What Industries Use Instructional Designers?
If you’re thinking about getting a master’s degree in instructional design and learning technology, you may be wondering what type of industry you would be working in. That’s a great question, and the answer to it is even better.
The recent global pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, e-learning, and remote learning. Meanwhile, the recent rise in learning technologies has provided the tools to create better learning environments.
Today, organizations across every industry are looking for workers who can create educational or training materials and experiences in a systematic and efficient way. Industries are looking for instructional designers who can provide:
- A clear understanding of the intended learning outcomes and objectives.
- An analysis of the target audience, including their knowledge, skills, and needs.
- Selection of appropriate instructional strategies, methods, and media.
- Development of learning activities and assessment tools to measure the effectiveness of the instruction.
- Evaluation and revision of the instructional design based on feedback and data.
- Knowledge of the subject matter and expertise in instructional design theory and best practices.
- Strong project management, communication and collaboration skills.
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing requirements and constraints.
Industries Looking for Instructional Designers
Instructional design is used in every industry to develop effective training and educational programs. Some specific examples include:
Corporate training: Instructional designers work with companies to create training programs for employees on a wide range of topics, such as software applications, sales techniques, and leadership development.
E-learning: Instructional designers use technology, such as online courses and mobile apps, to deliver education and training to students and employees in a flexible and convenient format.
Healthcare: Instructional designers work with medical professionals to create educational materials and training programs on topics such as patient care, disease management, and medical procedures.
Government and military: Instructional designers develop training programs for government agencies and the military on topics such as emergency response, security, and policy implementation.
K-12 and Higher Education: Instructional designers work with teachers and professors to create curriculum, assessments and lesson plans.
Museums and Cultural institutions: Instructional designers work with museum staff and educators to create educational experiences and tours that engage visitors and enhance their understanding of the exhibits.
Non-profit organizations: Instructional designers work with non-profit organizations to design programs to help them achieve their goals, such as training volunteers or creating educational materials on important social issues.
Industrial and Manufacturing: Instructional designers help to train employees on new equipment, processes, and procedures to help improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
Technology: Instructional designers work with software companies to create user manuals, tutorials, and other instructional materials for their products.
Retail: Instructional designers create training programs for employees on topics such as customer service, product knowledge, and sales techniques.
Travel and Tourism: Instructional designers work to create training programs for employees in the travel and tourism industry, such as in hotels, airlines, and tour operators, to ensure they can provide excellent service to customers.
Human Resources: Instructional designers develop training programs for employees on topics such as workplace diversity, sexual harassment prevention, and career development.
Finance: Instructional designers create training programs for employees in the finance industry, such as in banks, insurance companies, and investment firms, to help them understand financial products, regulations and compliance.
Automotive: Instructional designers create training programs for employees in the automotive industry, such as in car dealerships and repair shops, to help them understand the latest technologies and repair techniques.
Safety and Emergency Management: Instructional designers create training programs for employees and organizations on topics such as emergency preparedness, safety procedures and incident management.
Consulting: Instructional designers can work as independent consultants, where they provide instructional design services to a variety of clients.
The bottom line
The field of instructional design crosses boundaries and industries. It encompasses a set of skills that fit in K-12 or higher education classes just as easily as it can benefit companies in the public or private sectors.
As a result, career opportunities for instructional designers are diverse and vary depending on the industry, company, and location.
The bottom line is that the instructional design field is growing along with the increasing demand for digital learning and e-learning. Instructional designers with a diverse skill set and knowledge of different technologies will have more opportunities to advance in their careers.
What are you waiting for?
The combination of technical know-how, knowledge of best practices for learning, and a collaborative spirit helps to position instructional design professionals with a unique opportunity to contribute their expertise across a wide range of organizations. Particularly in light of the recent shift to remote working and learning, companies and schools of all sizes have suddenly realized the need for – and value in – having a strong team of instructional designers.
—Professor David Garaventa, Albertus Magnus College
Ready to earn an MS in Instructional Design & Learning Technology?
Does Instructional Design & Learning Technology sound like something that’s right for you? If so, be sure to check out the 1-year MS in Instructional Design and Learning Technology at Albertus Magnus College. 30 Credits. 1.5 years. Career game changer.