Landing your first instructional design job or freelance gig can feel daunting and a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the field.
This post covers eight proven strategies for finding your first job, building a portfolio, networking, and standing out to potential clients or employers.
With the right approach, you can start building a rewarding career.
Let's get started!
A strong portfolio is essential for demonstrating your capabilities to potential employers and clients.
Since instructional design is a practical, results-oriented field, hiring managers and clients want to see real examples of your work. If you’re just starting, focus on building a sample portfolio with a range of projects that highlight your skills.
Use free trials of e-learning tools to create sample projects. Offer to design short training modules for local businesses, nonprofits, or personal connections.
Complete assignments from instructional design certificate programs, such as the E-Learning Instructional Design Certificate from Oregon State University, and include them in your portfolio.
A polished portfolio helps you stand out by showing your expertise, design style, and technical abilities, making it easier to attract employers or freelance clients.
Networking is one of the most effective ways to break into instructional design.
By building relationships with others in the industry, you can learn about job opportunities, gain insights, and even find mentors who can help you navigate the early stages of your career.
Networking helps you stay informed about trends and job openings, builds relationships with industry professionals, and can provide valuable recommendations when applying for roles.
Freelance platforms offer numerous opportunities for instructional designers, especially those looking to gain experience and build their portfolios.
Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to find short-term instructional design projects and build client relationships that can lead to ongoing work.
Create a strong profile that clearly outlines your skills, tools you’re proficient in, and types of projects you specialize in.
Start with smaller gigs to gain positive reviews and build your reputation. Respond promptly to job postings and tailor your pitches to each client’s needs.
Freelance platforms provide easy access to clients and allow you to gain experience, earn income, and build a portfolio, even if you’re just starting out.
Many companies and organizations are open to hiring entry-level instructional designers.
Look for junior instructional designer or learning specialist roles, which often have fewer experience requirements and offer great opportunities to learn on the job.
Job boards make it easy to find a range of positions tailored to different experience levels, and you can filter results to find entry-level or remote roles that suit your goals.
If you’re struggling to find paid opportunities, consider volunteering or doing an internship.
Depending on your circumstance, an internship might feel like a step backward.
However, if you can make it work, interning can be a great way to get in with a great company and then you'll have the inside track for future hiring.
Nonprofits, community organizations, and local businesses may need training materials or online courses but lack the budget for full-time instructional designers.
Volunteering can provide real-world experience, expand your network, and give you projects for your portfolio.
Volunteering allows you to gain hands-on experience, build relationships, and add meaningful projects to your portfolio without the pressure of a paid role.
If you’re transitioning from another field, emphasize the transferable skills that are relevant to instructional design.
Many professionals come to instructional design with backgrounds in teaching, content creation, project management, or technology—all of which are valuable in this field.
Employers value transferable skills because they show you already have relevant experience, even if it’s from a different field.
Tailoring your resume and cover letter to highlight these skills can make you a stronger candidate.
Instructional design is a field where ongoing learning is crucial.
Taking courses or earning certifications can help you build confidence in your skills and make you more marketable to employers.
Programs that provide hands-on experience, like the E-Learning Instructional Design Certificate from Oregon State University, can be especially valuable as they equip you with real-world projects and knowledge of industry-standard tools.
Continuing to learn and expand your skill set ensures that you stay competitive and ready for new opportunities in the field.
When looking for your first role, be open to different types of positions within instructional design.
While you may prefer a full-time job, freelance or contract work can help you build experience and potentially lead to permanent roles.
Applying to a wide range of roles and considering freelance work increases your chances of finding an opportunity to gain experience and grow within the field.
Breaking into instructional design requires a blend of skill-building, networking, and perseverance.
By building a portfolio, leveraging freelance platforms, networking, and being open to volunteer work, you’ll be able to gain practical experience and make valuable connections.
Programs like the E-Learning Instructional Design Certificate from Oregon State University can provide the skills, hands-on projects, and confidence you need to start your instructional design career.
With the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to landing your first instructional design job or freelance gig, setting the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career.