Explore how your federal experience as a Cybersecurity Architecture (For DHS use only) (GS-2220) 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 Security Analyst, IT Support Specialist, Cybersecurity Technician | Assist in monitoring and maintaining security systems and protocols, resolve basic technical issues, and provide support for more advanced cybersecurity efforts under supervision. | $45,000 - $60,000 |
| 5-7 | Information Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Consultant, Network Security Engineer | Implement security measures, conduct vulnerability assessments, assist in developing cybersecurity strategies, and analyze security incidents to mitigate risks. | $65,000 - $85,000 |
| 8-9 | Cybersecurity Architect, Security Operations Manager, IT Risk Manager | Design security architectures for systems and networks, oversee the implementation of security protocols, and lead incident response efforts to safeguard organizational assets. | $90,000 - $120,000 |
| 10-11 | Senior Cybersecurity Architect, Lead Security Consultant, Cybersecurity Program Manager | Develop comprehensive security policies, manage security teams, coordinate with stakeholders on risk mitigation strategies, and stay abreast of emerging threats. | $125,000 - $160,000 |
| 12-13 | Cybersecurity Director, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Vice President of Information Security | Establish and direct strategic security initiatives, oversee budget management for security programs, cultivate relationships with law enforcement and governmental agencies for compliance, and ensure alignment with business objectives. | $165,000 - $210,000 |
| 14-15 | Chief Security Officer, Global Cybersecurity Strategist, Senior Vice President of Cybersecurity | Lead organization-wide security strategy, represent the firm in external security partnerships and forums, oversee incidents at the enterprise level, and ensure regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions. | $215,000 - $300,000 |
| SES | Senior Executive Service Cybersecurity Advisor, Federal Cybersecurity Executive, Cybersecurity Policy Executive | Drive national cybersecurity policy and strategy, manage large-scale cybersecurity operations, allocate resources efficiently, and engage in high-level security negotiations with key stakeholders. | $300,000 - $400,000 |
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 Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP certification is a globally recognized credential in the field of information security and demonstrates a professional's knowledge and experience in managing and designing cybersecurity programs. Obtaining this certification showcases a deep understanding of cybersecurity frameworks and practices, which is attractive to civilian employers looking for qualified candidates to protect their information systems.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
CISM is designed for individuals who manage, design, oversee, and assess an enterprise's information security program. This certification emphasizes the governance and risk management aspects crucial for cybersecurity architecture roles, making candidates more appealing to organizations seeking leaders in security management.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The CISA certification validates expertise in auditing, control, and security of information systems and is essential for individuals responsible for assessing an organization’s information security framework. This credential equips candidates with critical skills in evaluating system integrity, which is increasingly important to employers who want to mitigate risks associated with cybersecurity.
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ offers a foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles, making it an excellent starting point for those entering the field. This certification demonstrates competence in essential security concepts and could make candidates more attractive to entry-level positions in cybersecurity within civilian organizations.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
The CEH certification focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to protect against various cyber threats by thinking like a hacker. Civilian employers value this certification as it signifies that the candidate possesses practical strategies to identify vulnerabilities in systems.
Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
This certification provides knowledge on security operations and incident response, which are crucial for protecting an organization’s digital assets. Companies seek professionals with the skills identified in this certification to bolster their cybersecurity teams and improve response times during security incidents.
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
GSEC focuses on security-related tasks and provides a broad understanding of security concepts, principles, and applications. By earning this certification, candidates can demonstrate their competence in hands-on security tasks and their ability to communicate technical security issues effectively.
Security Certified Network Specialist (SCNS)
The SCNS certification emphasizes securing networks and typically covers essential components of network security. Knowledge in networking and security can give individuals an upper hand when applying for roles that require an understanding of how to secure networks in a civilian context.
AWS Certified Security – Specialty
As more organizations migrate to cloud environments, this certification validates knowledge of securing AWS platforms and managing risks associated with cloud services. This credential can enhance a candidate’s profile significantly, as many companies are looking for expertise in cloud security.
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Pursuing a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity provides an in-depth education on advanced cybersecurity principles, methodologies, and strategic management. This advanced educational credential is often preferred by employers for senior cybersecurity roles, giving candidates a strong competitive edge in the civilian workforce.
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-2220 Cybersecurity Architecture position at the Department of Homeland Security to a private sector job can present both challenges and opportunities. This journey not only involves a change in job environment but also a shift in mindset, communication style, and professional networking. Here, we’ll explore crucial strategies to facilitate this transition effectively.
The private sector often operates differently than federal agencies. Expect a more fast-paced, results-oriented environment where decisions are made quicker and adaptability is valued. Instead of a strict adherence to protocols, you'll find innovation and agility are often prioritized. This requires you to shift your mindset from compliance-focused to opportunity-focused, where you actively seek solutions rather than simply following procedures.
In a federal role, success might be measured by adherence to processes. In the private sector, it’s crucial to articulate how your actions result in tangible business outcomes. Emphasize your role in projects that enhanced security posture, reduced risks, or contributed to organizational objectives. Frame your experience in a way that highlights the impact on the organization's bottom line.
Federal job titles and duties might be familiar to you but might not resonate with hiring managers in the private sector. Translate your experience using terminology and concepts that are common in the commercial sector. For example, replace "compliance" with "risk management" or "security posture" with "cyber resilience."
Quantify your achievements where possible. Use metrics to allow your potential employers to understand your value. For example, if you implemented a security measure that reduced incidents by a certain percentage, state that clearly. Use bullet points to highlight:
Make your resume concise, ideally one page for early-career professionals and two pages maximum for more extensive experience. Maintain a clean format, use legible fonts, and section your information clearly. Ensure that sections include a summary statement, skills, professional experience, education, and certifications.
Employers are increasingly using behavioral interview questions to gauge candidates. Be prepared to answer questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Frame your experience around specific challenges you faced in your federal role and how you successfully navigated them.
In addition to technical expertise, employers look for soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and adaptability. Prepare examples that showcase these qualities. For instance, discuss how you collaborated with multidisciplinary teams during cybersecurity initiatives.
To demonstrate your interest, ask questions that reflect your understanding of the company's challenges and your eagerness to solve them. For example, “What are the main cybersecurity challenges the organization is facing today?” or “How does the company prioritize different cybersecurity initiatives?”
Create a solid LinkedIn presence. Update your profile to accurately reflect your skills and experiences, and include keywords relevant to the cybersecurity roles you’re targeting. Engage with posts, share industry insights, and connect with professionals from companies of interest.
Seek out cybersecurity conferences, career fairs, and workshops. Networking in person can really enhance connections. Join discussions, introduce yourself, and exchange contact details. Most importantly, have a clear elevator pitch ready about who you are and what you bring to the table.
Consider joining professional organizations such as ISACA, (ISC)², or the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA). These organizations often provide access to job boards, training, certifications, and networking opportunities that could lead to job referrals.
Analyze your job description and highlight skills that are directly applicable to private sector roles. Skills like risk assessment, incident response, and familiarity with security tools and frameworks (like NIST, CIS, etc.) are relevant in both federal and private cybersecurity environments.
When applying for jobs, carefully read job descriptions and use the same language to describe your qualifications. This helps to demonstrate that you have the desired experience and skills.
The private sector values professionals committed to staying current with evolving technologies. Show your dedication to professional development by listing recent certifications or courses related to cybersecurity (CISSP, CISM, etc.) and any ongoing training.
Transitioning from a federal cybersecurity position to the private sector is an exciting challenge that allows you to apply your skills in new and impactful ways. By adjusting your mindset, tailoring your resume, mastering interview techniques, strategically networking, and effectively communicating your transferable skills, you will not only position yourself as a strong candidate but also enrich your professional journey in the private sector. Embrace this change with a positive attitude, and know that your federal experience equips you with invaluable insight and expertise that the private sector desperately needs. Best of luck on your transition!