which are critical to the education services job series. They indicate a candidate’s ability to understand and implement training programs in alignment with organizational goals, enhancing their employability in HR and training roles.
Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM)
This certification is geared toward developing skills specifically for managing training efforts within organizations, addressing planning, implementation, and evaluation. It prepares individuals to effectively oversee training functions, which can benefit private sector companies seeking efficient training solutions.
Ed.D. or Ph.D. in Education or Instructional Design
An advanced degree such as an Ed.D. or Ph.D. focuses on deep theoretical and practical knowledge in education, particularly in curriculum development and pedagogy. This level of education can significantly enhance one's qualifications for senior roles in educational program management or instructional design in the civilian workforce.
eLearning Design Certificate
Specialty certificates in eLearning design help professionals build expertise in developing online training programs, an increasingly important aspect of modern education. Civilian employers often seek individuals who can create effective digital learning experiences, making this credential invaluable in tech-driven industries.
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-1740 Education Services role to a private sector job can be a fulfilling yet challenging experience. This guide aims to provide you with practical advice, covering mindset shifts, resume and interview tips, networking strategies, and how to translate your federal experience into language that resonates in the private sector.
Cultural Transition: Understand that the private sector often prioritizes innovation, agility, and profitability. Unlike the structured environment of federal employment, you may find a more dynamic pace and entrepreneurial spirit in private companies.
Self-Promotion: In the federal arena, accomplishments are sometimes assumed. In the private sector, you’ll need to articulate your value clearly. Shift your mindset to take ownership of your achievements and be prepared to showcase them.
Risk Tolerance: Federal roles often come with job security and predictable growth paths. In the private sector, be prepared for varying job security and possibly less structured career development. Embrace this uncertainty as a chance for growth.
Value Proposition: You’ll need to think about what you bring to the table. Focus on how your skills can contribute to a company’s bottom line or mission. Consider how your educational expertise can drive employee performance, enhance learning outcomes, or contribute to strategic objectives.
Format and Structure: Use a modern resume format. Start with a summary statement emphasizing your core skills and value, followed by experience, education, and relevant certifications.
Quantify Achievements: Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact. For instance, instead of saying you developed training programs, you could say, "Created and implemented training programs that increased employee retention by 20% and improved performance metrics by 30%."
Translate Terminology: Federal job titles and duties can be confusing to private sector employers. Use simple language and focus on transferable skills. Instead of "GS-1740 Education Services Specialist," consider phrasing it as "Education Program Manager."
Focus on Transferable Skills: Highlight skills that appeal to private sector employers, such as project management, program evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and curriculum development. Use bullet points to make each skill and accomplishment clear.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions: The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a great way to structure your responses. Prepare stories that demonstrate your skills in action.
Ask Insightful Questions: Show your interest in the organization and its culture by asking questions about team dynamics, company goals, and how success is measured. This also helps assess whether the company is a good fit for you.
Practice Makes Perfect: Conduct mock interviews with friends or career coaches. This practice can help you become more comfortable in articulating your achievements and responding to unexpected questions.
Leverage LinkedIn: Optimize your LinkedIn profile to reflect your new career objectives. Use a catchy headline that embodies your new goal (e.g., "Education Consultant Specializing in Corporate Training Solutions"). Connect with professionals in your target roles and start engaging with relevant industry content.
Attend Industry Events: Seek out conferences, workshops, and seminars in your field of interest. Engage with speakers and attendees, fostering conversations that could lead to referrals or job leads.
Informational Interviews: Approach individuals who are currently working in roles or industries of interest to you. Ask them about their experiences and seek advice on breaking into their field. This shows initiative, and people generally appreciate sharing their insights.
Networking Groups: Join local or online groups related to education, corporate training, or professional development. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your knowledge to build relationships.
Use Industry Language: Research the private sector’s jargon in your intended field and adapt your language accordingly. For instance, refer to "program evaluation" rather than "performance rating" and "stakeholder engagement" rather than "cross-agency collaboration."
Showcase Versatility: If you've worked on diverse projects in different capacities, highlight that adaptability. Frame your federal experience as unique, versatile responses to varied challenges that could be beneficial in a private sector context.
Focus on Outcomes: The private sector is results-oriented. Emphasize how your educational programs’ positive outcomes can contribute to organizational successes, such as higher sales, better productivity, or improved employee satisfaction.
Transitioning into the private sector is a significant step that requires careful preparation and a strategic approach. Embrace this change as an opportunity to grow and apply your valuable skills in new and exciting ways. Remember to network, collaborate, and continue learning. With determination and the right strategies, you can successfully navigate the transition from a federal role to a fulfilling private sector career. Good luck!