The year is coming to an end, and this is when most professionals evaluate where they are in their career and where they would like to go in 2027. If you are interested in the world of Corporate Learning & Development, regardless if you just graduated or if you are looking to pivot your career, here is what you need to know.
Do you need a degree or certificate?
Short answer, no. I haven’t found a certificate or degree program that will give you the day-to-day practice you need to develop your skills and knowledge. Most programs are limited in what they can teach you, especially in a virtual setting. With that said, I would focus on developing specific skills with courses that are affordable. For example, Yukon Learning (the official partner for Articulate Storyline) can teach you Storyline from basic to advanced. A certificate in Adult Learning can teach you the theory surrounding corporate learning, motivation, and engagement. However, I wouldn’t pursue a Master’s degree in education because it may not offer the necessary understanding of adult learning theories or practice for a professional setting.
Do you need a portfolio?
Yes. With a saturated market, you want to stand out and show that the skills on your resume are not just in writing. Having a portfolio can set you apart, especially if you show case your design and writing skills. For any projects you decide to add, talk about the problem you were trying to solve, the mindset behind it, how you managed deliverables and partners, and if your proposed solution was successful. The more examples you have the better, but maximize your efforts by showing different skills and knowledge.
What skills/knowledge do you need?
Here is a quick checklist of what you should know in 2027. AI chatbots are expected so I am not going to mention it.
Tools:
Articulate Storyline
Articulate Rise
Microsoft Office
AI voice generating software or voice recording editing software
Video editing software (Camtasia, FCP, Adobe Premiere)
Knowledge:
Project Management Framework (Addie, SAM)
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model
Action Mapping
ARCS Model
Andragogy
Neuro and Cognitive science for learning
How to prepare for an interview
You have everything the job description calls for and you get your first interview.
One of the questions you can expect is the “tell me about yourself”. My advice is to connect your personal story to your professional development. For example, I discussed how becoming an amputee made me more resilient and how I transferred that mindset to my work. Be yourself and highlight what in your resume best matches the job description.
When talking to the hiring manager or team showcase different examples of skills and knowledge you may have. Walk through your thought process, your results and what you learned from your experiences. Don’t lie about your experiences, be honest and present the evidence to support it. I worked with someone who lied about their skills and not only he ended up being fired after failing to perform his job, others had to redo his work.
Bonus:
Grab a copy of my e-book Instructional Design Toolbox today for a complete guide on adult theories and methodologies.
Questions?
Have a question or need help? Send me a message on LinkedIn and I will be happy to connect!