Section 6: Getting an IDT Position and Succeeding at It

This section of your textbook focuses on jobs in the profession of instruction design and technology: lessons and tips on how to get one and organization that can support the job search and continued learning in the IDT field. Many of you already have a job in the field or in a related filed; however, based on this week’s readings, you’ll reflect on where you are where you want to go, and what you need to learn or do to get there.

Begin your post for this week with some background: what is your current job, what program are you enrolled in, what brings you to that program, and what do you expect when you graduate (change jobs? obtain a promotion?)

I am currently working as an Instructional Design and Training Manager for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. I have had this position for eight months. I came from a private K-12 online learning company where I taught, developed curriculum and managed projects for five years. I am currently in the Global eLearning program with TAMUC. Due to a couple of the elective courses not pertaining to my current needs, I investigated the Educational Technology area for electives. This course was exactly what I was looking for to advance my knowledge. Even though I already have a M.Ed., I wanted to expand my education and skills by completing a master’s that pertained to what I want my future to hold: instructional design, technology, eLearning, and training. While the job I currently have is exactly what I’ve been working for in my educational path and job experiences, I do not assume that things will forever stay the same. I feel that furthering my education will always keep my skills sharp and keep me marketable.

Next, describe the kind of work you want to do and the type of organization or institution in which you want to work. Use the WorkMatrix in the chapter titled “Getting a Job in the Business and Industry” to help organize your thoughts. Do you most desire first, second, third or fourth level service? Or would you rather design or develop instruction? What features of work are important to you? What economic sector do you want to work in?

I definitely prefer to design and develop instruction. If I had to really place myself on the WorkMatrix, it would be First Level Service (teaching, delivering, training). First level service is what I have been doing since I started my career. However, by choice, I moved my career path into the design and develop instruction path rather than teaching and delivering. This was to expand my skills, but it became a passion of mine to see how I could fit things together and challenge myself to move to higher levels while making things interesting for others to learn.

I’m very happy working for State Government. I did not expect my path to lead me to this particular field, but I enjoy it. The variety in my work (mental health), and the team I work with, make each day interesting and challenging. I learn new information every day and have a tremendous amount of variety in my job. The money is decent and is more than I was making in private sector. Teamwork, collaboration, motivating others, organization, support systems, a good boss, and the ability to do my job are all important to me.

Based on these intentions, explain what you need to learn. What skills and qualifications do you need? Will you obtain the skills you need in the required courses in your program? What electives might you need to take to help you develop skills specific to your aspirations?

eLearning is still where I feel weak in developing. In my online 6-12 job, I developed long “textbook” (for lack of a better comparison) type courses. In my new position, they have eLearnings that are the short and sweet entertaining ones – avatars, movement, flash, etc. I am adjusting and obtaining the skills I need for this by taking eLearning courses through ASTD, taking TAMUC courses, and reading voraciously on the subject. I am learning Adobe products, but these are a steep learning curve for me and require a lot of time and training. Since I’m seeking some electives through Educational Technology, I feel that I will round out my education to meet most of the skills I need in my “new” position. I will seek out more electives dealing with media.

Finally, what organizations would best support your continued learning after you graduate? Do you think you would benefit from joining these organizations before graduating? Explain why or why not?

I have been a member of American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) for the past year. With the new fiscal year that started July 1, I obtained a group membership for my team and one for the local chapter. This organization provides a tremendous amount of resources. The local one has monthly luncheon meetings where you can learn something new and network with others in your field. The webinars, articles, conferences, courses, and magazine all serve to advance knowledge related to training and eLearning. My job allows me to take courses through them to advance my work skills and knowledge. I have taken the basic eLearning course and will take the advanced one in December. It is helpful to have an organization that stays current in the research, provides up-to-date materials related to 21^st century learning, and has a plethora of resources. I also belong to many Linked In groups that focus on instructional design, eLearning, and training.