Topic 10:

Entering Training after Graduation

Question: I am going to be graduating in August 2002 and I have a little over a year of design experience. My long-term goal is to become an instructional designer. I am going to be relocating to Nashville, TN after graduation. Do you have any advice for me as to how to get my feet wet in this field?

--No Name, Hanover Park, IL

Answer: As a graduate student completing a degree in T&D, there are a number of options that are available to you to. Consider the following:
· Be sure to list any special projects, papers or internships, especially if related to ISD in your resume to increase your marketability. Also be sure to mention them or provide additional details in interviews.
· Talk to someone in your college's career center about using its resources to obtain information regarding training opportunities in Nashville. Ask if your career center can arrange for you to visit a career center at a Nashville higher education institution.
· Be open to options beyond the corporate world, e.g. government (all levels), non-profit/community associations.
· Review ASTD and ISPI job listings on their web sites for entry level ISD openings.
· Join the Nashville ASTD Chapter, and if there is one, the ISPI Chapter and volunteer to help out at the registration table for chapter events table for visibility. Network to seek advice from members and let them know you are job hunting.

Once settled in Nashville, consider taking one or two professional development seminars to expand your knowledge about ISD and make further contacts.
Many training positions include instructional design as part of the job description, particularly in medium to small size companies. However, given the present tight job market, you may have to take a straight training position but let your boss know of your ISD interest once you have established a track record. You maybe able to create a couple of courses that meet staff and organizational needs that you can market to your employer.

--AR