Synonyms: Curriculum Designer, Learning Experience Designer

Table of Contents

• Quick Facts
• Day in the Life
• Common Characteristics:
• How to Become an Instructional Designer
• Specialties and Similar Career Paths
• Advice from Erik

Quick Facts

What instructional designers do:

Instructional designers create and develop educational materials and programs tailored to meet specific learning needs. They may specialize in different areas, including e-learning, classroom-based training, blended learning, corporate training, and educational technology.

Median income:

$74,620 annually or $35.87 per hour.

Lifestyle:

Instructional designers often work flexible hours, may be involved in project-based tasks, and may work in various settings, including remote or freelance environments.

Education Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree is typically required but a master’s degree in instructional design or a similar area is often preferred. Gaining certifications and having relevant experience in education, training, or e-learning is beneficial.

Job Outlook

The future for instructional designers is bright, with the occupation expected to grow 2% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as other professions.

This is perfect for you if:

• You have a passion for helping and teaching others
• You are creative
• You can work with diverse people and adapt to their needs
• You are detail-oriented and skilled in technology

If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Erik Popil to learn more about being an instructional designer here!

Day in the Life

Schedule:

Flexible work schedule, especially if they work remotely or freelance. Instructional designers often manage their own time, working on project-based tasks with deadlines.

Setting:

Work remotely or freelance, but some may work in-office or hybrid depending on their employer.

Tasks:

Designing curriculum, developing content, overseeing the delivery of instructional materials, and assessing the effectiveness of training programs, and making improvements based on feedback.

Topics:

Educational technology, instructional theories, design trends, learner needs, and different assessment methods.

Skills:

Knowledgeable about different instructional design models, proficient in e-learning authoring tools like Adobe Captivate, familiar with learning management systems, and highly skilled in creating and editing multimedia content.

Tools:

Computer or laptop equipped with software such as Adobe Captivate, Articulate Storyline (or Articulate 360), Photoshop, Illustrator, Camtasia, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Blackboard, Moodle, Canvas, Google Workspace, and Zoom.

Common Characteristics:

Natural Talents (strengths):

Naturally creative, good at problem-solving, communication, analytical thinking, and empathetic.

Interests:

Analyzing and solving problems, creating engaging and visually appealing content, and helping others learn and improve their skills.

Personality:

Have investigative, artistic, and social personality types. They are analytical, creative, and outgoing.

Values:

Creating impactful learning experiences, creativity and innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional growth.

*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.

How to Become an Instructional Designer

Education Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in instructional design, education, instructional technology, or a related field is typically required, with a master’s degree often preferred. Optional certifications, such as Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP), can be beneficial, and relevant experience in education, training, or e-learning is required.

Preferred Majors

Pursuing majors in instructional design, education, instructional technology, educational technology, learning and development, curriculum and instruction, adult education, and human resource development can be helpful.

Specialties and Similar Career Paths

• E-Learning Developer
• Curriculum Developer
• Training Specialist
• Learning Experience Designer
• Educational Technologist
• Content Developer
• Corporate Trainer

Advice from Erik

Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:

Certifications are optional so building a strong portfolio showcasing your work with interactive examples can be highly beneficial. Familiarize yourself with terminology and theories, gather data demonstrating the effectiveness of your designs, stay updated on industry trends, and network with other professionals in the field.

Fastest way to get your foot in the door:

Build your portfolio and apply for entry-level positions or internships that provide relevant experience. 

Recommended resources: 

Erik highly recommends getting a master’s degree in instructional design, but here are some alternatives for aspiring instructional designers:

Books:

• The Accidental Instructional Designer by Amy Bean
• E-Learning and the Science of Instruction by Ruth Clark and Richard Mayer
• Making Online Teaching Accessible by Norman Coombs

Online Courses:

• Coursera’s Instructional Design courses
• LinkedIn Learning’s Instructional Design and eLearning Development courses

Websites:

• Instructional Designers’ Central (IDC)
• eLearning Industry

Certifications:

• Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)
• Association for Talent Development (ATD) certification programs

What Erik would tell his younger self if he was just getting started:

“Don’t feel like an imposter. I switched from technology admin to instructional designer and often felt I didn’t belong or that faculty wouldn’t value my advice since they had more teaching experience. It gets better over time, so just don’t feel like that.”

Watch the full interview with Erik:

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Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 08 August 2024.

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