Moving from the public sector to the private sector is less like changing jobs and more like changing time zones. ⏩ The work may look similar on paper, but the pace, language, priorities and culture can feel very different. Many IT professionals make the move successfully, especially as federal agencies reduce contractor spend and private employers look for people with strong governance and delivery experience.
Here is what changes, what transfers and how to make the move smoothly.
What changes
- Pace. Decisions are often faster, with fewer layers of approval. Things can also change direction quickly.
- Measures of success. Revenue, customers, margin and speed to market matter more than policy outcomes and ministerial priorities.
- Pay structure. Bands are less rigid, bonuses are more common and negotiation is expected.
- Job security. Roles can change faster with business conditions, and restructures happen more often.
- Culture. Some private organisations are less hierarchical, others more commercial or competitive.
- Language. Fewer acronyms about government process, more about customers and products.
What transfers well
- Governance and risk management. Banks, insurers and utilities are heavily regulated and value this.
- Stakeholder management across complex structures
- Security and privacy awareness, especially with clearances
- Large program delivery experience
- Procurement and vendor management
- Writing and briefing skills
Sectors that value government experience
| Sector | Why they value it |
|---|---|
| Banking and insurance | Regulation, risk, compliance and large programs |
| Utilities and energy | Critical infrastructure, security, regulation |
| Health | Privacy, complex stakeholders, public funding |
| Defence industry | Clearances and government customers |
| Consulting and SIs | Understanding how government buys and delivers |
| Universities | Governance, public funding, large systems |
Sell it in plain language
Drop the acronyms and focus on outcomes: users served, money saved, risks avoided, systems delivered. For example, instead of “Led ICT capability uplift under the agency’s digital strategy”, try “Led a team of eight to modernise systems used by 3,000 staff, reducing outages by 40%.”
Prepare for the interview
- Research the company’s products, customers and competitors
- Be ready to talk about speed and commercial outcomes
- Show you can make decisions with incomplete information
- Ask about how decisions are made and how success is measured
Negotiating your package
Private sector packages vary widely. Compare base salary, super, bonuses, leave, flexibility and training budgets. Do not assume your APS level maps neatly to a private sector salary. Ask your recruiter for market data. See negotiating your salary.
Common surprises
- Less formal documentation and more verbal decisions
- Budgets that can change mid-year
- Faster expectations for delivery
- More direct feedback
A real-world example
A former EL1 program manager moved to an insurer’s transformation team. She found decisions moved faster but with less documentation. By keeping her strong governance habits and adapting her communication to be shorter and more commercial, she became the go-to person for regulatory programs within a year.
Your first 90 days in the private sector
- Learn the commercial model: how the company makes money and what keeps executives awake
- Map stakeholders: who makes decisions and how
- Deliver a quick win to build credibility
- Adapt your communication: shorter updates, clearer recommendations
- Keep your strengths: governance and risk thinking are valuable, just apply them pragmatically
Should you go back?
Some people move to the private sector and later return to government, often at a higher level, bringing commercial experience with them. Career paths are rarely one-way. Keep your network warm in both worlds.
How a recruiter helps
A recruiter who works with both public and private sector clients can translate your experience, suggest suitable employers and help you negotiate a fair package.
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to move from government IT to the private sector?
Not usually. Governance, delivery and stakeholder skills transfer well. The main adjustment is pace and commercial focus.
Will I earn more in the private sector?
Often, especially with bonuses, but compare the full package including super, leave and security.
How do I explain APS levels to private employers?
Describe your responsibilities, team size, budget and outcomes rather than relying on the level name.
👉 Ready for your next move? Browse open IT jobs or register your CV and a Zone IT recruiter will be in touch.
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