transitioning teacher

Has your transition from one career to another been a struggle? You've probably been told to simply update your resume and start applying for jobs, only to find yourself stuck in a cycle of rejection and frustration. Combine those feelings with the pain of feeling unprepared and inadequate for your new field, and you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, and uncertain about your future. Caitlin can relate. Her transition from educator to edtech marketer was a rough one. Join CK & GK for Caitlin’s most important career transition tip.

When you speak the language, you belong. —CK

Caitlin, a former full-time classroom educator, shares her insights on transitioning careers. With her background in education and transition to a new field, Caitlin brings a wealth of experience and knowledge on the importance of vocabulary in career transitions. She highlights the value of vocabulary as an entry point into new learning, drawing from her own teaching experience and offering practical advice for educators and professionals looking to make a career shift. Caitlin’s unique perspective and engaging storytelling provide valuable insights for educators transitioning to new careers.

In this episode, CK & GK discuss:

• Harnessing the power of vocabulary for a successful transition to a new field.
• Embracing the role of a lifelong learner for continuous growth in your career journey.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Etsy: Find the Scribbles for Shizzles Snoop Dogg notepad and Tom Selleck baseball cards on Etsy for a fun and unique gifts.
• Notion: Explore Notion, a web tool for organizing and managing all kinds of word processing needs. Consider using it to keep track of new words and terms when transitioning into a new career.
• Becky Lynch's book: Keep an eye out for Becky Lynch's book, Big Time Becks, for an entertaining read and a unique memoir from a professional wrestler.

See more in this episode's blog post >>>

The best support is a rating and a share.

Love,
CK & GK

View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com or our LinkTree. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on
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Thanks, y'all!

You know you need to have a portfolio, but what the heck do you put in it? The truth is, if you're not already an experienced ID, you'll have to start from scratch. 

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Understand how to create a portfolio that speaks to the job you want
• Learn exactly which deliverables you need in your portfolio to help you stand out with hiring managers

Full Show Notes Here!

Resources and Links Mentioned: 

Listen to the episodes: 

• What is an Instructional Design Portfolio?
• Articulate Storyline vs. Rise
• How the Instructional Design Process is Like Building a House
• The Different Types of Learning Delivery Methods
• The Importance of Feedback in Landing an ID Job

Download your free design document template

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Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.

Have you started the hunt for a corporate instructional design position? Finding your first ID job can be overwhelming and confusing, especially with the various titles that pop up when searching online job platforms. In this episode, I'm discussing what to search for when looking for a job in corporate instructional design.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Understand how to successfully search for corporate instructional design jobs and what keywords you should be using
• Explore the most common job titles and their primary differences
• Learn how to interpret job titles and their descriptions to ensure you're applying for positions that align with your goals

Full Show Notes Here!

Resources and Links Mentioned: 

Sign up for the Applied Instructional Design Academy

Listen to the episode, Articulate Storyline vs. Rise

Listen to the episode, How the Instructional Design Process is Like Building a House

Connect with Jill

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Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Website

Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.

Is the current economy making you hesitant to start your career in instructional design? Despite the possibility of a recession, the eLearning industry is booming - and I'll tell you why.

In this episode, I'm shedding light on why the instructional design industry is recession-proof, so you can feel more at ease as you embark on or continue your journey in corporate instructional design.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Discover the unique advantages that instructional design has over other corporate careers
• Understand how constant change actually ensures job security for designers
• Explore the future of learning and its impact on the industry

Full Show Notes Here!

Connect with Jill

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Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group

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Website

Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.

You've been assigned your first ID project. Now what? First, you'll want to establish the project's direction and develop the learning solution. To do this, you'll conduct a kickoff meeting.

In this episode, I'm reviewing instructional design project kickoff meetings and what you can expect during the process. You'll learn the details of your role in these meetings and the critical questions you should ask to ensure a confident start to your project. 

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Gain clarity on the purpose and objectives of a kickoff meeting and how to conduct one successfully
• Explore the key stakeholders involved and understand your role in the process
• Learn the essential information you need to gather so you can set a strong foundation for your project's success

Full Show Notes Here!

Resources and Links Mentioned:

Join us this weekend, May 20th and 21st, for a binge-watching session to catch up on our workshop's amazing videos! See you in the Facebook Group

Sign up for the Applied Instructional Design Academy

Connect with Jill

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Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Website

Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.

How long does it take to become an instructional designer? Transitioning careers requires thoughtful planning, especially if you have a time-bound job like teaching. 

In this episode, I'm discussing the timeline of becoming an instructional designer. You'll learn the three phases of the transition process and what you need to consider when preparing for your career change to have as smooth of a transition as possible.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Learn the three stages of becoming an instructional designer
• Understand why taking shortcuts will ultimately backfire
• Gain insight into how long these phases take so you can set realistic expectations and 

Full Show Notes Here!

Mentioned Episodes

What is an Instructional Design Portfolio?

Should I Get a Master's Degree in Instructional Design?

Questions to Ask When Considering an Instructional Design Academy

Software Programs You Need to Learn to Get an ID Job

Connect with Jill

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Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Website

Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.

Are you thinking about joining an instructional design academy? Instructional design programs will help you develop the practical skills needed to build your portfolio and stand out in the industry. But with multiple academies to choose from, how do you know which one, if any, is best for you? 

In this episode, I'm sharing the questions to consider when choosing an instructional design academy. 

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Explore the benefits of enrolling in an instructional design academy and decide if it's the right fit for you
• Learn the questions you need to ask to determine if a program aligns with your career goals
• Discover the red flag to look out for when selecting a program

Full Show Notes Here!

Resources and Links Mentioned: 

Sign up for my free 5-day workshop

Sign up for the Applied Instructional Design Academy

Related Episodes:

Should I Get a Master's Degree in Instructional Design?

What is an Instructional Design Portfolio?

Ed Tech, Higher Ed, and Corporate IDs: What's the Difference?

Articulate Storyline vs. Rise

Connect with Jill

Instagram

Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Website

Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.

When you’re just starting in corporate instructional design, having a portfolio is crucial to help you stand out, but nothing compares to having experience with an actual client. So how do you get this experience if you’ve never had a job in the field? 

In this episode, we’re going over how to use volunteer projects to gain experience in corporate instructional design. I’ll share the benefits of completing a volunteer project, how to find these opportunities, and what to do once you get it.  

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Understand why you should take advantage of volunteer projects
• Learn where to look for volunteer opportunities and how to communicate your services
• Explore the importance of treating your volunteer experience as a real project and how to manage the limitations that may come along with volunteer work

Full Show Notes Here!

Mentioned Resources:

Applied Instructional Design Academy

What is an Instructional Design Portfolio

Connect with Jill

Instagram

Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Website

Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.

How do you get hired as an instructional designer for the first time without any formal experience? You may be looking at job postings, seeing hundreds of applications, and thinking there is no way to compete with everyone. But the truth is, most people applying for jobs in instructional design will never be hired simply because they aren’t doing the prep work.

Top reasons to listen:

• Discover how to get hired as an instructional designer with no formal experience. 
• Learn how to prepare yourself to stand out. 

Full Show Notes Here!

Mentioned Resources and Links
Free 5-Day Instructional Design Jumpstart Workshop - Monday, April 17th 

Connect with Jill

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Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Website

Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.

As instructional designers, we have the unique advantage of submitting portfolios to potential employers - yes, advantage! While it may seem daunting to create, a portfolio allows us to showcase our skills and is especially important when you’re just starting in the field.

In this episode, I’m reviewing why you need a portfolio as a new corporate instructional designer. I’ll share the benefits of having a portfolio and how to use a portfolio to prove your skills and get hired.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Explore the value of a well-crafted portfolio and how it helps you stand out from the crowd
• Learn how a member of the Applied Instructional Design Academy used her portfolio to land two job offers and negotiate a $6,000 salary increase
• Understand how to align your portfolio with the job you want and prove your skills through deliverables 

Full Show Notes Here!

Resources and Links Mentioned: 

Sign up for the Applied Instructional Design Academy

Listen to my episode on choosing a topic for your portfolio

Listen to my episode on software programs

Listen to How the ID Process is Like Building a House

Connect with Jill

Instagram

Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Website

Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.

You may already be familiar with the ADDIE corporate ID framework, but what about the SAM model? As you begin to apply for jobs, it’s crucial to understand both frameworks. Learning these methods is fundamental to corporate instructional design, and as you grow into your career, it will provide an excellent jumping-off point to develop your own methods and preferred practices. 

 In this episode, we’re exploring the differences between the ADDIE and SAM models, and how they’re applied to real-world projects.   

 Top reasons to listen to the entire episode: 

• Learn the key differences between the ADDIE and SAM frameworks
• Understand the phases of SAM and how they relate to ADDIE
• Gain insight on how to best use these models, so you can feel confident when starting your first job

Full Show Notes Here! 

Resources and Links Mentioned:  

Check out The Ultimate Guide to Becoming an Instructional Designer  

Read the book Leaving ADDIE for SAM by Michael Allen  

Listen to my episode on the ADDIE model  

Connect with Jill

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Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group

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Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.

Do you need to buy a new computer to learn the programs for corporate instructional design work? The short answer: no! But you do need to ensure your computer has the appropriate specs to set you up for success when you’re first learning and beyond.

In this episode, I’m reviewing the computer requirements for corporate ID work. I’ll share what computer systems and specs you need while learning instructional design and eLearning development and what happens after you secure a job or contract. 

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Learn which operating system is required for running the core corporate ID programs
• Discover the ideal specs for both Windows and Mac computers, and if you need a laptop or a desktop
• Understand what is provided (or not provided) to you as an employee, W-2 contractor, and 10-99 contractor

Full Show Notes Here!

Resources and Links Mentioned: 

Sign up for the Applied Instructional Design Academy

Listen to Software Programs You Need to Learn to Get an ID Job

Listen to Full-Time vs. Contract Instructional Design Work

Connect with Jill

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Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group

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Website

Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.

Understanding the various training delivery methods we design and develop as corporate instructional designers is crucial. This knowledge allows you to decide which modalities you may want to focus on as a corporate ID and determine the proper delivery methods for the learning you’re designing. In this episode, we’re exploring the different learning delivery methods in corporate instructional design.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Understand the different learning delivery modalities and the key differences between each approach
• Learn the situations you need to consider when deciding on a delivery method for a project
• Gain clarity on which methods you want to focus on so you can build a marketable portfolio

Full Show Notes Here!

Resources and Links Mentioned:

Preregister for the Instructional Design Jumpstart Workshop

Connect with Jill

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Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Website

Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.

With layoffs being a major headline in the news, you’re probably questioning if now is really the best time to transition into a corporate career. It’s natural to be hesitant about making such a big decision, and especially scary when considering the current state of our economy.

In this episode, I’m sharing my thoughts on the recent layoffs and what this means for those transitioning into corporate ID. I’ll share my experience navigating through the 2008-2009 recession and shed light on this discouraging situation, so you can feel reassured there is no better time than now to start your career in corporate instructional design. 

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Learn which industry is seeing the most layoffs and why
• Understand how economic hardship affects industries differently
• Explore the advantages of being a corporate ID during an economic downturn

Full Show Notes Here!

Connect with Jill

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Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group

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Website

Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.

What’s the difference between full-time and contract work in corporate instructional design? Many people don’t realize the variety of opportunities available in the field of corporate ID or that it’s not a requirement to work 40 hours a week if you don’t want to. A huge advantage of being a corporate instructional designer is the ability to choose the type of work that matches your career goals and lifestyle. In this episode, we’re exploring full-time vs. contract work in corporate instructional design. 

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Explore what full-time employment looks like and the surprising benefits (hint: there’s more flexibility than you think!)
• Discover the two types of contract positions and how to find contract work
• Gain clarity on which type of employment will provide the work-life balance you’re searching for

Full Show Notes Here!

Connect with Jill

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Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Website

Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.

The design document is a key component of the instructional design process, and it’s important to understand its significance before starting your career in corporate ID. You’ll not only need to have a sample in your portfolio, but you’ll need to be able to discuss this deliverable during interviews to demonstrate your understanding of the ID process.

In this episode, we’re learning how to write a design document. We’re discussing in detail what it is, how it’s used, and most importantly, how to create one so that you can feel confident when it’s time to create your first design document!

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Understand what a design document is and why it's important
• Explore the role of design documents in the ID process
• Learn the seven elements that make up a design document so you can confidently craft your first portfolio sample

Full Show Notes Here!

Mentioned Resources:

Episode 2: How the Instructional Design Process is Like Building a House

Episode 7: Choosing a Topic for Your First eLearning Sample for Your Portfolio

Design Document Template

5-Day Workshop

Connect with Jill

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Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group

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Website

Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of creating a portfolio? While it may seem daunting, a portfolio is an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills to potential employers, especially when you’re new. We’re discussing how to choose a topic for your first eLearning portfolio sample that will help you stand out and which topics you should avoid. This episode is for you if you want to get out of paralysis mode and take action!

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Understand the importance of your eLearning portfolio and selecting the right topics
• Explore the four categories you should choose from to build an attractive portfolio
• Learn the ideal length of your eLearning modules and how to focus on one specific learning objective 

Full Show Notes Here!

Mentioned Resources:

Go Design Something

Connect with Jill

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Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.

What does a corporate instructional designer do in the day-to-day? As a full-time or contract ID, you can expect similar job duties with several subtle differences. In this episode, we’re discussing the common activities of a corporate instructional designer. You’ll gain further insight into the role so you can better understand if this career is right for you.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Learn the daily tasks of a corporate instructional designer.
• Explore the critical role that feedback plays in a corporate ID’s work.
• Understand how often you’ll be working with teams vs. independently and what characteristics will help you to succeed.

Full Show Notes Here!

Mentioned Resources:

Episode 4: Ed Tech, Higher Ed, and Corporate ID - What's the difference?

Connect with Jill

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Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group

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Website

Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.

Are you a teacher struggling to get a job in corporate instructional design? Whether you’ve already been applying or you’re just getting started - this episode is for you! Teachers have an incredible skillset for corporate instructional design, but it’s imperative to have an optimized resume for the industry. In this episode, we’re exploring how to translate your teaching skills for a career in corporate ID.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Uncover how your teaching experience qualifies you for a career in corporate ID.
• Understand exactly what your resume needs to focus on to stand out from the hundreds of applications.
• Learn the precise keywords and terminology you need to use to translate your skills for corporate ID.

Full Show Notes Here!

Mentioned Resources:

Episode 2: How the Instructional Design Process is like Building a House
Episode 4: Ed Tech, Higher Ed, and Corporate IDs - What's the difference?
Resume Rewrite Guide
Articulate 360 License Giveaway
Instructional Design Jumpstart Workshop

Connect with Jill

Instagram

Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Website

Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.

What type of instructional design should you pursue? If you’re unsure what options there are, this episode is for you! While this podcast specifically focuses on corporate, it’s important to understand all three avenues of instructional design so you can decide which path is best for you, and tailor your portfolio, resume, and interviewing skills to match.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Understand the tasks and responsibilities associated with each type of instructional design.
• Explore the varying employment factors of each path, such as salary, work-life balance, and job security.
• Discover which ID path is right for you.
  
  

Full Show Notes Here!

Mentioned Resources:

Facebook Group
Episode 2: How the Instructional Design Process is like Building a House
Articulate 360 License Giveaway
Instructional Design Jumpstart Workshop

Connect with Jill

Instagram

Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Website

Thanks for joining us on the Jumpstart Your Instructional Design Career podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review to help us reach even more freedom seekers and aspiring instructional designers.