eLearning and Instructional Design Career Insights with Ashley Chiasson

TL;DR

Ashley Chazon shares her insights and expertise on freelancing and working in instructional design, with tips on portfolios, pricing strategies, remote work, and more.

Transcript

hello everybody and welcome to this career insights session with ashley chazon um you all probably know ashley already but if you do not she has been doing freelancing and working in many different positions for like over a decade now i want to share her site here um this is a site that helped me a lot when i was getting into the field like several... Read More

Key Insights

• 🏝️ Tailoring your portfolio to match the needs and style of potential employers is crucial for landing corporate opportunities.
• ☠️ Pricing strategies for freelancers should consider not only the market rates but also additional expenses like taxes and software costs.
• 💪 Researching companies and industries, networking, and building a strong portfolio are essential steps for freelancers looking to break into instructional design.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the three most important things to showcase in a portfolio when looking for corporate opportunities?

Research the potential employers and tailor the portfolio to their needs. Include a variety of interactive samples and focus on the relevant skills and styles of the companies.

Q: What is a good pricing strategy for someone new to freelancing?

Start with a base rate calculated from your previous salary or hourly position. Mark it up to cover additional costs like taxes and software expenses. Experiment with rates until you find the sweet spot.

Q: What are the top three things to do before seeking freelance clients as an instructional designer?

Research potential clients in the industry you want to work in and network with professionals in the field. Build a strong portfolio showcasing relevant skills. Stay active on social media platforms and engage with the learning and development community.

Q: How can one gain hands-on experience with tools like Articulate Storyline without spending a lot of money?

Take advantage of free trials offered by tools like Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate. Participate in e-learning challenges, watch tutorials on YouTube, and explore LinkedIn Learning for free or low-cost training options.

Q: Will opportunities for full-time remote work in instructional design increase in the future?

Yes, remote work opportunities have significantly increased due to the pandemic, and many companies are realizing the benefits of remote work. This trend is expected to continue even after the pandemic.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ashley Chazon has over a decade of experience in freelancing and instructional design, with a focus on e-learning and Storyline tutorials.

• She emphasizes the importance of researching potential employers and tailoring portfolios to showcase relevant skills and samples.

• Pricing strategies for freelancers should take into account previous salary or hourly rates, as well as additional costs like taxes and software expenses.

• Remote work opportunities for instructional designers have significantly increased, with many companies realizing the benefits and flexibility it offers.