Explore how your federal experience as a Compliance Inspection And Support (GS-1802) 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 | Junior Compliance Analyst, Compliance Support Specialist, Regulatory Affairs Assistant | Assists in the collection and organization of compliance data, reviews documentation for accuracy, and provides support in audits and inspections under supervision. | $40,000 - $55,000 |
| 5-7 | Compliance Analyst, Regulatory Compliance Officer, Quality Assurance Analyst | Conducts compliance inspections, analyzes regulatory changes, supports the implementation of compliance programs, and prepares reports on inspection findings. | $55,000 - $75,000 |
| 8-9 | Senior Compliance Analyst, Compliance Manager, Risk Management Specialist | Oversees compliance inspections, evaluates compliance procedures, manages compliance relationships with regulatory bodies, and develops compliance training programs. | $75,000 - $95,000 |
| 10-11 | Director of Compliance, Compliance Program Manager, Quality Systems Manager | Directs compliance initiatives, develops and implements compliance strategies, manages compliance audits, and liaises with executive management on compliance issues and policies. | $95,000 - $120,000 |
| 12-13 | Vice President of Compliance, Chief Compliance Officer, Senior Risk Compliance Director | Establishes the overall compliance framework, leads compliance operations, addresses complex compliance issues at a strategic level, and manages department budgets and resources. | $120,000 - $160,000 |
| 14-15 | Senior Vice President of Compliance, Executive Director of Legal and Compliance, Global Head of Regulatory Affairs | Steers the organization's compliance culture, sets the vision for compliance across all business units, collaborates with C-suite executives to ensure integrity, and represents the organization in external compliance-related matters. | $160,000 - $200,000 |
| SES | Chief Compliance Executive (CCE), Chief Risk Officer (CRO), Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs | Holds ultimate responsibility for the firm's compliance strategy, ensures alignment with corporate governance, drives compliance innovation and best practices in an evolving regulatory landscape, and engages with board members on compliance oversight. | $200,000 - $250,000 |
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 Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP)
The CCEP certification is beneficial for those transitioning from the GS-1802 Compliance Inspection and Support job series as it demonstrates a commitment to understanding compliance and ethics regulations in various industries. This certification can give candidates a competitive edge in roles that require knowledge of compliance programs and regulatory requirements, making them attractive to employers seeking to navigate complex legal landscapes.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
The CIA certification signifies expertise in internal auditing, which is crucial for assessing compliance and operational efficiencies. By holding this certification, individuals can showcase their ability to conduct thorough audits and identify risks, thus enhancing their value to potential employers in the civilian sector who need robust internal controls.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
PMP certification illustrates strong project management skills essential for overseeing compliance projects and implementing support systems effectively. In the civilian workforce, this certification can help applicants differentiate themselves, as it highlights their ability to manage complex projects that ensure organizational compliance with various regulations.
ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification
This certification demonstrates expertise in quality management systems and the ability to conduct third-party audits, which is key for those in compliance roles. Possession of this credential can make candidates more appealing to businesses that seek to enhance their quality processes and maintain compliance with ISO standards.
Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
Six Sigma Green Belt certification indicates proficiency in process improvement, which is valuable for ensuring compliance and operational efficiencies. In the civilian sector, this certification can enhance an individual's appeal by showcasing their ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives that align with compliance objectives.
Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)
The PMI-RMP certification provides knowledge about identifying and managing project risks, essential in compliance roles where risk assessment is paramount. Civilian employers value this certification as it reflects an individual's capability to manage uncertainties and ensure compliance with regulations effectively.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework Certification
This certification equips individuals with knowledge about cybersecurity frameworks critical for ensuring compliance in sensitive information management. In a civilian context, proficiency in NIST standards can position candidates favorably for roles in organizations that prioritize data security and regulatory compliance.
Environmental Compliance Inspector Certification (ECIC)
This certification focuses on environmental regulations and compliance, directly applicable to roles related to compliance inspection in the environmental sector. Holding this certification can enhance an individual's profile for positions that require expertise in environmental laws and regulations in civilian industries.
Government Auditing Professional (GAP) Certification
GAP certification is tailored for professionals looking to demonstrate their auditing skills within government contexts, which is highly transferable to private sector compliance roles. This credential can highlight an applicant's understanding of governmental auditing standards and practices, greatly enhancing their employability.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
CISSP certification is recognized globally and essential for managing and securing data within compliance frameworks. With increasing concerns over cybersecurity compliance in civilian organizations, having this certification provides a distinct advantage in roles that involve safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring compliance with security regulations.
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 government role, particularly one like a GS-1802 Compliance Inspection and Support position, to the private sector comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the transition successfully.
Embrace Change: The first step in your transition is to embrace the idea that change is both natural and beneficial. The private sector operates under different dynamics than federal employment, often prioritizing speed and innovation.
Be Open to Uncertainty: In the private sector, roles can evolve quickly, and job descriptions may change more frequently. Learn to be adaptable and to thrive amidst this uncertainty.
Value Your Skills: Understand that the skills you've developed as a federal employee—attention to detail, compliance knowledge, regulation interpretation, and risk management—are highly transferable. Recognize their relevance in various private sector industries, such as finance, healthcare, technology, or even consulting.
Translate Your Experience: Federal job titles and jargon can be confusing for hiring managers outside of government. Instead of referring to your role as a GS-1802, reframe it in terms of industry standards. For example, describe your role as a "Compliance Specialist" or "Regulatory Affairs Manager."
Use Action-Oriented Language: Start each bullet point with action verbs to describe your achievements. Instead of saying "Responsible for compliance inspections," you could say "Conducted comprehensive compliance inspections, resulting in a 30% reduction in violations."
Quantify Your Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers or percentages to quantify your contributions (e.g., number of inspections completed, percentage of compliance achieved). This adds tangible proof of your capabilities.
Focus on Relevant Skills: Highlight skills that are highly regarded in the private sector, such as problem-solving, data analysis, project management, and communication. List these skills prominently in your resume.
Tailor Your Resume for Each Job: Customize your resume for each position you apply for by incorporating keywords from the job description and aligning your narrative with the responsibilities of the new role.
Prepare to Explain Your Transition: Be ready to articulate why you are making the switch from a federal job to the private sector. Your answer should emphasize your desire for new challenges, professional growth, and your attraction to the company's mission.
Research the Company and Industry: During the interview preparation, familiarize yourself with the company's culture, values, and industry trends. This allows you to relate your answers back to their specific context, demonstrating your interest and alignment with their goals.
Use the STAR Method: In interviews, structure your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly communicate your experiences and the impact of your work. This method helps convey complex scenarios in an organized manner.
Practice Behavioral Questions: Be ready for questions about how you've handled specific situations in the past. For example, you might be asked about a time you resolved a compliance issue; frame your answers to highlight not just what you did, but also the results achieved.
Dress the Part: The private sector may have different expectations regarding dress codes. Research the company's dress culture and dress slightly above what you perceive their standard to be for interviews.
Leverage LinkedIn: Build a robust LinkedIn profile that showcases your skills, experiences, and eagerness to transition to the private sector. Engage in industry-related groups and discussions to expand your network.
Attend Industry Events: Participate in networking events, seminars, and workshops related to your area of interest. This is an excellent way to meet industry professionals and learn about current trends.
Reconnect with Former Colleagues: Reach out to former colleagues who have transitioned to the private sector. They can offer insights and may even provide referrals.
Informational Interviews: Request informational interviews with professionals in the fields you’re interested in. These conversations can provide valuable insights and potentially open doors to job opportunities.
Identify Transferable Skills: Analyze your federal experience and identify skills that apply to private sector roles. For instance, project management, stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance, and analytical skills are often sought after in various industries.
Highlight Soft Skills: Employers in the private sector highly value soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Illustrate how you've used these skills in your federal role.
Reframe Jargon: Replace federal acronyms and terminology with layman's terms or the relevant jargon of the private sector. For instance, instead of saying "audit compliance with OMB regulations," you could say "ensured organizational compliance with federal regulations through systematic audits."
The transition from a federal GS-1802 Compliance Inspection and Support role to the private sector is entirely achievable with the right mindset and preparation. Take the time to understand your transferable skills, tailor your job application materials, and network effectively within your industry of interest. This is your chance to explore new opportunities, leverage your wealth of experience, and embrace exciting challenges that lie ahead. Stay positive and persistent, and remember that each step you take gets you closer to your goal.