How to Become an Instructional Designer in 2024

Ready to get started on your journey to become an instructional designer? 👉 Grab the Become an ID checklist here: www.devlinpeck.com/become-an-...
Instructional design is a satisfying, lucrative career, and there's an ever-growing need for skilled instructional designers.
This comprehensive guide will help you tick all of the right boxes and land your first instructional design job.
In this video, we address what an instructional designer is, what an instructional designer does, and why you may want to become one, then we dive into the specifics of exactly how to become an instructional designer.
Here’s the seven steps I suggest following to become an ID:
1. Learn the Theory
2. Learn the Tech
3. Create your Portfolio
4. Craft your Resume
5. Optimize your LinkedIn Profile
6. Apply to Roles
7. Prep for the Interview
Following along with this guide is a surefire way to break into the field and land a great instructional design job. Check out the links below to explore each step in more detail!
Read the article, “How to Become an Instructional Designer”: www.devlinpeck.com/content/ho...
Is instructional design right for you? Watch the video: • Is Instructional Desig...
Explore the Become an Instructional Designer playlist: • Become an Instructiona...
Join the free ID community: community.devlinpeck.com
Check out the 2024 Instructional Design Hiring Manager Survey Report: www.devlinpeck.com/content/id...
How to Use a Learning Management System (LMS): • How to Use a Learning ...
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Instructional Design: • Artificial Intelligenc...
The ADDIE Model of Instructional Design: • The ADDIE Model of Ins...
How to Write Learning Objectives with Bloom’s Taxonomy: • How to Write Learning ...
SAM - The Successive Approximation Model of Instructional Design: • SAM - The Successive A...
Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction: • Gagne's Nine Events of...
The Kirkpatrick Model of Training Evaluation: • The Kirkpatrick Model ...
Mayer's Principles of Multimedia Learning: • Mayer's Principles of ...
Explore the Visual Design for eLearning playlist: • Visual Design for eLea...
How to Create an Instructional Design Portfolio: • How to Create an Instr...
In-depth Instructional Design Interview Prep with STAR: • In-Depth Instructional...
Using the affiliate links below will help support me and the content on this channel:
**Best AI Tools for Instructional Designers**
Synthesia: www.synthesia.io/?via=devlin
WellSaid Labs: www.wellsaidlabs.com/?via=devlin
Descript: www.descript.com/?lmref=jJTSTA
Jasper: jasper.ai/?fpr=devlin44
**Best Laptops for Instructional Designers**
Dell XPS 13: amz.run/6l1w
16-inch MacBook Pro: amz.run/6l1y
Gigabyte Aero 17: amz.run/6l26
**Best Books for Instructional Designers**
The Non-Designer’s Design Book: amzn.to/3kP0reO
Map It: amzn.to/3f137mR
eLearning and the Science of Instruction: amzn.to/3kNuBiF
Design For How People Learn: amzn.to/3CLtrNM
Michael Allen’s Guide to eLearning: amzn.to/31ZUbJB
0:00 Intro
01:51 Why instructional design?
4:48 Overview
5:48 You can do this!
7:43 Is ID right for you?
10:41 Learn the theory
12:52 Top theories and models
16:07 Learn the tech
20:48 Create your portfolio
23:48 Feedback helps a lot!
25:50 Create your ID resume
28:02 Optimize your LinkedIn
32:09 Apply to roles
34:55 Prep for the interview(s)
37:02 Enjoy your new career!

[@DevlinPeckYT]

If you enjoyed this video and are looking forward to the rest of the Become an ID content, then please subscribe to the channel to show your support 😃

[@DiamondFlame45]

I notice the ones who say the ID field is becoming saturated tend to have entered the field before it became wide known. Honestly, they just come across as gatekeeping. I see this a lot in software engineering as well.

[@DevlinPeckYT]

That's an interesting observation, especially comparing it to SWE. Thanks for sharing!

[@Bouchergator09]

it was so helpful to hear others experiencing "imposter syndrome" and that I don't have to accept junior position roles just because I am new at ID, especially bc I am an educator with over a decade of experience. This helps me know I don't have to sell myself short because I am new. I am excited knowing that I am capable of theory knowledge and program development. thanks again!

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Imposter syndrome can sometimes be the biggest factor holding you back. Thanks for watching!

[@emsvincoffee5184]

Thank you so much for this comprehensive guide, Devlin. Very helpful. Wish you and your team more success this year!

[@DevlinPeckYT]

I'm glad it was helpful. And thank you! I appreciate the comment :D

[@techielabteacher]

Excellent Updated Overview! I appreciate the fact you keep updated what is happening in the field.

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Glad you found it insightful! Always trying to keep up with the latest :D

[@JaZxZeE]

Currently working through your boot camp and I’m loving it. Thank you 😊

[@DevlinPeckYT]

So glad you're enjoying it! Thanks for watching :)

[@angelesruiz7067]

Thank you so much for your videos . They’re incredibly informative and helpful !!

[@DevlinPeckYT]

You are so welcome! Glad they're helpful :)

[@palmtreesandmoonbeams]

Thank you, what a great overview of the current state of becoming an ID. I'm glad that you mentioned practicing with the LMS, this has been an area that I have wondered about. Overall, this video was very encouraging. I hope you and your team have a very successful and fulfilling year:)

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching :D

[@ArbiaKhiari-nx2hu]

Thankyou so much this is really hepful!

[@DevlinPeckYT]

So glad to hear it. Thanks for watching :)

[@kaylas9191]

Thank you so much for this series! I am a veteran art teacher with additional higher ed in illustration and graphic design and ID sounds really exciting. Ten years in education teaching six grades everyday has provided a lot of extra skills and I have been searching high and low where I could exactly fit in.

[@DevlinPeckYT]

ID is a great option if you're passionate about learning and design! Glad this feels like a good fit for you :D

[@TrishanaRenay]

I am in a weird place in my life, I am educated in tech but have been feeling so out of place in the field. I do business consultancy from time to time and ended up becoming a teacher (very new to teaching). Now I want to merge tech and teaching and came across this field and your channel. Learning as much as I can!

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Awesome that you found your way to ID! Maybe now you can merge your skillsets into a new career? Thanks for watching!

[@jimmyjames6492]

❤THANKS FOR ALL THAT YOU DO!!!!! ❤ Your videos + information helped me in obtaining my Masters in Instructional Design & Technology!!! Can't thank you enough!!!

[@DevlinPeckYT]

You are so welcome! Congratulations on your Masters and thank you for supporting the channel :) I'm glad the content has been helpful on your journey.

[@OnlyNicoleBrown]

Thank you for all of your content! I’m in the process of transitioning from teaching to instructional design. Working on my portfolio as I listen to you!

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Thanks for watching, and I hope you find it to be helpful! Keep it up and hope the transition is going well 😁

[@JBrynnJ]

Same here! I found this channel a few months ago and have chugged through the content to get the courage to transition.

[@sahirafazal6718]

Hey, does anyone know of any courses available (other than long expensive courses such as CIPD5)? Currently a teacher

[@torreyharris8121]

Thanks! Great info

[@DevlinPeckYT]

You bet!

[@mvinstruccional]

Saludos cordiales. Reitero mi profundo agradecimiento por tu generosidad y la del equipo que te acompaña. Veo que en este nuevo video vuelves a la concepción original de primero aprender los principios y teorías (bases conceptuales) y posteriormente la tecnología, me parece bien acertada esa aproximación. En algún video anterior iniciabas con la tecnología y en la lista de verificación también se presenta en ese orden, enfoque más pragmático supongo. Por cierto, creo que sería recomendable actualizar la lista de verificación (Become an ID checklist) incorporando la inteligencia artificial, ¡que buen aporte! Gracias, gracias, gracias.

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Thank you so much for watching! I'm glad the resources have been helpful and great idea about adding AI tools to the checklist :)

[@user-wv1nj9in9m]

Im wondering what advice you would give an ID that is working with an LMS that doens not have integration capabilities (:SCORM, AICC, xAPI)?

[@martinjasonm]

This video was extremely helpful. A friend who does ID told me that I've been doing ID and didn't know it. I've worked with HR and L&D departments in numerous roles to develop interactive courses because I have advanced PPT, design, and video editing skills. I even have screenshots of some of those courses. My career is marketing but I find more fulfillment in helping people succeed. I believe I can help more people be successful through ID.

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Thanks for sharing your story! I bet you'll find that your experience resonates with a lot of people in this community. Excited for you to take the leap :D

[@ArticOwl22]

I am in higher education in web technology and currently pursing a masters in ID! Loved this video. Thank you

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Best of luck with your degree! Glad it was helpful

[@ArticOwl22]

@@DevlinPeckYT thank you!

[@drakealexander6668]

Hello I'm interested in ID but I'm a bit lost on where to start. I have a B.S. but some teaching experience. Should I jump straight into a Masters in ID? Thank you for your input.

[@DevlinPeckYT]

It depends on the type of work you're hoping to do. Most corporate hiring managers don't require a MA, since they're typically looking for more hands-on skills and business acumen. But pursuing a second degree won't hurt if you have the time! I walk through some of the pros and cons in more depth in this video. Feel free to check it out :D kzbin.info/www/bejne/jafUnoSlZrWio80

[@nkt8675]

What certificate can I complete within 6 months online in Instructional Design? It is requested in the new job postings I’m viewing. I have a Bachelor degree in Advertising and plenty of skills in design, presentation and coaching employees in the workplace, but I want to strengthen my resume and increase knowledge on developing training as well as learning Articulate. Thank you

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Thanks for watching! Here are a few options for you to take a look at :) (the bootcamp is on there too which sounds like it fits what you're looking for. Apply if you're interested! ) ... www.devlinpeck.com/content/instructional-design-certifications

[@jamesw7072]

I'm an online adjunct business professor and aiming to compliment that income with instructional design. I'm also a PhD candidate with an MBA and thinks this gives me an edge as a corporate or academic ID. Learning Articulate Storyline, Rise, and Adobe atm and tweeking resume, LinkedIn, and portfolio. Do you provide consultations without enrolling in the entire boot camp?

[@DiamondFlame45]

I work as a LMS administrator in my company and I am currently upskilling in Camtasia. I highly recommend it because LD falls into 2 lanes in the corporate side. Talent Development or Product/Enablement. Camtasia is used more in Product/Enablement

[@DevlinPeckYT]

I could see that background definitely give you an edge in the field, depending on how you present those skills. And yes, my team only offers individualized feedback in the bootcamp. Feel free to apply if you're interested!

[@wenzen9897]

Can an ID focus mainly on Addobie software?

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Knowing that software definitely helps, but you’ll want to learn an authoring tool like Storyline to be eligible for the highest number of jobs 😃

[@LivelyFutbol]

Hello Devlin. As a Bachelor of Education (BEd) student who will be graduating this year and has 6 months of teaching experience, do you believe it would be wise to begin transitioning into instructional design?

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Hey there, if it seems like the right fit for where you want to go next, it's never to early to begin the transition. It can take some time to build the skills, so if it's what you want to do, I'd say get a head start!

[@maddie8winter_]

I am an early childhood educator. Is it possible to shift careers to become an instructional designer?

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Totally, my team as with tons of former educators from lots of different contexts, so it's definitely possible. If you're willing to take the time to upskill and feel like the field is a good fit, I'd say go for it!

[@kandisnesmith1051]

I have a Macbook. From my understanding, I can't use Articulate 360 with a Mac. Is there a work around for this?

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Yes! You can use Parallels to run Windows on your Mac. Here's a tutorial on how to download it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4PCpI2cm62joJY

[@vasilikip34y]

Are there any people from Europe joining the boot camp? Do we have any stats for Europe based IDs?

[@DevlinPeckYT]

There are! We have people from all over joining the bootcamp, including Europe, and we don't have any hard data on the ID market there yet :) Thanks for watching

[@teresaannmay37]

Hello Delvin! I was a special education para with a BS in Human Services but never had my teaching license I went back to school for a masters but I don’t think I can face a classroom after what happened for me …I wanted to switch to a library job but came across this…do you think I need a license to teach? I have 10years of special ed experience….can you help me?

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Hey there, those 10 years of experience are definitely relevant in the ID field. Feel free to reach out us here and schedule a time to chat with someone on the team. www.devlinpeck.com/contact We can help you figure out if it's right for you and give you some resources to get started if you decide it's something you'd like to pursue :D Thanks for watching!

[@teresaannmay37]

@@DevlinPeckYT I absolutely WILL !

[@bella420js]

I was thinking about taking an AIDA course, but was curious as to how legitimate it was. Not sure if anyone else has knowledge on it.

[@DevlinPeckYT]

I can't say I know much about that course specifically, but here are a few recommendations to compare to: www.devlinpeck.com/content/instructional-design-certifications

[@bella420js]

@DevlinPeckYT thank you

[@niadavis870]

I home school my children and I just want to create instructional videos for my children to watch while I work (I work from home)

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Awesome, thanks for watching :) There are a lot of free and low-cost platforms out there for you to build with. We tend to focus on adult learning theory on the channel, but there is so much overlap. I hope you find some of the info useful.

[@kittypencils4463]

I am trying to become an ID, but the only thing holding me back is being able to afford Articulate. :(

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Hey there, check out Articulate's free trial! They have a great customer support team if you need to request an extension :D

[@niketapechan876]

I’m a therapist can my experience translate?

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Communication is definitely a key skill for IDs. Depending on your education and background you'll probably need to do some upskilling, but if it seems like a good fit you could take the time to do that! This article may help give you some ideas: www.devlinpeck.com/content/instructional-design-skills

[@rekiatujingi4821]

As a journalist is there a possibility to transition

[@DevlinPeckYT]

You may need to brush up on the learning theories along with the tools, but yes! Journalism requires a bunch of ID skills: communication, storytelling, analysis; critical thinking. If you feel like it's a good fit and you can take the time to upskill, I'd say give it a shot!