Instructional Design Jobs: Skills Required 

Instructional design is a growing field that involves creating effective and engaging learning experiences for students and professionals. Instructional designers work in a variety of settings, including K-12 education, higher education, corporate training, and government organizations. In this paper, we will explore the career opportunities in instructional design, the skills required to succeed in these roles, and the types of programs and degrees that are available to prepare individuals for careers in this field.

Career Opportunities in Instructional Design

1. K-12 Education: Instructional designers who specialize in K-12 education work to design and develop effective and engaging learning materials for students in grades K-12. They may work in public or private schools, educational publishers, or educational technology companies.
2. Higher Education: Instructional designers in higher education are responsible for creating and implementing effective and engaging learning experiences for college and university students. They may work in universities, colleges, or online learning platforms.
3. Corporate Training: Instructional designers in corporate training are responsible for designing and delivering effective training programs for employees. They may work in human resources, training and development, or consulting firms.
4. Government Organizations: Instructional designers who specialize in government organizations are responsible for designing and delivering training programs for employees of government agencies. They may work in the military, federal agencies, or state and local government organizations.

Skills Required for Instructional Design Jobs

1. Creative Thinking: Instructional designers must be able to think creatively about how to design and develop effective and engaging learning experiences. This requires the ability to identify the most effective teaching strategies, visual aids, and technology tools to support learning.
2. Technical Skills: Instructional designers must have a strong understanding of technology and be able to use a variety of software and tools to create and deliver instructional materials. This includes skills in graphic design, video editing, and multimedia production. This is a necessity!
3. Project Management: Instructional designers must be able to manage multiple projects and deadlines, and be able to work effectively with cross-functional teams. They must be able to develop project plans, manage budgets, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
4. Communication Skills: Instructional designers must be able to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including students, instructors, and other instructional design professionals. They must be able to articulate their ideas and design choices clearly and persuasively.
5. Instructional Design Knowledge: Instructional designers must have a strong understanding of instructional design theories, models, and best practices. They must be able to apply this knowledge to create effective and engaging learning experiences. Masters and a Doctorate in Education are good investments.

Programs and Degrees for Instructional Design Jobs

1. Bachelor’s Degrees: Many instructional design jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in instructional design, education, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree programs typically cover topics such as instructional design theories, multimedia production, and learning management systems.
2. Master’s Degrees: Many instructional design positions require a master’s degree in instructional design, education, or a related field. Master’s degree programs typically offer a more in-depth study of instructional design theories and best practices, as well as practical experience designing and delivering instructional materials.
3. Certificate Programs: Instructional design certificate programs are designed for individuals who want to acquire the skills and knowledge required for instructional design jobs. These programs typically cover topics such as instructional design theories, multimedia production, and project management.

My favourite university is… Athabasca!