Is Instructional Design Right for You?

Instructional design is a great career with plenty of opportunity, but is it right for you?

In this video, we’ll ask you over ten questions to help you learn more about what it’s like to work in the field, as well as figure out whether or not you will thrive as an instructional designer.

Wondering if there’s room in the market for more instructional designers? Concerned about work-life balance in an ID role? Nervous about moving into a corporate atmosphere? We'll dive into all of this (and more).

If you’re debating whether or not you should pursue the instructional design field, this series of questions may help clarify any confusion you may have had about ID and give you the confidence to start on your journey into instructional design.

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0:00 Intro
0:17 Do you like to help people learn?
1:48 Do you like to use computers / technology?
3:29 Do you like working with children?
4:35 Do you like variety?
6:20 Do you want room for growth?
8:12 Do you want to work corporate?
10:31 Do you have time to upskill?
13:24 Do you like to work with people?
15:04 How important is earning potential?
16:48 How important is work-life balance
18:49 Do you like to learn?
18:43 Next Steps

[strongereveryday]

Hello Devlin! Today I landed my first job as ID after several year of being in the L&D industry. Thanks for all your support and guidance through your videos, keep it up!

[MineralFoliage]

Hi Devlin,
Thank you for your wonderful presence in the ID community! Your videos helped me make the leap to become a learning designer/ID, and I'm proud to say that not only will I will finish my Learning Design & Technology Grad Certificate at the Harvard Extension School this fall, but I also just landed my first full time role as an Education Specialist where I will get to develop my technical skills and hone my design processes. You made this career transition possible for me by laying out just what I was jumping into. Keep doing what you're doing. It makes a difference.

Thanks,
Micah

[mskarenwyness]

Hi Devlin, My background and experience include 10 years in Corporate B2B Business Development and Account Management. Transitioned into training roles, within the Hospitality & Further Education focusing on soft skills and digital skills training. My expertise in recruitment, training, and passion for digital education and engaging content design fuel my work in education. I have literally answered YES to all the questions so I know I am in the right place. Thank you this has really helped me with career direction, focus and re-ignited my passion.

[ardentwatcher]

I have passed the test😃. After watching this video, I am convinced that Instructional Design is definitely for me. Thanks, Devlin!

[cherylanderson]

Hi Devlin, this is definitely where I want to go with my career. I have been a teacher for 28 years (teaching 6-12 Science, Math and CTE mostly), K-12. I also have adult learning courses I have taken through one of my Master's degrees. Another degree is in Curriculum and instruction. I want to retire in 2 years. I would just like to keep learning through your videos. Thank you for introducing me to this. I feel like I actually have a direction now. :).

[Bouchergator]

I have a 4 year old and considered homeschooling, but realized my strengths are with older teenagers. I also have so many interests, which means I like variety. I like tech and the options available to make it easier for learning. I have been commenting a lot on your videos as I watch them but they all just keep showing me that ID is for me. Thank you for being integral in my process!

[crisfehr]

Awesome video Devlin, appreciate how much amazing free content you provide for those who are completely new to ID, or emerging designers. Thank you sir!

[lamiyamehdiyeva]

Hi Devlin! Thank you for sharing it all with us. For the past two months I’ve been thinking on learning new skills and switching from teaching. Right then I found out your videos and it hit me! I took your checklist and making some plans for myself to devote 6 months to upskill. I’ll share updates with you as soon as I get a job in this field. Thank you 💜

Following you from Azerbaijan 🇦🇿

[gregbaker]

I am changing careers from teaching and have been trying like heck to land a job in Instructional Design. I'm excited and can't wait to start creating. has been the most humbling, discouraging, and frustrating experience of my entire professional life. I have a doctorate in education that specializes in educational technology, I have created an award winning full-stack CTE web course, designed curriculum for USAF Air University, was lead instructor for an AF leadership/management course, and have over 15 years experience in healthcare. The only feedback that I've gotten so far was being called a "unicorn", whatever that means. And I've also been told I'm overqualified. I've re-written my resume many, many times, I just don't know what else to do.

[missyrachy]

It never occurred to me to consider this field. I have a degree in design, web dev experience, IT support experience, and I’ve been wanting to return to design. I have many years of experience as an e learner and a homeschool mom. Great video!

[kvr]

This video was EXACTLY what I was looking for - thank you x1000! I've learned a little bit about ID from a few different sources, but having this "quiz" really helped me, and I find the way you present information to be succinct and interesting. Because ID can include many different things, for those of us just getting our feet wet it can seem kind of nebulous and this really helped me get a better feel for it. Thanks so much!

[cjwsk]

Hey Devlin, I just came across your videos and I think your work is incredibly underrated. Your content and delivery goes beyond my expectation each time and your videos deserve millions of views. The way you explain things and provide evidence/backup is extremely helpful so I hope you keep that up! I believe that is one of your strengths. Have a nice day!!

[JJWong]

As a current university English instructor, thanks Devlin for your content! Love learning about potential future career pivots and opportunities.

[gayaclav]

This is a golden video! Seriously! You've answered every query that kept popping up in my mind. Especially for educators. Thank you Devlin!

[konfidential]

After training at UPS, teaching elementary, and freelance graphic design I believe this fits well with my experience.

[visuallanguage]

This is really helpful!! Newby here, just trying to find out what this is / if its for me. Thank you for this!

[andwhatthenify]

Thank you Delvin for the useful information you shared. Indeed, as I reflect on every question, I find it practical because that's what is happening in real life.

[razanfaraj]

Thank you for this amazing information👏🏻

[jbdabc]

Hi Devlin, thanks so much for this great video. I know it's been 6 months since you posted this, so I guess I need to hit that bell button to get notifications😀 I really enjoy learning from your videos; they're packed full of useful real-life info. I'm an English teacher and am in the process of learning the theory if ID. Still have to learn the software and create a portfolio, which I can't wait to start. During the pandemic, I switched to online teaching and found the use of technology to create learning materials really satisfying. ID seems like a logical next step.

[kellycarruthers]

Always inspiring - and confirms I'm in the right profession! :)