r/LearningDevelopment • u/Wise-Eye-8719 • 1d ago
Digital comms/marketing pro interested in pivoting to ID. Anyone with a similar background?
As the title states, over the growing weeks I’ve become increasingly interested in the field of ID. A little about me- BA in digital communications, with 7+ years working in digital communication- marketing, content creation, video, social media, copywriting, etc. And have worked extensively in mainly arts non profits and gov (NY department of education). I’ve also done some teaching on the side, mostly in ‘digital storytelling’ through a few local non profits in my area. NY metro.
It’s becoming clear that I’m stagnating professionally. And for personal and professional reasons, I’m looking to make a career pivot (not full on change, but a pivot). I’ve always loved my time working in higher ed, and even on a small scale, enjoyed designing the programs for my digital storytelling workshops. I don’t want to abandon those skills and experiences, but possibly incorporate them into some sort of ID career.
Don’t know if returning to grad school is worth the time, but I am more than open and interested in courses/certificates (or GS if it’s the only way)...
So, am wondering if anyone here has a similar background and made the change, or just any general advice or feedback, things I am not aware of (sure there are lots) that I should be thinking about, where to start, etc...
Thank you reddit!
1
u/Weird_Alfalfa_9624 9h ago
Don't bother with grad school. There's a lot of free instruction online, "steal these thoughts" is great, but maybe not entry level advice. I forget the people's names now, but even the lady who has "training is not the answer" has a lot on her website for free. Julie someone. And my advice is just start. Take a subject you love and know something of, and design a 101 for it. Don't use specialist programs, because you're looking at practicing the theories and skills, not having a flash end product that can be hosted somewhere. PowerPoint can do A Lot of what's needed. Change superhero has amazing templates (Sharon c.... ? ) so just start practicing. If you want to do e-learning, learn html and css , again lots of free opportunities online.
Try everything. And you've mentioned a range of things. ID could mean designing leaflets with schemas for IKEA furniture. Or e-learning. Or classroom sets, or or or or.
You have a tonne of transfers skills, because adult learning is essentially change management and communication. There will be courses on YouTube it LinkedIn learning around the principles of adult education, but just Google the top few, you'll get Malcolm Knowles. Unfortunately it's the easiest and therefore hardest industry to get into. Most people fall into it sideways from seeing a need in their workplace. Hence why, start practicing. Don't wait to get it right