Non-Instructional Design Jobs for an Indirect Path to Instructional Design

Are you eager to work for an eLearning company like SilkWeb, yet unsure if you have the ideal background or experience for an instructional design role? Don't worry, the path to an instructional design (ID) position isn't as rigid as it might seem. This article explores alternative jobs that can serve as indirect experiences leading up to an ID position. It also emphasizes the importance of a well-crafted portfolio and suggests practical strategies for building one.

Why Instructional Designers Are In High Demand

Companies like SilkWeb provide end-to-end custom instructional design services, requiring a diverse skill set including content writers, technical writers, scriptwriters, editors, voice artists, video production experts, and graphic designers. Content and technical writers are among the easiest roles to enter, as these professionals are always in high demand.

Breaking Into Instructional Design

While an ID degree can certainly be beneficial, it's not essential. What is crucial is having a portfolio that showcases your skills and work experience. Here are some practical suggestions for building your portfolio:

Create a Fictional E-Learning Course

If you don't have prior experience as an ID, one way to create a portfolio is to make up an e-learning course. You can use free trials of software like Adobe Captivate or Articulate to create an interactive course on a topic you're passionate about. Before publishing, get feedback from friends or professors to ensure it's of high quality. This exercise will teach you the basics of instructional design and provide a tangible example to present in your portfolio.

Tackle Real-World Projects

Another approach is to find projects that can be transformed into e-learning content. For example, you could create e-learning courses for your own Bible study group or crafting tutorials. Apply the ADDIE model (analyze, design, develop, implement, evaluate) to these projects and keep detailed records of your work. This not only builds your portfolio but also provides insight into the intricacies of instructional design.

Freelance Projects for a Fresh Portfolio

Consider undertaking freelance projects to gain real-world experience. Price your work competitively to attract clients while ensuring you deliver exceptional results. The satisfaction of doing outstanding work can lead to repeat business and a rich portfolio. This not only provides a stepping stone for your career but also helps you understand the demands and intricacies of professional work in the eLearning domain.

Alternative Jobs Leading to Instructional Design

Even if you don't get an ID role immediately, there are other positions where you can gain valuable experience that will be relevant to your future career:

Human Resources: Work within the training department to stay in the same department as trainers and IDs. Trainer/Tutor: Gain experience teaching and supporting students. Student Services: Work in any area of student services at a college to develop your understanding of instructional needs.

It's important to maintain a career path that aligns with your ultimate goal of becoming an instructional designer. Even if you initially land a job that isn't directly in ID, ensure all your experience contributes to your ID career.

Conclusion

While the path to instructional design may seem daunting, it's far from impossible. By creating a portfolio, tackling real-world projects, and finding alternative jobs, you can build a solid foundation for your future ID career. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.