Three years at GS-7 and I'm starting to feel like I'm in a career rut. I've consistently exceeded expectations in my current role, but promotions seem elusive. I'm eager to take on more responsibility and contribute at a higher level, but I'm not sure how to break through this ceiling.

Has anyone else experienced this at GS-7? What strategies worked for you to get promoted or find new opportunities within your agency? Should I be focusing on professional development, networking, or something else entirely?

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Posting as :
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Didn’t you post this on Reddit? 😜
If you’re capable and motivated, leave government now. Your future self will thank you

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I got my master's in public administration because I started grad school after the recession that began in late 2008. If I could have done things differently, I would have done my MBA and stayed in the private sector. I work in government now and am looking to pivot to the private sector. As USDA 1 said, take a risk and look outside.

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It never hurts to have a meeting. Other agencies may be a good idea? Keeping those government benefits toward your retirement is not the worst. One thing is positive, in the next 6 months the government will be charged.

Consider getting a Professional Engineer License or a Masters degree or moving to a different location to break through the grade you are at now.

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You must be willing to relocate and move from agency to agency. The other thing I would say is that you’ve started at a very low GS level. I would not accept anything lower than GS-9 on the next move. Also, get your PMP accreditation.

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What you talking bout bro? An Engineer??? GS-7 federal??? Jump agencies to promote, jump divisions, departments. I know a bunch of people jumping to Dept of Energy to pick up their 11s 13s. Its not you a lot of classifications lock out depending on need or lack thereof. Find out what Fed agencies need an engineer hiring at your next step!

You must move fast through the 'ranks', so to speak, or you will get stuck there. Keep going, learning, and moving. Else, you may be better off in private sector, where they appreciate STEM folks. I cannot escape my 7, and my degree is with honors. I probably had a union or lawsuit, but I am going to get on out, either grievance, lateral, back to local government. You can have a one on one chat with your supervisor, and make a IDP of where you want to grow and how to do it.

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