How to become an Instructional Designer

Instructional design is all about creating memorable learning experiences. If this sounds like something you'd enjoy, learn more in this Job Spotlight.

Instructional designers are responsible for creating a variety of instructional and learning materials, including user manuals, tutorials, online courses, and training modules. They create content for all kinds of people and organisations, including product users, universities and other learning institutions, businesses, government, and more.

If you’re an excellent communicator, are curious about how things work, and enjoy helping people solve problems, this could be a great career to consider.

What skills do I need as an instructional designer?

Excellent communicator
Inquisitive & creative
Problem-solving expert
Organised & efficient
Great with technology
Good teamwork skills
Flexible & adaptable
Great social awareness

What does the job involve?

Consulting with clients to determine their needs
Interviewing subject matter experts & conducting research
Determining learning objectives & outcomes
Creating written & graphical instructional content
Picking an appropriate medium for delivery
Developing eLearning platforms & systems
Tailoring content to specific users’ needs
Analysing usage data & feedback to make necessary changes

What industries do instructional designers typically work in?

Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Education & Training
Information Media & Telecommunications

What Career Cluster do instructional designers belong to?

Instructional designers are typically strong Innovators, using their skills and expertise to develop solutions to a variety of problems. They need to have a keen eye for design and be adept with technology.

They also have some overlap with the Informer Cluster, particularly when it comes to communicating and sharing knowledge.

What kind of lifestyle can I expect?

As an instructional designer, most of your work will likely be done during normal business hours (e.g. 9 to 5), with overtime being relatively uncommon. Part-time roles are rare, so you may have slightly less flexibility with your hours.

You will be doing most of your work indoors on computers – this means there is a high chance you could work remotely or from home. Some travel may be required to meet with clients in-person.

Most instructional designers can expect to earn an above average salary throughout their careers.

How to become an instructional designer

Although there are no formal qualifications necessary to work as an instructional designer, having one can greatly boost your skills and employability.

Instructional design courses can range from short online workshops to full Master’s degrees. Many instructional designers begin their training with a certificate-level qualification, then may decide to pursue further study once they have some work experience under their belt.

Finish high school with a focus on English and Maths.
Consider completing courses or qualifications in instructional design to improve both your knowledge of theory and practical skills.
Start building a portfolio of projects you can show to potential employers.
Keep updating your skills and knowledge throughout your career.

What can I do right now to work towards this career?

If you’re in high school and you’d like to find out if becoming an instructional designer is right for you, here are a few things you could do right now:

Start building important skills by doing volunteer work or participating in extra-curricular activities.
Learn to code and hone your writing and design skills in your spare time. You might also like to start researching instructional design theories and technologies.
See if you can find work experience in an education or design-related setting. This will help you see if you might enjoy the work, and can help you start building important contacts for the future.
Talk to an instructional designer to see what a day in their life is like. If you don’t know anyone, see if you can watch videos or documentaries about a career in instructional design.