Explore how your federal experience as a Instructional Systems (GS-1750) 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 | Entry-Level Instructional Designer, Training Specialist I, Junior Instructional Developer | Assist in the development and evaluation of instructional materials, conduct basic training sessions, and support senior instructional designers in gathering requirements and creating course content. | $45,000 - $58,000 |
| 5-7 | Instructional Designer, Learning Experience Designer, Training Coordinator | Develop instructional materials and course content independently, assess training needs, collaborate with subject matter experts, and evaluate program effectiveness. | $58,000 - $75,000 |
| 8-9 | Senior Instructional Designer, Lead Learning Specialist, Training Development Manager | Oversee the design and implementation of complex training programs, lead project teams, assess learner outcomes, and implement improvements to enhance learning effectiveness. | $75,000 - $95,000 |
| 10-11 | Instructional Systems Manager, Director of Training and Development, Learning and Development Manager | Direct and manage the training and development functions, create and implement strategic training plans, manage budgets, and measure the impact of training initiatives across the organization. | $95,000 - $125,000 |
| 12-13 | Senior Learning Consultant, Head of Learning and Development, Director of Instructional Design | Strategically lead the agency's instructional design initiatives, analyze workforce competencies, drive innovation in learning technologies, and build partnerships for educational collaborations. | $125,000 - $150,000 |
| 14-15 | Chief Learning Officer, Vice President of Training and Development, Executive Director of Education Programs | Provide executive leadership for all learning initiatives, align training strategies with business goals, mentor senior staff, and oversee organizational change through effective educational programs. | $150,000 - $200,000 |
| SES | Senior Vice President of Talent Development, Chief Education Officer, Executive VP of Learning Innovations | Shape the organization's vision for learning and development, influence organizational culture, ensure alignment of educational strategies with business objectives, and advocate for continuous improvement in training practices on a corporate 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 Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)
The CPLP certification demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the learning and performance industry, covering areas such as instructional design, training delivery, and evaluation. This credential can enhance credibility with employers in civilian roles, showcasing proficiency in effective training solutions and talent development strategies.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
PMP certification conveys project management expertise, particularly valuable for overseeing instructional design projects and training programs. This skill set is increasingly sought after by civilian organizations looking to efficiently manage training budgets, timelines, and team coordination.
Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in Captivate
As an ACE in Captivate, an individual showcases their ability to create engaging and interactive e-learning content. Proficiency in digital content creation tools positions candidates favorably for civilian roles focused on modern training methodologies and online education platforms.
Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) Certification
This certification emphasizes the integration of technology in instructional design and management, crucial for adapting to current educational environments. Having this credential highlights a commitment to understanding the role of technology in learning, appealing to organizations prioritizing innovative training solutions.
Instructional Designer Certificate (from recognized institutions)
Professional certificates in instructional design demonstrate a fundamental understanding of adult learning theories and instructional methodologies. This credential can help candidates stand out in the civilian job market, where effective training and development programs are essential for employee engagement and performance.
eLearning Instructional Design Certificate
This certificate focuses on the principles of designing engaging eLearning courses and multimedia content. Civilian employers highly value expertise in eLearning as organizations shift towards online training formats, making these skills a significant asset.
Addie Model Training and Certification
Understanding the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) is critical for effective instructional design. Certification in this model showcases expertise in creating structured and efficient training programs, a desirable trait for civilian organizations looking for quality training outcomes.
Certified Management Trainer (CMT)
The CMT certification prepares individuals to deliver effective training and manage training programs, thereby enhancing the ability to lead civilian training initiatives. This certification signals to employers a commitment to workplace learning and a proven track record of enhancing employee skills.
Six Sigma Green Belt
A Six Sigma Green Belt certification equips professionals with problem-solving skills and quality improvement methodologies that can be applied in training environments. This background is valuable in civilian settings where efficiency and effectiveness in training operations are prioritized.
Human Resource Certification (SHRM-CP or PHR)
HR certifications like SHRM-CP or PHR demonstrate understanding of workforce planning and development, linking instructional design to broader organizational goals. This knowledge positions candidates well for civilian roles that require aligning training strategies with business objectives.
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 role, particularly in instructional systems, to the private sector can be both an exciting and challenging endeavor. Here, we discuss key mindset shifts, resume and interview tips, networking strategies, and how to effectively translate your federal experience into language that resonates in the private sector.
Embrace a Growth Mindset: Moving from a stable, structured federal environment to a more dynamic private sector can feel daunting. Adopt a growth mindset by viewing this transition as an opportunity to learn and expand your skill set. Recognize that challenges can lead to personal and professional growth.
Understand the Cultural Differences:
The federal workplace often values compliance, procedures, and a defined chain of command. In contrast, the private sector often rewards innovation, agility, and results-oriented thinking. Embrace a mindset that is open to flexibility, creativity, and collaboration.
Focus on Value Creation:
In the private sector, emphasis is placed on contributing value. Think about how your federal experience has driven results or made processes more effective. Begin to frame your contributions in terms of measurable outcomes, which is a crucial mindset shift for many transitioning from government roles.
Translate Your Experience:
Federal job titles and terminology may not mean much to private sector employers. Translate your GS-1750 experience into terms that highlight your relevant skills. Use action verbs and quantify successes (e.g., Developed training programs for a department of X employees, leading to a Y% improvement in efficiency).
Focus on Transferable Skills:
Identify skills that are valuable in both sectors, like project management, instructional design, and communication. Highlight how these skills were applied in your federal role and how they can be beneficial to a private organization.
Use Keywords:
Research the type of positions you are targeting and incorporate relevant keywords from those job descriptions into your resume. This may include terms such as "e-learning," "curriculum development," and "stakeholder engagement."
Tailor Each Application:
Customize your resume for each job application. Align your experiences and skills with the specific requirements of the job to stand out as a relevant candidate.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions:
Private sector interviews frequently use behavioral questions to assess past performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses based on your federal experience. Practice articulating how you handled challenges, led projects, or innovated processes.
Demonstrate Cultural Fit:
Understand the company culture of the organization you’re interviewing with. Research their values and mission, and be prepared to discuss how your background aligns with their goals. Be flexible and express enthusiasm for new ideas and team collaboration.
Showcase Your Adaptability:
Emphasize experiences where you had to adapt to changes or navigate complexity. This demonstrates to potential employers that you are capable of thriving in the private sector's fast-paced environment.
Ask Insightful Questions:
Prepare questions that reflect your knowledge of the organization and demonstrate your critical thinking. This shows you are interested not only in the position but also in how you can contribute to their mission.
Leverage Your Connections:
Start by reaching out to colleagues, supervisors, and friends from the federal realm who have made similar transitions. They can offer valuable insights and connections to potential job opportunities.
Join Professional Organizations:
Consider joining associations related to instructional design and development. These groups often provide networking opportunities, job boards, and industry news that can aid your transition.
Utilize LinkedIn:
Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your professional accomplishments and aspirations toward a private sector career. Engage with industry-relevant content and connect with professionals in the field. Join groups where professional discussions around instructional systems and related industries occur.
Attend Industry Events:
Participate in conferences, workshops, and webinars relevant to instructional systems. Networking at these events can lead to direct job opportunities and invaluable industry connections.
Use Everyday Language:
When discussing your federal experience, avoid jargon and acronyms that may be familiar only in government contexts. Stick to clear, concise language that translates your duties into relatable concepts for your potential employer.
Highlight Outcomes Over Processes:
Employers want to know what you've accomplished, not just what you did. When discussing your experience, focus more on the outcomes of your projects rather than the processes; illustrate how your work positively impacted your organization.
Develop a Compelling Narrative:
Consider creating a professional narrative that succinctly tells your career story. This should include your experiences, skills, and aspirations in a way that connects your past to your future in the private sector.
Transitioning from a GS-1750 role to the private sector is a significant step that opens up a world of possibilities. With the right mindset, effectively tailored resumes, strategic networking, and the ability to articulate your value, you can make this transition successfully. Embrace the journey with confidence, and remember that your skills are not only applicable in the federal realm but are also valuable assets in the private sector. Good luck!