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:Understand how to create a portfolio that speaks to the job you wantLearn exactly which deliverables you need in your portfolio to help you stand out with hiring managersFull Show Notes Here!Resources and Links Mentioned: Listen to the episodes: What is an Instructional Design Portfolio?Articulate Storyline vs. RiseHow the Instructional Design Process is Like Building a HouseThe Different Types of Learning Delivery MethodsThe Importance of Feedback in Landing an ID JobDownload your free design document templateConnect with Jill Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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:Understand how to successfully search for corporate instructional design jobs and what keywords you should be usingExplore the most common job titles and their primary differencesLearn how to interpret job titles and their descriptions to ensure you're applying for positions that align with your goalsFull Show Notes Here!Resources and Links Mentioned: Sign up for the Applied Instructional Design AcademyListen to the episode, Articulate Storyline vs. RiseListen to the episode, How the Instructional Design Process is Like Building a HouseConnect with Jill Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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:Discover the unique advantages that instructional design has over other corporate careersUnderstand how constant change actually ensures job security for designersExplore the future of learning and its impact on the industryFull Show Notes Here!Connect with Jill Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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:Learn why feedback is essential during the learning process and how it helps to prepare you for your careerUnderstand why who you receive feedback from mattersExplore how to eliminate newbie mistakes and imply years of experience to your portfolioFull Show Notes Here!Resources and Links Mentioned: Sign up for the Applied Instructional Design AcademyListen to the episode, How the Instructional Design Process is Like Building a HouseListen to the episode, Understanding the SAM Framework and How it Compares to ADDIEConnect with Jill Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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:Gain clarity on the purpose and objectives of a kickoff meeting and how to conduct one successfullyExplore the key stakeholders involved and understand your role in the processLearn the essential information you need to gather so you can set a strong foundation for your project's successFull 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 GroupSign up for the Applied Instructional Design AcademyConnect with Jill Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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:Understand how long the hiring process can take and why applying is a numbers gameExplore the multiple steps of the interview processLearn what happens when you receive an offer and the steps that follow, such as background and reference checksFull Show Notes Here!Resources and Links Mentioned: Sign up for the Applied Instructional Design AcademyConnect with Jill:InstagramFacebook GroupLinkedInWebsiteConnect with Jill Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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:Learn the three stages of becoming an instructional designerUnderstand why taking shortcuts will ultimately backfireGain insight into how long these phases take so you can set realistic expectations and Full Show Notes Here!Mentioned EpisodesWhat is an Instructional Design Portfolio?Should I Get a Master's Degree in Instructional Design?Questions to Ask When Considering an Instructional Design AcademySoftware Programs You Need to Learn to Get an ID JobConnect with Jill Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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:Explore the benefits of enrolling in an instructional design academy and decide if it's the right fit for youLearn the questions you need to ask to determine if a program aligns with your career goalsDiscover the red flag to look out for when selecting a programFull Show Notes Here!Resources and Links Mentioned: Sign up for my free 5-day workshopSign up for the Applied Instructional Design AcademyRelated 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. RiseConnect with Jill Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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:Explore the purpose of a master's degree and the scenarios in which they may be useful Understand where degrees fall short and what corporate employers are actually looking forLearn how to showcase what you can do from a practical perspective and what educational options you should consider insteadFull Show Notes Here!Resources and Links Mentioned: Sign up for my free 5-day workshop - Get the Roadmap for Your Instructional Design CareerLearn more about the Applied Instructional Design AcademyListen to Ed Tech, Higher Ed, and Corporate IDs - What's the Difference?Connect with Jill Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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:Understand why you should take advantage of volunteer projectsLearn where to look for volunteer opportunities and how to communicate your servicesExplore the importance of treating your volunteer experience as a real project and how to manage the limitations that may come along with volunteer workFull Show Notes Here!Mentioned Resources:Applied Instructional Design AcademyWhat is an Instructional Design PortfolioConnect with Jill Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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:Discover how to get hired as an instructional designer with no formal experience. Learn how to prepare yourself to stand out. Full Show Notes Here!Mentioned Resources and LinksFree 5-Day Instructional Design Jumpstart Workshop - Monday, April 17th Connect with Jill Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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:Understand the major difference between Storyline and Rise, their learning curves, and their purposesLearn what it means to use a desktop-based vs. a web-based authoring toolExplore the concept of responsive eLearning and creating engaging coursesFull Show Notes Here!Resources and Links Mentioned: Sign up for the Applied Instructional Design AcademyListen to my episode on Software Programs You Need to LearnCheck out some portfolio samples Connect with Jill Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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:Explore the value of a well-crafted portfolio and how it helps you stand out from the crowdLearn how a member of the Applied Instructional Design Academy used her portfolio to land two job offers and negotiate a $6,000 salary increaseUnderstand how to align your portfolio with the job you want and prove your skills through deliverables Full Show Notes Here!Resources and Links Mentioned: Sign up for the Applied Instructional Design AcademyListen to my episode on choosing a topic for your portfolioListen to my episode on software programsListen to How the ID Process is Like Building a HouseConnect with Jill Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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: Learn the key differences between the ADDIE and SAM frameworksUnderstand the phases of SAM and how they relate to ADDIEGain insight on how to best use these models, so you can feel confident when starting your first jobFull 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 Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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:Learn which operating system is required for running the core corporate ID programsDiscover the ideal specs for both Windows and Mac computers, and if you need a laptop or a desktopUnderstand what is provided (or not provided) to you as an employee, W-2 contractor, and 10-99 contractorFull Show Notes Here!Resources and Links Mentioned: Sign up for the Applied Instructional Design AcademyListen to Software Programs You Need to Learn to Get an ID JobListen to Full-Time vs. Contract Instructional Design WorkConnect with Jill Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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:Understand how to read job postings and determine which programs are relevantDiscover which tools you need to know to be successful as a corporate ID and which to avoidLearn what video and graphics tools will make you more attractive to potential employersFull Show Notes Here!Resources and Links Mentioned:Sign up for the Applied Instructional Design AcademyListen to my episode on The Different Types of Learning Delivery MethodsConnect with Jill Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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:Understand the different learning delivery modalities and the key differences between each approachLearn the situations you need to consider when deciding on a delivery method for a projectGain clarity on which methods you want to focus on so you can build a marketable portfolioFull Show Notes Here!Resources and Links Mentioned:Preregister for the Instructional Design Jumpstart WorkshopConnect with Jill Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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:Learn which industry is seeing the most layoffs and whyUnderstand how economic hardship affects industries differentlyExplore the advantages of being a corporate ID during an economic downturnFull Show Notes Here!Connect with Jill Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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:Explore what full-time employment looks like and the surprising benefits (hint: there’s more flexibility than you think!)Discover the two types of contract positions and how to find contract workGain clarity on which type of employment will provide the work-life balance you’re searching forFull Show Notes Here!Connect with Jill Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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:Understand what a design document is and why it's importantExplore the role of design documents in the ID processLearn the seven elements that make up a design document so you can confidently craft your first portfolio sampleFull Show Notes Here!Mentioned Resources:Episode 2: How the Instructional Design Process is Like Building a HouseEpisode 7: Choosing a Topic for Your First eLearning Sample for Your PortfolioDesign Document Template5-Day WorkshopConnect with Jill Instagram Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group LinkedIn WebsiteThanks 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.