I'm New Here: A Field Guide for People Who Design Learning

Let’s set a baseline definition for what an entry-level, Instructional Design job looks like. Once we’ve established that, then we can manage our expectations for what it means to start new in the field, and what it takes to advance. Then, we will talk about why a job might ask for 2-3 years experience for an entry-level ID job. Then I’ll wrap things up with how to determine if you’re ready for an entry-level role or something else. Because really, it’s up to you to make that decision.

Be well! I hope you are drinking water and getting the rest you deserve. 

Show Notes

Episode 201 Transcript

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Hosted by Nyla Spooner

Season 1 of the podcast ended abruptly, but for a good reason. Let's chalk it up to 2020. The first episode of season 2 is finally here. Take a look back at the last 18 months, and hear what's in store for the podcast.  The upcoming season will focus on career planning and progression with interviews, bonus episodes, and more. 

Have a question, email [email protected]

Show notes

Transcript: Click here to view

Hey there new IDs. I have a confession. It’s getting increasingly difficult to produce and create these episodes. It’s not because of time, or resources. It’s because the world is on fire and it’s getting to me. I’m giving myself some grace this week and repurposing some content that originally aired on my youtube channel. As I mentioned last week, I’ll be wrapping up the first season of the podcast soon - most likely in the next two episodes. I’m already planning season two, so don’t worry - I’ll be back. 

Questions, comments, concerns? email me at [email protected]

#blacklivesmatter

A couple episodes ago, I gave you three tips for approaching your Instructional Design Interview: To craft your instructional design philosophy to help you answer the question “tell me about yourself”; Using the STAR method to provide context for your behavioral interview responses, and to quantify your experience using data to back up your accomplishments. If you haven’t listened yet, you’ll definitely want to go back and stream that episode to catch you up to this one. Because this episode is a follow-up to Episode 9. 

This episode focuses on one particular aspect of the interview process - when the interviewer turns the reigns over to you and asks “So do you have any questions for us?”

Questions, Comments, Concerns? email [email protected]

What do you want to hear next??

Today’s episode features a guest! I’m going to have a conversation with my friend, mentee, and colleague, Christine Belzie about The Learning and Development Conference.

Matthew Richter of the Thiagi group and Dr. Will Thalheimer  of Work-Learning Research created The learning and development conference - A pioneering L&D event designed to support human learning and action in the workflow

Over the course of  6 weeks, attendees were able to access both live and on-demand sessions, one-on-one sessions with experts. And much more.

This week I'm going to talk about the instructional design job search, and how to prepare for interviews including how to leverage your network and other connections. These tips are based on interviews from people who hire instructional designers and from interviewing for design positions myself.

Questions, Comments, Concerns? email [email protected]

What do you want to hear next??

This week we’re going to talk about how to craft your instructional design philosophy. Once you take time to think about it, you will have a better understanding of how you want to show up in the world as an Instructional Designer, and be confident about your personal instructional design philosophy.

Find show notes at www.nylalxd.com/imnewhere

Questions/Comments/Concerns? Email the show: [email protected]

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In this episode, I answer listener submitted questions about portfolio building, authoring tools, and more. Find show notes for this episode on nylalxd.com/imnewhere

Questions/Comments/Concerns? Email the show: [email protected]

This week’s episode is about race and actionable 'allyship'.

It also pays homage to the lives of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Ahmaud Arbery. 

I close out the episode talking about ways you can put your instructional design skills into action for a good cause.

The content and discussion in today’s podcast will necessarily engage with racism and death. This is your content warning.

**The Regularly scheduled podcast for this week will air on Tuesday. 

This week we’re talking about the theory, process and skills that will help you succeed in your first ID position. When you put everything together I mention in this episode: 

...you should be able to confidently call yourself an instructional designer! Find show notes here: nylalxd.com/imnewhere