Thinking about becoming an Instructional Designer (ID) but have no idea how to get started? Instructional Design is a field that is high in demand, very flexible, highly lucrative, and provides you with a great work-life balance (say bye to being overworked and underpaid)! Join Jill Davidian, 21-year corporate Instructional Design veteran and host of Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career! Jill has worked in many different industries including finance, health care, oil and gas, manufacturing, and even with the United Nations. She has helped over 500 new Instructional Designers launch their ID careers with corporate giants like Google and Amazon, as well as smaller companies. Each week she brings real talk, advice and inspiration, and interviews to help budding IDs stand out from the crowd and get that first job. Whether you are trying to figure out if Instructional Design is right for you, or you are ready to create a portfolio and rework your resume, you are in the right place to jumpstart your Instructional Design career.
You know you need to have a portfolio, but what the heck do you put in it? The truth is, if you're not already an experienced ID, you'll have to start from scratch.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Resources and Links Mentioned:
Listen to the episodes:
Download your free design document template
Connect with Jill
Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
Have you started the hunt for a corporate instructional design position? Finding your first ID job can be overwhelming and confusing, especially with the various titles that pop up when searching online job platforms. In this episode, I'm discussing what to search for when looking for a job in corporate instructional design.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Resources and Links Mentioned:
Sign up for theApplied Instructional Design Academy
Listen to the episode, Articulate Storyline vs. Rise
Listen to the episode, How the Instructional Design Process is Like Building a House
Connect with Jill
Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
Is the current economy making you hesitant to start your career in instructional design? Despite the possibility of a recession, the eLearning industry is booming - and I'll tell you why.
In this episode, I'm shedding light on why the instructional design industry is recession-proof, so you can feel more at ease as you embark on or continue your journey in corporate instructional design.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
How well do you handle constructive criticism? While receiving feedback can be scary and deflating, it's critical to the instructional design process.
In this episode, I discuss how proper feedback will set you up for success as a new instructional designer.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Resources and Links Mentioned:
Sign up for the Applied Instructional Design Academy
Listen to the episode, How the Instructional Design Process is Like Building a House
Listen to the episode, Understanding the SAM Framework and How it Compares to ADDIE
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
You've been assigned your first ID project. Now what? First, you'll want to establish the project's direction and develop the learning solution. To do this, you'll conduct a kickoff meeting.
In this episode, I'm reviewing instructional design project kickoff meetings and what you can expect during the process. You'll learn the details of your role in these meetings and the critical questions you should ask to ensure a confident start to your project.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Resources and Links Mentioned:Join us this weekend, May 20th and 21st, for a binge-watching session to catch up on our workshop's amazing videos! See you in the Facebook Group
Sign up for theApplied Instructional Design Academy
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
In this episode, I'm reviewing the hiring process for corporate instructional design. We'll go through each phase of the process and what happens after receiving an offer so that you can level set your expectations as you apply and work to get your first job in corporate ID.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Resources and Links Mentioned:
Sign up for theApplied Instructional Design Academy
Connect with Jill:
Facebook Group
Website
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
How long does it take to become an instructional designer? Transitioning careers requires thoughtful planning, especially if you have a time-bound job like teaching.
In this episode, I'm discussing the timeline of becoming an instructional designer. You'll learn the three phases of the transition process and what you need to consider when preparing for your career change to have as smooth of a transition as possible.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Mentioned Episodes
What is an Instructional Design Portfolio?
Should I Get a Master's Degree in Instructional Design?
Questions to Ask When Considering an Instructional Design Academy
Software Programs You Need to Learn to Get an ID Job
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
Are you thinking about joining an instructional design academy? Instructional design programs will help you develop the practical skills needed to build your portfolio and stand out in the industry. But with multiple academies to choose from, how do you know which one, if any, is best for you?
In this episode, I'm sharing the questions to consider when choosing an instructional design academy.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Resources and Links Mentioned:
Sign up for my free 5-day workshop
Sign up for theApplied Instructional Design Academy
Related Episodes:
Should I Get a Master's Degree in Instructional Design?
What is an Instructional Design Portfolio?
Ed Tech, Higher Ed, and Corporate IDs: What's the Difference?
Articulate Storyline vs. Rise
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
Should you get a master's degree in instructional design? While having a degree can look good on paper, if you're planning to go into corporate ID, then a master's degree may not be the best option.
In this episode, I'm going over why you don't need a master's degree to succeed in corporate instructional design. I'll share the pros and cons of having a degree and what you should do instead to land your first job.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Resources and Links Mentioned:
Sign up for my free 5-day workshop - Get the Roadmap for Your Instructional Design Career
Learn more about theApplied Instructional Design Academy
Listen to Ed Tech, Higher Ed, and Corporate IDs - What's the Difference?
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
When you’re just starting in corporate instructional design, having a portfolio is crucial to help you stand out, but nothing compares to having experience with an actual client. So how do you get this experience if you’ve never had a job in the field?
In this episode, we’re going over how to use volunteer projects to gain experience in corporate instructional design. I’ll share the benefits of completing a volunteer project, how to find these opportunities, and what to do once you get it.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Mentioned Resources:
Applied Instructional Design AcademyWhat is an Instructional Design Portfolio
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
How do you get hired as an instructional designer for the first time without any formal experience? You may be looking at job postings, seeing hundreds of applications, and thinking there is no way to compete with everyone. But the truth is, most people applying for jobs in instructional design will never be hired simply because they aren’t doing the prep work.
Top reasons to listen:
Full Show Notes Here!
Mentioned Resources and LinksFree 5-Day Instructional Design Jumpstart Workshop - Monday, April 17th
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
The two most-used eLearning development tools in corporate instructional design are Articulate Storyline and Articulate Rise. While both tools come from the same company, they have quite a few distinctions and serve very different purposes.
In this episode, we’re comparing Articulate Storyline and Rise. You’ll learn the primary purpose of each program, the learning curves, and other significant differences so that you can feel confident deciding which tool to use for your first project.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Resources and Links Mentioned:
Sign up for the Applied Instructional Design Academy
Listen to my episode on Software Programs You Need to Learn
Check out some portfolio samples
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
As instructional designers, we have the unique advantage of submitting portfolios to potential employers - yes, advantage! While it may seem daunting to create, a portfolio allows us to showcase our skills and is especially important when you’re just starting in the field.
In this episode, I’m reviewing why you need a portfolio as a new corporate instructional designer. I’ll share the benefits of having a portfolio and how to use a portfolio to prove your skills and get hired.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Resources and Links Mentioned:
Sign up for the Applied Instructional Design Academy
Listen to my episode on choosing a topic for your portfolio
Listen to my episode on software programs
Listen to How the ID Process is Like Building a House
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
You may already be familiar with the ADDIE corporate ID framework, but what about the SAM model? As you begin to apply for jobs, it’s crucial to understand both frameworks. Learning these methods is fundamental to corporate instructional design, and as you grow into your career, it will provide an excellent jumping-off point to develop your own methods and preferred practices.
In this episode, we’re exploring the differences between the ADDIE and SAM models, and how they’re applied to real-world projects.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Resources and Links Mentioned:
Check out The Ultimate Guide to Becoming an Instructional Designer
Read the book Leaving ADDIE for SAM by Michael Allen
Listen to my episode on the ADDIE model
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
Do you need to buy a new computer to learn the programs for corporate instructional design work? The short answer: no! But you do need to ensure your computer has the appropriate specs to set you up for success when you’re first learning and beyond.
In this episode, I’m reviewing the computer requirements for corporate ID work. I’ll share what computer systems and specs you need while learning instructional design and eLearning development and what happens after you secure a job or contract.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Resources and Links Mentioned:
Sign up for the Applied Instructional Design Academy
Listen to Software Programs You Need to Learn to Get an ID Job
Listen to Full-Time vs. Contract Instructional Design Work
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
Job postings for corporate ID positions often include a laundry list of tools and software. As someone new to the field, it’s hard to know which programs are essential. Reading the job descriptions can be overwhelming, and you may think you’ll never be able to learn all of these programs. The good news is you don’t have to!
In this episode, I’m going over the software programs you must learn to be hired as a corporate instructional designer or eLearning developer. I’ll explain why job descriptions are often inaccurate, which tools are the most important to learn, and the supplementary programs that can make you more marketable.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Resources and Links Mentioned:
Sign up for the Applied Instructional Design Academy
Listen to my episode on The Different Types of Learning Delivery Methods
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
Understanding the various training delivery methods we design and develop as corporate instructional designers is crucial. This knowledge allows you to decide which modalities you may want to focus on as a corporate ID and determine the proper delivery methods for the learning you’re designing. In this episode, we’re exploring the different learning delivery methods in corporate instructional design.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Resources and Links Mentioned:
Preregister for the Instructional Design Jumpstart Workshop
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
With layoffs being a major headline in the news, you’re probably questioning if now is really the best time to transition into a corporate career. It’s natural to be hesitant about making such a big decision, and especially scary when considering the current state of our economy.
In this episode, I’m sharing my thoughts on the recent layoffs and what this means for those transitioning into corporate ID. I’ll share my experience navigating through the 2008-2009 recession and shed light on this discouraging situation, so you can feel reassured there is no better time than now to start your career in corporate instructional design.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
What’s the difference between full-time and contract work in corporate instructional design? Many people don’t realize the variety of opportunities available in the field of corporate ID or that it’s not a requirement to work 40 hours a week if you don’t want to. A huge advantage of being a corporate instructional designer is the ability to choose the type of work that matches your career goals and lifestyle. In this episode, we’re exploring full-time vs. contract work in corporate instructional design.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
The design document is a key component of the instructional design process, and it’s important to understand its significance before starting your career in corporate ID. You’ll not only need to have a sample in your portfolio, but you’ll need to be able to discuss this deliverable during interviews to demonstrate your understanding of the ID process.
In this episode, we’re learning how to write a design document. We’re discussing in detail what it is, how it’s used, and most importantly, how to create one so that you can feel confident when it’s time to create your first design document!
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Mentioned Resources:
Episode 2: How the Instructional Design Process is Like Building a House
Episode 7: Choosing a Topic for Your First eLearning Sample for Your Portfolio
Design Document Template
5-Day Workshop
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of creating a portfolio? While it may seem daunting, a portfolio is an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills to potential employers, especially when you’re new. We’re discussing how to choose a topic for your first eLearning portfolio sample that will help you stand out and which topics you should avoid. This episode is for you if you want to get out of paralysis mode and take action!
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Mentioned Resources:
Go Design Something
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
What does a corporate instructional designer do in the day-to-day? As a full-time or contract ID, you can expect similar job duties with several subtle differences. In this episode, we’re discussing the common activities of a corporate instructional designer. You’ll gain further insight into the role so you can better understand if this career is right for you.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Mentioned Resources:
Episode 4: Ed Tech, Higher Ed, and Corporate ID - What's the difference?
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
Are you a teacher struggling to get a job in corporate instructional design? Whether you’ve already been applying or you’re just getting started - this episode is for you! Teachers have an incredible skillset for corporate instructional design, but it’s imperative to have an optimized resume for the industry. In this episode, we’re exploring how to translate your teaching skills for a career in corporate ID.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Mentioned Resources:
Episode 2: How the Instructional Design Process is like Building a House
Episode 4: Ed Tech, Higher Ed, and Corporate IDs - What's the difference?
Resume Rewrite Guide
Articulate 360 License Giveaway
Instructional Design Jumpstart Workshop
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
What type of instructional design should you pursue? If you’re unsure what options there are, this episode is for you! While this podcast specifically focuses on corporate, it’s important to understand all three avenues of instructional design so you can decide which path is best for you, and tailor your portfolio, resume, and interviewing skills to match.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Mentioned Resources:
Facebook Group
Episode 2: How the Instructional Design Process is like Building a House
Articulate 360 License Giveaway
Instructional Design Jumpstart Workshop
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
What makes a good instructional designer? While it’s essential to understand what instructional design is, it’s another thing to know if it’s right for you. Making a career change is a big decision you can’t take lightly.
You want to be sure you’re choosing a new career you’ll enjoy and succeed in. In this episode, we’ll explore the eight characteristics of a good instructional designer, so you can feel confident knowing you’re on the right path.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Mentioned Resources:Instructional Story Design by Rance Greene
Portfolio Examples
Non-Designer’s Design Book by Robin Williams
Articulate 360 License Giveaway
Instructional Design Jumpstart Workshop
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
What exactly is instructional design? If you’re unsure, you’re certainly not alone. For many, instructional design is a foreign concept; it’s not like nursing or banking, where everyone has a general idea of what it is.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Mentioned Resources:
Design document templates
Articulate 360 License Giveaway
Instructional Design Jumpstart Workshop
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
Are you feeling stuck in your career? Maybe your job is stressful, keeping you in a paycheck-to-paycheck cycle or affecting your time with your family. Whatever the case, you’re ultimately searching for financial freedom, time freedom, or freedom to live a life you love. Transitioning careers is hard, and I’m not just here to help you become an instructional designer. I’m here to help you build a life you love that isn’t killing you in the process.
Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:
Full Show Notes Here!
Mentioned Resources
Articulate 360 License Giveaway
Instructional Design Jumpstart Workshop
Connect with Jill
Facebook Group
Website
Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.
Welcome to the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Podcast! This podcast is dedicated to helping new or aspiring instructional designers get the knowledge, skills and confidence to stand out in the field and land their first corporate Instructional Design job. I’m your host, Jill Davidian, and I think of this podcast as a way to put my over 20 years of corporate ID experience in your back pocket. I have helped over 500 new Instructional Designers successfully transition into the field, and I know what hiring managers are looking for. Whether you’re looking for a career change and exploring if ID is right for you, or you know you want to become an ID and have no idea how to get started, you are in the right place.. Join me weekly for actionable guidance as we explore how to build your portfolio, transform your resume, and interview confidently.
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Thanks for listening! If you love the show and want to hear more, follow the podcast and give me a rating and review. Stay tuned next week as I bring you more tips, tools and strategies to jumpstart your instructional design career.