Let’s set a baseline definition for what an entry-level, Instructional Design job looks like. Once we’ve established that, then we can manage our expectations for what it means to start new in the field, and what it takes to advance. Then, we will talk about why a job might ask for 2-3 years experience for an entry-level ID job. Then I’ll wrap things up with how to determine if you’re ready for an entry-level role or something else. Because really, it’s up to you to make that decision.

Be well! I hope you are drinking water and getting the rest you deserve. 

Show Notes

Episode 201 Transcript

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Hosted by Nyla Spooner

Season 1 of the podcast ended abruptly, but for a good reason. Let's chalk it up to 2020. The first episode of season 2 is finally here. Take a look back at the last 18 months, and hear what's in store for the podcast.  The upcoming season will focus on career planning and progression with interviews, bonus episodes, and more. 

Have a question, email thenewhereshow@gmail.com

Show notes

Transcript: Click here to view

Hey there new IDs. I have a confession. It’s getting increasingly difficult to produce and create these episodes. It’s not because of time, or resources. It’s because the world is on fire and it’s getting to me. I’m giving myself some grace this week and repurposing some content that originally aired on my youtube channel. As I mentioned last week, I’ll be wrapping up the first season of the podcast soon - most likely in the next two episodes. I’m already planning season two, so don’t worry - I’ll be back. 

Questions, comments, concerns? email me at Thenewhereshow@gmail.com

#blacklivesmatter

A couple episodes ago, I gave you three tips for approaching your Instructional Design Interview: To craft your instructional design philosophy to help you answer the question “tell me about yourself”; Using the STAR method to provide context for your behavioral interview responses, and to quantify your experience using data to back up your accomplishments. If you haven’t listened yet, you’ll definitely want to go back and stream that episode to catch you up to this one. Because this episode is a follow-up to Episode 9. 

This episode focuses on one particular aspect of the interview process - when the interviewer turns the reigns over to you and asks “So do you have any questions for us?”

Questions, Comments, Concerns? email thenewhereshow@gmail.com

What do you want to hear next??

Today’s episode features a guest! I’m going to have a conversation with my friend, mentee, and colleague, Christine Belzie about The Learning and Development Conference.

Matthew Richter of the Thiagi group and Dr. Will Thalheimer  of Work-Learning Research created The learning and development conference - A pioneering L&D event designed to support human learning and action in the workflow

Over the course of  6 weeks, attendees were able to access both live and on-demand sessions, one-on-one sessions with experts. And much more.

This week I'm going to talk about the instructional design job search, and how to prepare for interviews including how to leverage your network and other connections. These tips are based on interviews from people who hire instructional designers and from interviewing for design positions myself.

Questions, Comments, Concerns? email thenewhereshow@gmail.com

What do you want to hear next??

This week we’re going to talk about how to craft your instructional design philosophy. Once you take time to think about it, you will have a better understanding of how you want to show up in the world as an Instructional Designer, and be confident about your personal instructional design philosophy.

Find show notes at www.nylalxd.com/imnewhere

Questions/Comments/Concerns? Email the show: thenewhereshow@gmail.com

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In this episode, I answer listener submitted questions about portfolio building, authoring tools, and more. Find show notes for this episode on nylalxd.com/imnewhere

Questions/Comments/Concerns? Email the show: thenewhereshow@gmail.com

This week’s episode is about race and actionable 'allyship'.

It also pays homage to the lives of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Ahmaud Arbery. 

I close out the episode talking about ways you can put your instructional design skills into action for a good cause.

The content and discussion in today’s podcast will necessarily engage with racism and death. This is your content warning.

**The Regularly scheduled podcast for this week will air on Tuesday. 

This week we’re talking about the theory, process and skills that will help you succeed in your first ID position. When you put everything together I mention in this episode: 

• Knowledge of adult learning theory, principles and frameworks 
• A solid command of the Instructional Design process 
• Basic skills in project management, visual design, and learning technologies...

...you should be able to confidently call yourself an instructional designer! Find show notes here: nylalxd.com/imnewhere

We spent the first couple of episodes talking about the types of instructional designers. I’m being intentional about how I define these roles vs. job titles vs. disciplines, so you have a better grasp on things when you venture out into your job search. Let’s go one step further, into definitions before moving on. Let’s talk about the differences and similarities between the roles of Instructional Designers and eLearning developers. Find show notes on nylalxd.com/imnewhere

On Monday, I was laid off. 

I saw it coming and yet, I was still blown away that this is life right now! So I want to spend this episode sharing my plan for what to do next AND how I’m keeping a positive attitude through it all. I’m also going to show you how you can recession proof your instructional design career.

Questions/Comments/Concerns? Email thenewhereshow@gmail.com

Show notes can be found here: www.nylalxd.com

In this episode I broke down the different types of instructional designers and what they might be expected to do:  

- Corporate Instructional Designers vs. Higher Education Instructional Designers  

- Internal Consultants vs. External Vendors/Consultants  

- Contract vs. Permanent    

Thanks for listening to I’m New Here. If you like the show and want to know more, check out www.nylalxd.com/imnewhere.    

I have show notes for you there, links to everything I talked about in this episode and more. and please leave us a review on iTunes.   

I’d also love some feedback on what you’d like to see out of the show. I love feedback!   

I’m also all over socials: instagram, twitter, facebook as NylaLXD...and on Linkedin, too. Just search Nyla Spooner!   

Go on and listen to episode three if you’ve got it in you, shout out to all my power listeners who listen to all three episodes in one sitting! See ya in episode three!

Starting an instructional design career can sometimes feel like you’re the new kid in school, looking for someplace to eat lunch in the cafeteria. But, that’s why I created “I’m New Here!”

In this first episode, I’ll talk about how I plan to help new instructional designers, and where to start if you’re interested in becoming an instructional designer. I’ll also give you some standard definitions the show will be using, then assign your homework for next episode! Welcome to “I’m New Here”!

Questions/Comments/Concerns? Email the show: thenewhereshow@gmail.com

@nylaLXD

Instructional designers report high job satisfaction, demand above-average salaries, and enjoy good work-life balance. So, if instructional design work aligns with your interests and you feel confident that you can learn the skillset (as discussed in this article), then it’s an excellent career to pursue.

I’m Nyla, a mid-career Instructional designer and I’ve created the podcast, I’m new here, to help new instructional designers find their footing. Because doing it on your own can seem daunting at first.