OCCUPATION: INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER
Name: Petti Van Rekom
Company: Wow!
Thumbs up: “I like coming up with new ways to make learning fun for other people. I particularly enjoy designing learning games and interactive learning software.”
Thumbs down: “As an independent consultant, I sometimes spend more of my time generating business than actually designing instructional programs.”
Job description: An instructional designer develops the materials used to train employees. The job includes figuring out what the employees need to learn and how. It includes not only designing and writing the materials, but selecting the best learning method. This could be something as simple as a reference card, a workbook and an on-the-job trainer’s guide, a group simulation, a custom video, CD-ROM or interactive multimedia software program designed for the particular skill being taught. Designers are responsible for all phases, from idea to completion, including evaluating the training results.
Next step: “I’d like to set up an innovative training department from scratch. I’d also like to become more involved in interactive educational software design.”
Advice: “Join and become active in at least one professional organization. The scope of knowledge in this field is constantly changing and professional organizations help you to keep up.”
Salary range: Salaried instructional designers in Orange County earn $30,000 to $50,000 a year. Independent designers earn about $300 to $600 a day.
Hours: Those employed by corporations work standard office hours. Independent consultants often spend additional time during evenings and weekends completing projects and handling business aspects.
Educational and training requirements: Most instructional designers have at least a bachelor’s degree in education, education technology or communications. Larger firms often require an advanced degree.
Expected demand: Increasing. Technological changes and corporate restructuring have created an ongoing need for work force retraining.
Major employing industries: Medium- to large-size corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
For more information: Contact the Orange County chapter of the National Society for Performance and Instruction (NSPI) at (714) 962-7973 or the American Society for Training and Development at (714) 544-1733.
Researched by JANICE L. JONES / Los Angeles Times
