Are you interested in making a career shift to instructional design?
With the growing demand for e-learning and corporate training, instructional design has become a great option if you want to combine creativity, technology, and education.
Whether you’re coming from teaching, corporate training, or another profession, transitioning to instructional design is achievable with the right plan and resources.
Here’s an eight-step guide to help you make the transition.
Before diving into a career transition, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of what instructional designers do.
Instructional designers are responsible for creating learning experiences that help people acquire new skills and knowledge.
They use a mix of learning theories, technology, and design principles to create courses, training materials, and e-learning modules that engage and educate.
Familiarizing yourself with these responsibilities helps you understand the skills you’ll need to develop to be successful in the field.
One of the best ways to approach a career transition is to assess the skills you already have that are relevant to instructional design.
Many professionals have transferable skills that make the switch to instructional design easier.
Identifying your transferable skills allows you to focus on areas where you’re already strong, making it easier to start developing your instructional design skill set.
To excel in instructional design, it’s essential to understand learning theories and instructional design models. Familiarity with these frameworks will help you create courses that are not only engaging but also grounded in effective teaching practices.
Consider enrolling in an instructional design certificate program, like the E-Learning Instructional Design Certificate from Oregon State University, to gain structured learning on these models.
Explore free online resources and books on instructional design, such as "The Systematic Design of Instruction" by Dick, Carey, and Carey, or "Design for How People Learn" by Julie Dirksen.
A strong understanding of instructional design theories enables you to build learning experiences that are effective and grounded in best practices.
E-learning instructional design relies on a variety of software and tools to create and deliver content.
Knowing how to use popular authoring tools, graphic design programs, and LMS platforms can make you more attractive to potential employers.
Below is a brief list of tools, and we also have a robust post titled "What Software and Tools Should I Learn to Become an Instructional Designer" that covers all the main tools.
Experiment with free trials of popular tools or find introductory tutorials on platforms like YouTube or LinkedIn Learning.
Consider completing a certificate program that offers hands-on experience with these tools, which provides practical knowledge that’s immediately applicable to real-world projects.
Mastering these tools will help you create professional, interactive, and visually engaging courses that meet the standards of today’s instructional design industry.
A portfolio is essential for showcasing your skills as an instructional designer.
Potential employers and clients want to see examples of your work to understand your design style, technical ability, and knowledge of instructional design principles.
Start with small projects or volunteer to help friends or colleagues create training materials. Use assignments from an instructional design course to populate your portfolio with real-world projects.
Consider publishing your work on portfolio websites like Behance or using a personal website to showcase your skills.
A portfolio helps you stand out to hiring managers by demonstrating your ability to apply instructional design concepts in real-world scenarios.
Networking is invaluable when transitioning to a new career. Building connections within the instructional design community can open doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable advice.
Networking helps you stay informed about the latest trends, job openings, and tools in instructional design, making your transition smoother and more successful.
Freelance or contract work is an excellent way to build experience, especially when transitioning from another field.
Many instructional designers start by taking on small projects to gain hands-on experience and build their portfolios.
Practical experience will make you more marketable to employers and give you valuable insight into the demands of the field, building your confidence as you transition to a full-time instructional design role.
Once you’ve developed your skills, built a portfolio, and gained some experience, it’s time to start applying for jobs.
Many organizations, including universities, corporations, and nonprofits, look for instructional designers to create effective training and e-learning materials.
We also have a full post titled "How Do I Find My First Instructional Design Job or Freelance Gig?" that goes deeper into tips for finding your first job.
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your instructional design skills and relevant experience. Include links to your portfolio to showcase your projects and skills.
Be prepared to discuss specific instructional design theories, tools, and processes you’ve used in past projects.
Applying for roles that match your skills and interests will help you transition smoothly into a career in instructional design, setting you up for long-term success.
Transitioning to instructional design is an exciting journey that combines creativity, education, and technology.
By developing the right skills, building a portfolio, and gaining practical experience, you can successfully make the switch and find rewarding opportunities in this in-demand field.
If you’re ready to accelerate your transition, consider enrolling in a structured program like the E-Learning Instructional Design Certificate from Oregon State University.
This type of program offers hands-on training and insights into industry-standard tools and practices, helping you build the foundation you need to thrive in instructional design.