Is Instructional Design Right for You?

Want to explore the recommended steps to see if instructional design is a good fit for you? 👉 Get the Become an ID checklist: www.devlinpeck.com/become-an-...
Instructional design is a great career with plenty of opportunity, but is it right for you?
In this video, we’ll ask you over ten questions to help you learn more about what it’s like to work in the field, as well as figure out whether or not you will thrive as an instructional designer.
Wondering if there’s room in the market for more instructional designers? Concerned about work-life balance in an ID role? Nervous about moving into a corporate atmosphere? We'll dive into all of this (and more).
If you’re debating whether or not you should pursue the instructional design field, this series of questions may help clarify any confusion you may have had about ID and give you the confidence to start on your journey into instructional design.
View the Become an Instructional Designer playlist: • How to Become an Instr...
Check out the 2021 Instructional Designer Survey: www.devlinpeck.com/content/in...
What are the 10 best instructional design tools & software? • 10 Best Instructional ...
Do you need an instructional design degree or certificate? • Do You Need an Instruc...
Is there too much competition in instructional design? • Is There Too Much Comp...
How much do instructional designers make? • How Much Do Instructio...
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
0:17 Do you like to help people learn?
1:48 Do you like to use computers / technology?
3:29 Do you like working with children?
4:35 Do you like variety?
6:20 Do you want room for growth?
8:12 Do you want to work corporate?
10:31 Do you have time to upskill?
13:24 Do you like to work with people?
15:04 How important is earning potential?
16:48 How important is work-life balance
18:49 Do you like to learn?
18:43 Next Steps

[@adrianmorales5770]

Hello Devlin! Today I landed my first job as ID after several year of being in the L&D industry. Thanks for all your support and guidance through your videos, keep it up!

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Huge congratulations!! I'm really glad ot hear that :D

[@MineralFoliage]

Hi Devlin, Thank you for your wonderful presence in the ID community! Your videos helped me make the leap to become a learning designer/ID, and I'm proud to say that not only will I will finish my Learning Design & Technology Grad Certificate at the Harvard Extension School this fall, but I also just landed my first full time role as an Education Specialist where I will get to develop my technical skills and hone my design processes. You made this career transition possible for me by laying out just what I was jumping into. Keep doing what you're doing. It makes a difference. Thanks, Micah

[@DevlinPeckYT]

You're so welcome, Micah! I'm glad to hear that you made the leap, and I really appreciate the support :D

[@jbd1980abc]

Hi Devlin, thanks so much for this great video. I know it's been 6 months since you posted this, so I guess I need to hit that bell button to get notifications😀 I really enjoy learning from your videos; they're packed full of useful real-life info. I'm an English teacher and am in the process of learning the theory if ID. Still have to learn the software and create a portfolio, which I can't wait to start. During the pandemic, I switched to online teaching and found the use of technology to create learning materials really satisfying. ID seems like a logical next step.

[@gayaclav1973]

This is a golden video! Seriously! You've answered every query that kept popping up in my mind. Especially for educators. Thank you Devlin!

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Thanks for watching! A question I forgot to mention: Do you like to be creative? In ID, there are many ways to achieve the same goal, and you often get to let your creative juices flow (whether it's to make an eLearning interaction more engaging or identify a creative solution to a tough problem). Also, if you'd like to become an instructional designer, make sure that you grab the free checklist :D www.devlinpeck.com/become-an-id-checklist

[@lamiyamehdiyeva2412]

Hi Devlin! Thank you for sharing it all with us. For the past two months I’ve been thinking on learning new skills and switching from teaching. Right then I found out your videos and it hit me! I took your checklist and making some plans for myself to devote 6 months to upskill. I’ll share updates with you as soon as I get a job in this field. Thank you 💜 Following you from Azerbaijan 🇦🇿

[@ardentwatcher]

I have passed the test😃. After watching this video, I am convinced that Instructional Design is definitely for me. Thanks, Devlin!

[@DevlinPeckYT]

You’re welcome! Looking forward to helping you along the journey 😃

[@gregbaker3701]

I am changing careers from teaching and have been trying like heck to land a job in Instructional Design. I'm excited and can't wait to start creating. But.......this has been the most humbling, discouraging, and frustrating experience of my entire professional life. I have a doctorate in education that specializes in educational technology, I have created an award winning full-stack CTE web course, designed curriculum for USAF Air University, was lead instructor for an AF leadership/management course, and have over 15 years experience in healthcare. The only feedback that I've gotten so far was being called a "unicorn", whatever that means. And I've also been told I'm overqualified. I've re-written my resume many, many times, I just don't know what else to do.

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Sorry to hear about that, Greg. That definitely sounds frustrating! Do you have a portfolio by any chance? A portfolio / website that shows off the in-demand skills (like Articulate Storyline 360) goes very far in the current market. And while many people will see that you're professional and qualified, without a portfolio, you may have a hard time convincing people that you can dive right in and get started with the same tools that the team uses. And with everything else that you've been doing, picking up a tool like Storyline will probably be very easy :D

[@gregbaker3701]

@@DevlinPeckYT That's my next move. The problem using my existing products is that I cannot use lessons I created while active duty and some of my courses I made for public education may tip-toe some copyright issues (public education has some wiggle room under "fair use" but if I were to use it in any commercial aspect could create some issues). I'm probably going to create some generic content for a portfolio. Love your channel bud! Thank you for all you do! I can't wait until I land that job and get to start building content!

[@Bouchergator09]

I have a 4 year old and considered homeschooling, but realized my strengths are with older teenagers. I also have so many interests, which means I like variety. I like tech and the options available to make it easier for learning. I have been commenting a lot on your videos as I watch them but they all just keep showing me that ID is for me. Thank you for being integral in my process!

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Glad to hear the videos are giving you clarity on your next steps :) Thanks for watching.

[@chrisfehr1513]

Awesome video Devlin, appreciate how much amazing free content you provide for those who are completely new to ID, or emerging designers. Thank you sir!

[@DevlinPeckYT]

You're very welcome, Chris! Thanks for watching :D

[@cjwsk12]

Hey Devlin, I just came across your videos and I think your work is incredibly underrated. Your content and delivery goes beyond my expectation each time and your videos deserve millions of views. The way you explain things and provide evidence/backup is extremely helpful so I hope you keep that up! I believe that is one of your strengths. Have a nice day!!

[@DevlinPeckYT]

I appreciate the kind words! It's great to hear the videos have been helpful. Thanks for watching :D

[@richardyoung6721]

Thank you so much for all the great content and guidance. You're awesome

[@kvr2014]

This video was EXACTLY what I was looking for - thank you x1000! I've learned a little bit about ID from a few different sources, but having this "quiz" really helped me, and I find the way you present information to be succinct and interesting. Because ID can include sooooo many different things, for those of us just getting our feet wet it can seem kind of nebulous and this really helped me get a better feel for it. Thanks so much!

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Yes!! There's definitely a lot of information out there and can be confusing to figure out if it's something you want to commit to. I'm glad the video helped :D

[@razanfaraj1271]

Thank you for this amazing information👏🏻

[@visuallanguage]

This is really helpful!! Newby here, just trying to find out what this is / if its for me. Thank you for this!

[@andwhatthenify]

Thank you Delvin for the useful information you shared. Indeed, as I reflect on every question, I find it practical because that's what is happening in real life.

[@DevlinPeckYT]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching :D

[@JJWong22]

As a current university English instructor, thanks Devlin for your content! Love learning about potential future career pivots and opportunities.

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Glad it resonated! Best of luck on your search!

[@kellycarruthers5186]

Always inspiring - and confirms I'm in the right profession! :)

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Glad to hear it, Kelly! And thanks for the support 😃

[@deirdresheldon7121]

Hi Devlin, I love your videos! They are so helpful. I am a teacher who wants to stay in the field of teaching- but am interested in pursuing ID as a side hustle. I am currently working towards my masters in Learning Design and Technology. Are there contract jobs that are less than full time? Like if I were to work over summers/breaks, after school, on weekends, etc.? Thanks for your help!

[@konfidential1911]

After training at UPS, teaching elementary, and freelance graphic design I believe this fits well with my experience.

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Yes! Your background in Ed and design will be great assets to you in the ID world. And after that training experience, I bet you'll come up with some great project ideas for your portfolio. Thanks for watching :D

[@theandytchannel]

Nice. Thanks Devlin, although I feel this would have been even more helpful if you added 'do you like project management' and 'are you an organised person'. Big parts of the role in my experience and as I'm essentially a creative person, these are areas I'm still working on.

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Great suggestions, Andy! Thanks so much :D

[@id_1146]

Hello Devlin. Thanks again. Can you please suggest: 1. Even if I am overqualified if I show with my portfolio that I can do the job do my employability increase? 2. Does instructional designer jobs discriminate against older and overqualified 45+ years old applicants ? Thanks for the informative content.

[@peteluna4968]

Thanks for posting this. I’m on the fence.

[@DevlinPeckYT]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching, Pete. Did this video help you get some insight? Or do you have any follow-up questions to help you decide if ID would be good for you?

[@peteluna4968]

Devlin. I attained my Med in Educational Technology in 2013. Life then took me in another direction. I have the prerequisite skills with Technology and am intermediate with all the top ten software as listed in your video. So I just saw that you have a bootcamp. I’m currently not employed and would love to get an ID job and stick with that til retirement.

[@eminch15]

Thank you for the information. Do you think the job market is still strong for IDs and will be in 2023?

[@CentralStateMower]

Hi Devlin, great channel & content! I've been a software instructor in the past and am interested in instructional design and or other teaching roles. I'm 50+ and am very discouraged after going back to school a couple of years ago and picking up an Associate's degree to go along with my bachelor's degree. In short, older job seekers/career changers have the deck stacked against them. Do you know of any older career changers who successfully transitioned into instructional design roles?

[@debcaton7145]

I would love to hear more on this topic as well. I, too, am 50+. I left 17 years of teaching and have been working in learning development for almost 5 years. I wonder if the time and energy it will take to upskill and job hunt will be worth it as an older worker.

[@ivananayt]

Hi Devlin! I've just started watching videos on your ID playlist, and I would like to know if, perhaps, you have a video on the following topic: ID vs. L&D or something similar, like cross-links between ID and L&D in a corporate setting? If there is a video like that, could you, please, send me a link? And if there isn't, I hope you'll think about it and make one soon. Thank you and all the best 🙌

[@bgurley1998]

I would like to know this as well!

[@jacobfeldman1994]

I legit start my Instructional Design qualification on Friday. Was feeling a bit nervous about it. Thanks for the reassurance my guy. Top-quality content as always I wanted to ask. I know variety is a part of the field but are there ID specialties. EG. An ID that specializes in gamification or an IDs that work in a certain field like Susatinabilty or Disaster Management?? Trying to get as much info as possible Thanks as always !!!

[@DevlinPeckYT]

That's great that you're diving in head first! And you're welcome...I appreciate the positive feedback, too. Yes, you can specialize with different skills (like gamification) or niche down into specific industries (like disaster management). There's plenty of work without specializing or niching down, but either of those are of course good ways to differentiate yourself. Specializing with a skill is generally more common in the field than niching down into one specific industry.

[@jacobfeldman1994]

@@DevlinPeckYT ... In the words of my 7 year old cuz. You the man!

[@monicadatta8112]

Hello, I was in the teaching profession for 12 years & ID seems to be an interesting platform, but I need some guidance as in, where or which platform exactly to apply? I would like to approach with the same...

[@denniswang6017]

Hi Devlin, I’m new to the instructional design space and I have been studying theory a few hours a day. I was wondering how viable freelancing is from out of the country as I love to travel. On LinkedIn many of the jobs require you to be based in the United States, while others don’t specify. Technically I’m a resident of California but I haven’t lived there in months. Thanks again for all your help!

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Hi Dennis! Great question. That's a very viable option...that's part of what drew me to ID, and I worked from Europe for a few months while finishing up my master's degree. Check out this Q&A with Chris where he talks about his digital nomadding experiences: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6faZ6Ojf9WGpNE

[@denniswang6017]

@@DevlinPeckYT Amazing, I'll watch this next!

[@okyerepilot9391]

Yes yes to all the questions…please how can I start my career in this field???

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Thanks for watching! Check out the free Become an ID playlist for help with that :D kzbin.info/aero/PLDW3IzDXPIgoo6jL17QJoDXCf6mcSxC7X

[@jasensargent2245]

Although you don't get to witness the aha moments like you said, would you say that there is a feedback from whoever you are working for about whether there was improvement in the people you created eLearning for?

[@SpockvsEgon]

I am a videographer/editor creating training videos, and I work hand in hand with instructional designers to make these videos. I've had this job for four years, but I've worked with four different instructional designers. Unfortunately, my company can only keep them for a year before they find a better job. During the gap between finding new IDs, I have had to take on some of their responsibilities. Once again, the position is vacant, and I'd like to know how quickly I can become one. There's much more demand for IDs than for videographers, and I love my employer and never want to leave. I have a BA in Mass Communications and am only interested in becoming certified rather than getting an additional degree.

[@SpockvsEgon]

It looks like the answer is six months. I doubt I will be our following ID, but I might be the one after that one!

[@ianay]

Have you ever done any videos on creating assesments? I'm fine with building courses but finding out there arent many decent tuts on creating actual quizes...

[@DevlinPeckYT]

I have not, but that's a great suggestion! Are you more interested in the writing side of it or the development side of it?

[@ianay]

@@DevlinPeckYT Both, I recently wrote a course, with a short quiz at the end.. Problem is,the course is fine but when the user fails the quiz and 'tries again' the questions havent reset! I cannot find any tutorials on creating a decent quiz and sorting this issue! cheers!

[@Ashley13mn]

I am considering other options other than teaching just in case I get burnt out (I just finished my first year). I am applying for a Master of Science in Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Educational Design from Purdue University. Would this graduate degree help me become an ID? Also, do you need a lot of technology/computer science experience prior to applying for ID jobs? Do IDs work weekends or what are the typical hours?

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Hey there. Thanks for watching and congrats on deciding to make a change! The hours depend on each specific role, but most IDs we've worked with have reported a much better work/life balance than they experienced as educators. Some people find a degree or certificate helpful, while others take a more hands-on approach. I made a video about the pros and cons you can check out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jafUnoSlZrWio80

[@blueandbanana]

Notes: 10 questions to ask yourself if ID is right for you. Do you like to help people learn? Behind the scenes lesson planning. Reaches millions of people. Do you like to use computers/technology? Do you like working with children? Most designing is for adults. Do you like variety? Range of industries, levels, and projects. Do you want room for growth? Plenty of growth opportunities. Do you want to work corporate? Lower barrier to entry. Some people have fear of the corporate world. Most people work in teams. Do you have time to upskill? You need to dedicate time to learn new skills and showcase your portfolio. Not a certificate. Do you like working with people? A lot of stakeholders. A lot of solo work. How much is the earning potential for you? $85500 on average USA. How important is work/life balance? Do you like to learn? ID is great for life long learners. Learn to keep up with the field. Checkout the ID playlist.

[@DevlinPeckYT]

Thanks for sharing your notes with us! We appreciate you :D