Hello All, I'm currently the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for a DoD installation. I'm considering whether to stay DoD or go private sector. I see the dollar potential, and it's substantial. I've got about 4 years in federal service, so not a deep commitment yet. My question is more of a polling, would you test the waters in the private sector or stay the DoD course as a GS13, I'm mid 30’s (age) so my internal clock is killing me Thanks, looking forward to the opinions. S/
Vonnell, A couple of thoughts: 1. You might have more security with a government job, though even government jobs are probably not as secure as they used to be. 2. Get yourself nominated for DLAMP. Your Uncle Sam will pay for more graduate education and you might have the opportunity to become an SESer.
Great Input Charles, Awesome idea, I've been thinking of that also. I wanted to finish my master to look better qualified to enter the program. Now that I've finished, I will attempt to apply. There are a couple of additional programs for the GS12-15 range that I'm going to look into also. Thanks for the suggestion. http://www.cpms.osd.mil/dlamp/ http://www.opm.gov/ses/fedcdp/ s/
Vonnell, The only answer I can give you is: it depends. First, what do you think about your prospective private sector employer? Besides the money potential, would you like the corporate culture? Would you like what you would be doing? Do you think highly of this company? If any of these answers are no, you should think seriously before making the jump. I know money is a great incentive. But, you've got to look past money as a reason for switching. The only words of wisdom I can offer is to think about your happiness. If you have a good gut feeling about your prospective private sector employer, my advice is to test the waters. If you have a bade feeling, you should stay put for the meantime.
Hi vonell: You would have more job security in the public sector. Sometimes the extra money you can make in the private sector is not worth it because the jobs last six months or a year then end. When you factor in what you make with the government, remember to add in your pension, health benefits, paid time off, etc. Many of these benefits are becoming non existant in the private sector, therefore, the up front money may not be as much as one would think. It is your decision and I wish you the best. Abner
Government tends to be much slower and less challenging IMO. Civilian sector deals with more bleeding edge technology and requirements. The DoD does have an endless budget. You also get that feeling that you are helping your country if you are the patriotic type. You could have the best of both world working for a company that services the DoD and private sector. The money is better on the civilian side.
