fed2civ

GS-0136 International Cooperation Transition Guide

Explore how your federal experience as a International Cooperation (GS-0136) 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
GS-1 to 4 Entry Level International Relations Associate, Junior Program Coordinator, Assistant Project Manager Support senior staff in managing international programs, assist in project documentation, and communicate with external stakeholders on basic project tasks. $35,000 - $55,000
GS-5 to 7 International Relations Coordinator, Program Analyst, Foreign Affairs Specialist Conduct research on international policies, organize logistics for programs, prepare reports on program effectiveness, and assist in stakeholder engagement efforts. $55,000 - $80,000
GS-8 to 9 Senior Program Manager, International Affairs Advisor, Project Lead Oversee the execution of international projects, analyze data to inform strategic decisions, facilitate communication with partners, and manage project budgets and timelines. $80,000 - $110,000
GS-10 to 11 International Operations Manager, Policy Strategist, Senior Project Director Develop and implement policies regarding international cooperation, manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, analyze geopolitical trends impacting programs, and provide strategic recommendations to leadership. $110,000 - $140,000
GS-12 to 13 Director of International Programs, Global Strategy Manager, Chief of International Projects Lead large-scale international initiatives, advocate for policy changes, engage with high-level stakeholders, and direct teams of professionals across varied functions to achieve strategic goals. $140,000 - $180,000
GS-14 to 15 Vice President of Global Affairs, Senior Director of International Relations, Chief Operating Officer, International Programs Shape the organization's international strategy, establish long-term partnerships, oversee multiple departments related to international cooperation, and represent the organization in high-level meetings. $180,000 - $230,000
SES Senior Vice President of International Development, Executive Director of Global Initiatives, Chief International Officer Drive the organization's vision for global engagement, ensure compliance with international regulations, manage large teams and budgets, and influence policy at the governmental and institutional levels. $230,000 - $300,000

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.

  • • Cross-cultural communication: Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, facilitating better collaboration in international and multicultural environments.
  • • Project management: Skills in planning, executing, and overseeing projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget, applicable to various civilian project management roles.
  • • Policy analysis: Proficient in analyzing and developing policies, a valuable skill for roles in government agencies, NGOs, and private sector organizations focused on regulatory compliance and advocacy.
  • • Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills for reaching agreements or understanding between parties, useful in business contracts, conflict resolution, and diplomacy roles in the private sector.
  • • Strategic planning: Experience in developing long-term strategies for international cooperation that can translate to strategic business planning in corporations and non-profits.
  • • Networking: Ability to build and maintain professional relationships internationally, beneficial for business development and stakeholder engagement roles.
  • • Training and capacity building: Experience in designing and delivering training programs for stakeholders, which can translate to roles in corporate training and development.
  • • Research and analysis: Strong research skills to analyze data and trends impacting international cooperation that can be valuable in market research, intelligence analysis, and consulting positions.
  • • Language proficiency: Knowledge of foreign languages can enhance communication in various business environments, particularly in international trade, travel, and diplomacy.
  • • Crisis management: Skills in responding to and managing crises in international contexts, relevant to emergency management, safety, and risk assessment roles.

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.

  • Project Management Professional (PMP)

    The PMP certification signifies that the individual has the skills and knowledge to lead and direct projects, which is vital in roles tied to international cooperation, where managing multi-stakeholder projects across borders is common. This certification can enhance an applicant's credibility and showcase their ability to deliver results on time and within budget, a key advantage sought by civilian employers.

  • Certified International Trade Professional (CITP)

    The CITP certification demonstrates expertise in global trade, which is essential for professionals involved in international cooperation as it includes understanding international regulations, trade agreements, and market access strategies. Holding this certification evidences a commitment to enhancing trade relations and can be particularly attractive to companies focusing on expanding their international presence.

  • Certificate in International Relations

    This certificate provides foundational knowledge in global politics, international organizations, and diplomacy, which are critical components of a successful international cooperation role. In the civilian sector, this credential can distinguish a candidate in fields such as non-profits, governmental affairs, and international development.

  • Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Certification

    This certification equips individuals with negotiation strategies and conflict resolution skills, essential for working in international settings where diverse interests must be balanced. Civilian employers value these skills, especially in roles related to partnerships, mergers, or international diplomacy, where effective communication and problem-solving abilities are crucial.

  • Six Sigma Green Belt

    The Six Sigma Green Belt certification indicates a professional's ability to improve processes and enhance efficiency, which is highly applicable in international cooperation roles where project success may hinge on stakeholder satisfaction and resource management. This certification is highly respected in the civilian sector as businesses seek professionals who can drive operational improvements.

  • Foreign Service Institute Language Proficiency Certification

    Language proficiency is often a key asset in international cooperation roles, allowing professionals to interact effectively with diverse groups and navigate cultural nuances. Acquiring language certification from the Foreign Service Institute can significantly enhance a candidate's marketability in the civilian employment sector, particularly for positions requiring direct engagement with foreign partners.

  • Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP)

    The CGBP certification covers essential skills related to global business management, including market planning, export-import documentation, and cultural awareness, which align closely with international cooperation responsibilities. Holding this certification can differentiate professionals in competitive job markets by showcasing their ability to engage successfully in the global economy.

  • Master's Degree in International Relations or Global Studies

    A Master's degree in International Relations or Global Studies provides advanced understanding of complex international issues, theories, and practices, directly applicable to cooperation roles. This advanced degree is often preferred or required for higher-level positions in the civilian sector, making candidates with this education more competitive.

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.

  • United Nations
  • World Bank
  • International Monetary Fund (IMF)
  • International Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
  • Bilateral Aid Agencies (e.g., USAID, DFID)
  • Private Consulting Firms (focused on international development)
  • Multinational Corporations (engaged in international business)
  • Research Institutions (focused on global studies)
  • Foundations (e.g., Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
  • Think Tanks (e.g., Brookings Institution, Center for Global Development)

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.

  • Identify transferable skills such as international relations expertise, negotiation, and project management that can apply to various sectors like non-profits, NGOs, or private companies.
  • Network extensively within civilian sectors that focus on international development or cooperation to learn about opportunities and gain insights from professionals in those fields.
  • Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with international programs, partnerships, and cultural competencies that showcase your ability to work in diverse environments.
  • Consider obtaining additional certifications relevant to international relations or project management, such as PMP or PRINCE2, to enhance your professional qualifications.
  • Research potential employers thoroughly, focusing on their mission and values to better align your experience and personal interests with their organizational goals.

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 focus on global partnerships and international collaboration, driving demand for professionals with expertise in diplomacy and cross-cultural communication.
  • 📈 Expansion of international development initiatives, requiring a skilled workforce to manage projects related to sustainable development, humanitarian efforts, and economic growth.
  • 📈 Growing importance of cybersecurity and data privacy in international cooperation, leading to a need for specialists who can navigate complex regulations and protect sensitive information across borders.
  • 📈 Increased funding for global health programs, particularly in response to pandemics, which creates a demand for coordinators and analysts in international health cooperation.
  • 📈 Shift towards multilateralism, resulting in a greater emphasis on roles that facilitate cooperation among nations, international organizations, and non-governmental entities.

General Transition Advice

Transitioning from a federal GS-0136 International Cooperation role to a private sector job can be a transformative journey, full of opportunities for growth and new experiences. Here’s a comprehensive guide that outlines key mindset shifts, resume and interview tips, networking strategies, and guidance on how to effectively translate your federal experience into the language of the private sector.

Mindset Shifts

  1. Embrace Change: The private sector often operates at a different pace and with different priorities. Embrace a mindset that sees change as an opportunity for innovation and adaptability.
  2. Value of Results vs. Processes: In federal roles, processes and compliance often take precedence. In the private sector, results, impact, and client satisfaction are typically more valued. Shift your focus to how your work has led to measurable outcomes.
  3. Risk-Taking: Federal positions may encourage a more cautious approach due to bureaucracy and regulations. In contrast, the private sector often rewards calculated risks that foster innovation or drive market advantage.
  4. Collaboration Style: Expect a more dynamic and competitive environment in private industry. Cultivating collaboration with a sense of urgency can be vital. Understand that teamwork often means mobilizing quickly across different departments.

Resume Tips

  1. Translate Your Experience: Use private sector terminology to describe your federal roles. For example, instead of using "strategic planning," you might say "project management" or "business strategy development."
  2. Focus on Achievements: Quantify your accomplishments. Highlight specific outcomes of your projects rather than just listing duties. For example, mention how a program you developed increased cooperation by a certain percentage or saved resources for the agency.
  3. Use Keywords: Review job descriptions in your desired field and incorporate relevant keywords into your resume. This will align your experience with the language used in the private sector, enhancing your appeal to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
  4. Professional Formatting: Ensure your resume has a modern, clean design. Use bullet points for clarity, bold important sections, and maintain consistent formatting to improve readability.
  5. Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each position, ensuring your experiences are aligned with the requirements of the role.

Interview Tips

  1. Research the Company: Understand the company’s culture, values, and current projects. This can help you tailor your responses to demonstrate alignment with their goals.
  2. Prepare for Behavioral Interviews: Private sector interviews often use behavioral questions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, showcasing how your federal experience will translate to the role.
  3. Practice Your Pitch: Have a clear, concise summary of your background and objectives ready for your introduction. Your elevator pitch should highlight your unique qualifications for the private role.
  4. Show Enthusiasm: Demonstrate your excitement for the opportunity and the company’s mission. Enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
  5. Ask Questions: Prepare insightful questions to ask the interviewer about the company's challenges, culture, or future goals to show your genuine interest.

Networking Strategies

  1. Utilize LinkedIn: Build a robust LinkedIn profile that highlights your federal experience but also frames it in a way that would attract private sector professionals. Engage by sharing relevant articles and insights.
  2. Join Professional Organizations: Become a member of industry-specific organizations where you can meet professionals in your target sector. Attending webinars, workshops, and conferences helps build relationships.
  3. Informational Interviews: Reach out to contacts within your desired industry for informational interviews. Ask about their experiences and insights into the transition from federal to private sector jobs.
  4. Leverage Your Current Connections: Don’t hesitate to let friends, family, and former colleagues know you’re transitioning. They might connect you with opportunities or referrals.
  5. Follow Up: After meeting someone new or having an informational interview, always send a thank-you note expressing gratitude for their time and insights.

Translating Federal Experience

  1. Frame Skills in Business Terms: Identify core competencies (e.g., negotiation, stakeholder engagement, program management) and describe them through a business lens. For instance, framing conflict resolution as "conflict mediation to foster cooperative international relations" can be reframed in business terms as "negotiation and collaboration to build strategic partnerships."
  2. Highlight Transferable Skills: Focus on skills that are applicable in both sectors, such as leadership, analytical capabilities, communication skills, and project management. Emphasize how these skills can benefit prospective employers.
  3. Show Your Adaptability: Describe experiences where you adapted to new challenges or leveraged innovative solutions, as companies highly value flexibility and creativity.
  4. Cultural Awareness: Your experience in international cooperation provides a unique perspective on cross-cultural communication — frame this as an asset for organizations aiming for global outreach or diverse teams. •

    Conclusion

    Transitioning from a federal GS-0136 role to the private sector can be highly rewarding and enrich both your career and personal growth. By adopting a proactive mindset, refining your resume, preparing effectively for interviews, networking wisely, and translating your experience appropriately, you can set yourself up for success in your new career path.

Remember, this transition is not just a step into a different job; it’s an opportunity to expand your potential and take your skills to new heights. Stay positive, embrace the learning process, and you will find the right fit for your talents in the private sector.