Explore how your federal experience as a History (GS-0170) 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 | Research Assistant, Junior Historian, Data Analyst | Assist in gathering, organizing, and analyzing historical data; support senior historians in research projects and documentation; prepare summaries and reports; engage in archival work. | $35,000 - $50,000 |
| 5-7 | Historian, Content Specialist, Cultural Resource Manager | Conduct thorough research on historical topics; write detailed analyses and reports; contribute to the development of exhibits or educational materials; liaise with other departments to ensure accurate representation of historical data. | $50,000 - $70,000 |
| 8-9 | Senior Historian, Curator, Project Manager - Historical Research | Lead research projects and manage timelines; mentor junior staff; design and implement educational programs or public outreach; collaborate with external stakeholders to promote historical initiatives. | $70,000 - $90,000 |
| 10-11 | Project Director - History, Senior Cultural Resource Specialist, Director of Historical Programs | Oversee large-scale historical research projects; manage budgets and resources; develop strategic initiatives for historical interpretation; represent the organization at conferences and public engagements. | $90,000 - $120,000 |
| 12-13 | Chief Historian, Vice President of History Programs, Director of Historical Research | Set organizational goals and strategies related to historical research; supervise multiple projects and research teams; establish partnerships with academic institutions; engage with policymakers on historical preservation matters. | $120,000 - $150,000 |
| 14-15 | Executive Director of Historical Society, Senior Vice President of Heritage Division, Chief Cultural Officer | Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for all historical initiatives; oversee the implementation of policies relating to historical preservation; engage with board members and stakeholders to promote organizational objectives. | $150,000 - $200,000 |
| SES | Senior Executive Historian, Director General of History and Culture, Chief Strategy Officer for Historical Affairs | Lead and influence national historical strategies; represent the organization at the highest levels; allocate substantial resources toward historical initiatives; drive cultural programming and historical education policy. | $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 Archivist (CA)
This certification demonstrates expertise in archival science, which is valuable for positions that involve preserving historical documents and artifacts. In the civilian sector, having the CA credential can set candidates apart for roles in museums, libraries, and cultural heritage organizations where archival skills are crucial.
Certified Records Manager (CRM)
The CRM certification focuses on effective records management practices, essential for handling and organizing historical records. Civilians with this certification can attract employers looking for professionals who can ensure compliance with information governance and manage historical records efficiently.
Digital Archives Specialist (DAS)
The DAS program prepares individuals to manage digital records and archives, a growing area in history-related fields. This certification enhances job prospects in the civilian sector, particularly in organizations transitioning to digital technologies for preserving and sharing historical resources.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Although not history-specific, the PMP certification demonstrates strong project management skills, making candidates more competitive for leadership roles in history-related projects. This is especially beneficial in the civilian workforce, where managing large historical projects and collections often involves interdisciplinary teamwork and strict deadlines.
Public History Certificate
A Public History certificate emphasizes the application of historical skills in public settings such as museums, historic sites, and community organizations. This credential enhances job prospects by equipping candidates with the necessary skills to engage the public and present historical narratives effectively, which is increasingly important in civilian roles.
Master's in History or Museum Studies
A relevant master's degree provides a deep understanding of historical research and methodologies essential for advanced roles in historical organizations. This educational background offers candidates a competitive edge for positions that require a higher level of expertise in history and its applications in public history and curation.
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-0170 History Role to Private Sector
Making the leap from a federal GS-0170 History role to a private sector job can feel challenging but is also an exciting opportunity for growth—and with the right strategies, it can be a smooth transition. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this shift successfully, covering mindset, resume building, interviews, networking, and translating your experience.
Embrace Flexibility: Federal jobs often come with structured procedures and regulations. In the private sector, particularly in more dynamic industries, flexibility and adaptability are key. Be ready to embrace a faster pace and a less rigid work environment.
Value-Driven Contribution: Understand that private sector employers are highly focused on the bottom line and outcomes. They want to see how you can contribute to their goals, whether that’s through efficiency, innovation, or enhancing profitability. Shift your perspective to ensure that you present your experiences in terms of measurable outcomes and impact.
Performance over Process: In the federal world, adherence to process is crucial. However, in the private sector, results matter more. Frame your history role experiences around the outcomes of your projects rather than the tasks or processes followed.
Start with a Strong Summary: Your resume should include a summary statement that captures not just your job title but your core skills and what you are looking for next. Tailor it to the types of positions you are seeking in the private sector.
Use Quantifiable Achievements: Go beyond listing your duties. Introduce quantifiable metrics whenever possible. Instead of “developed historical reports,” try “produced over 50 comprehensive historical reports that informed policy decisions affecting $5 million in federal funding.”
Translate Your Terminology: Convert federal jargon into language that is accessible to recruiters in the private sector. For example, instead of using terms like "budget management," refer to it as "financial oversight" or "resource allocation."
Highlight Transferable Skills: Focus on transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, research, analysis, and team leadership. These skills are valuable in virtually every industry.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Many private sector interviews focus on behavioral questions. Prepare examples that demonstrate how you approached challenges, led projects, and produced results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
Demonstrate Adaptability: Emphasize instances where you've adapted your communication or working style to meet changing needs, particularly as history can often entail dealing with various stakeholders.
Ask Insightful Questions: Demonstrate your interest and research by asking thoughtful questions about the company, its culture, and how your role would contribute to achieving business goals.
Leverage LinkedIn: Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your transition goals, emphasizing skills and experiences that align with the private sector. Start connecting with former federal employees who made similar transitions, as they can provide valuable insights.
Attend Industry Events: Join professional organizations and attend industry conferences or networking events relevant to your desired field. This does two things: it builds your network and helps you learn more about how other professionals discuss their work outside the federal realm.
Informational Interviews: Conduct informational interviews with professionals in your target industry to gain insights and advice. Not only does this expand your network, but it also helps you understand the language and expectations in your target field.
Volunteer or Freelance: If possible, try volunteering or taking on freelance projects in the private sector. This not only provides experience but also expands your network and helps you build a private sector resume.
Focus on Impactful Communicative Projects: If you led projects that required you to communicate findings or advocate for changes based on historical data, frame these projects as instances of strategic communication and stakeholder engagement.
Highlight Relevant Technologies and Processes: If your work involved any specific technologies or methodologies that can be found in the private sector, mention them explicitly. If you've managed databases, digital archives, or platforms such as GIS, detail your experience with these as relevant technical skills.
Industry Research: Understand the industry jargon specific to the field you are transitioning into and align your experience with it. Research job descriptions in that domain and adjust your resume and conversation accordingly.
Transitioning from the federal sector to private sector roles is not just a move; it’s a new chapter full of potential and opportunities. Embrace the change, use your unique background to your advantage, and remember that various skills you’ve acquired in your history role are extremely valuable in the marketplace. With a positive mindset and strategic planning, you will be well-prepared to make this significant transition successfully.