Explore how your federal experience as a GAO Evaluator (GS-0347) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS 1-4 | Junior Analyst, Research Assistant, Entry-Level Evaluator, Administrative Support, Data Entry Clerk | Assist in conducting basic evaluations, compile data, manage records, and support senior teams in administrative tasks and report preparation. | $40,000 - $55,000 |
| GS 5-7 | Evaluator, Data Analyst, Research Associate, Junior Program Analyst, Performance Analyst | Conduct evaluations under supervision, analyze data trends, develop reports, and collaborate with teams on projects requiring evaluation of performance metrics. | $55,000 - $75,000 |
| GS 8-9 | Program Evaluator, Senior Analyst, Evaluation Specialist, Quality Assurance Analyst, Operational Evaluator | Design and conduct evaluations independently, assess program effectiveness, gather quantitative and qualitative data, and prepare detailed reports for management review. | $75,000 - $95,000 |
| GS 10-11 | Senior Program Evaluator, Lead Analyst, Policy Evaluator, Evaluation Manager, Special Projects Analyst | Oversee evaluation projects, mentor junior staff, apply advanced evaluation techniques, provide recommendations based on findings, and liaise with stakeholders for execution of evaluations. | $95,000 - $115,000 |
| GS 12-13 | Program Manager, Principal Evaluator, Senior Policy Analyst, Strategic Evaluation Director, Director of Evaluation Services | Lead complex evaluation projects, develop program evaluation strategies, manage budgets and project timelines, present evaluation findings to senior management, and ensure compliance with evaluation standards. | $115,000 - $140,000 |
| GS 14-15 | Director of Program Evaluation, Chief Evaluator, Senior Director of Analysis, Vice President of Evaluation Services, Executive Evaluation Consultant | Shape organizational evaluation policy, drive systematic improvements across evaluations, oversee the portfolio of programs assessed, and manage high-level stakeholder relationships. | $140,000 - $180,000 |
| SES | Senior Executive Evaluator, Chief Evaluation Officer, Senior Advisor for Evaluation, Federal Evaluation Director, Evaluation Executive | Set strategic vision for evaluations across the organization, influence policy development, represent the organization in executive settings, and ensure alignment of evaluation goals with organizational missions. | $180,000 - $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 Government Auditing Professional (CGAP)
The CGAP certification demonstrates a strong understanding of government auditing principles and practices, which is essential for an Evaluator in GAO. This credential is recognized across the civilian sector, enhancing an individual's credibility and opening doors to roles in audit and compliance within non-governmental organizations.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP certification endorses superior project management skills, which are crucial for managing evaluations and audits in various projects. This skillset is highly sought after in the civilian sector, providing an edge in roles that require effective project oversight and coordination.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
As the CIA certification focuses on internal auditing practices, it is directly applicable to roles involving evaluation and assessment of organizations' compliance and operational efficiencies. This certification is recognized globally and can enhance job prospects in private sectors that prioritize strong internal audit functions.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Lean Six Sigma methodologies are key for enhancing operational processes and efficiency, skills that are directly applicable in evaluating government programs and operations. The civilian sector values these skills for continuous improvement initiatives, positioning individuals as strong candidates for roles aimed at enhancing organizational efficiency.
Master's in Public Administration (MPA)
An MPA provides a comprehensive understanding of public sector management and policy analysis, enhancing the ability to conduct evaluations effectively. This educational background is beneficial in the civilian sector, particularly in roles that require an understanding of public policy and governance.
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
The CFE credential equips professionals with specialized knowledge in fraud detection and prevention, which is crucial in evaluating financial operations. This qualification is increasingly valued in the civilian sector, especially within industries focused on compliance and risk management.
Data Analytics and Visualization Certification (e.g., through Coursera or edX)
Data analytics and visualization skills are vital for effectively interpreting and presenting evaluation findings. In the civilian workforce, these competencies are in high demand, allowing individuals to thrive in roles that rely on data-driven decision-making.
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 job, especially in a role like a GAO Evaluator, to the private sector can seem daunting, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding journey. Here’s a comprehensive guide for making this transition successfully.
From Public Service to Corporate Environment: Understand that the corporate world often prioritizes speed, efficiency, and profitability. While you have experience in evaluating and ensuring compliance, private sector roles may emphasize results, innovation, and customer service.
Embrace a Flexible Approach: Federal roles can often be rigid in processes and policies. In the private sector, adaptability is key. Be open to change and be prepared to learn new systems, cultures, and processes.
Focus on Value Creation: Rather than seeing your role strictly as one of evaluation, think about how your skills can contribute to a company’s bottom line. Consider how evaluations drive efficiency, develop strategies, and create value.
Translate Federal Language: Convert government jargon into language that resonates with the private sector. For instance, instead of 'assessing compliance with regulations,' say 'ensured operational excellence' or 'optimized processes to enhance performance.'
Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, data evaluation, and project management. These are universally valued in any job.
Quantify Your Achievements: Use numbers to illustrate your impact. For example, “Developed evaluation processes that improved reporting efficiency by 30%” speaks more clearly to hiring managers than merely stating the responsibilities of your role.
Tailored Approach: Customize your resume for each job you apply to. Highlight experiences and skills that are most relevant to the job description. Ensure your resume is concise, typically one to two pages long, and uses bullet points for clarity.
Use the STAR Method: For behavioral interview questions, structure your responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This method helps showcase your skills and provides a clear narrative.
Prepare for Culture Fit Questions: Research the company’s culture and prepare for questions regarding your adaptability, teamwork, and alignment with the company’s values. Be ready to discuss how your federal experience can translate into their environment.
Ask Insightful Questions: Show your interest in the role and the company by preparing thoughtful questions. Ask about the company’s current challenges, strategic goals, or industry trends.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Engage in mock interviews, if possible, to build confidence. Focus on articulating your experiences clearly without resorting to acronyms or government-specific terms.
Leverage Professional Networks: Join industry groups on platforms like LinkedIn. Engage with professionals who have made similar transitions. Understanding their journeys can provide you with valuable insights.
Conduct Informational Interviews: Reach out to people in roles you're interested in and ask for 15-20 minute informational interviews. This not only helps you learn about the industry but also builds your network.
Attend Industry Events: Participate in workshops, conferences, and networking events related to your desired field. This is an excellent way to meet potential employers and learn more about industry trends.
Reconnect with Former Colleagues: Use your existing network, including former colleagues in the federal sector and alumni from your school. They may have leads or advice on transitioning to the private sector.
Use Industry Keywords: Review job postings in your target industry and identify commonly used keywords. Incorporate these into your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Focus on Outcomes: Shift the narrative from your process-oriented federal duties to the outcomes achieved. Explain not just what you did but the positive impact it had on stakeholders.
Showcase Soft Skills: Qualities such as leadership, communication, and teamwork often resonate well with private sector employers. Illustrating how you coordinated with teams, managed conflicts, or presented findings powerfully conveys your capability.
Rethink Your Job Descriptions: Instead of stating, "Performed audits and evaluations," you might say, "Led comprehensive analyses that informed strategic decisions enhancing operational performance across departments."
Transitioning to the private sector is a journey that requires planning and perseverance, but your background as a GAO Evaluator equips you with numerous skills that are in high demand. Focus on the adaptability and relevance of your experiences, leverage your network, and actively seek opportunities to learn and grow. Remember that many others have made this transition successfully, and with the right mindset and strategies, you can too. Good luck!