Transitioning from Academia to Instructional Design with Joe Stuben

TL;DR

Joe shares his journey from academia to a tech role in just seven months, leveraging his existing academic skills into instructional design.

Transcript

hello my friends welcome to another question and answer session we have the one and only joe steuben his elearning alter ego here today with us hi joe um good turn on everyone today we're talking about how joe transitioned from academia as a tenured history professor to a full-time curriculum developer at amazon web services and i think what's real... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎨 Leveraging existing academic skills in instructional design transition helped Joe create a successful career change.
• 🖐️ Networking and learning resources played a pivotal role in Joe's quick transition to a tech role in instructional design.
• 🎨 Focus on practical skills like using Storyline and Audacity combined with design and problem-solving abilities were instrumental for Joe's success.
• 🎨 LinkedIn, networking, and meaningful connections established Joe's path to instructional design at Amazon Web Services.
• 🌍 Seven months of dedicated effort helped Joe bridge academia with the corporate world in instructional design.
• 👍 Skill mastery in eLearning software tools and problem-solving proved essential for Joe's successful career shift.
• 🎨 Transitioning from academia to instructional design requires a focus on practical skills, networking, and industry know-how.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Joe transition from academia to instructional design at Amazon Web Services in just seven months?

Joe leveraged networking, eLearning resources, and practical skills to quickly learn tools like Storyline and xAPI, culminating in a focused portfolio and concise resume that secured his job.

Q: What role did networking play in Joe’s journey from academia to a tech role at Amazon Web Services?

Networking was crucial as Joe connected with mentors like Devlin, who provided guidance and feedback, enabling Joe to bridge his academic background with practical instructional design skills essential for the job.

Q: Which skills were instrumental for Joe to transition into instructional design at Amazon Web Services?

Skills like using eLearning software Storyline and Audacity, combined with a keen eye for design and problem-solving abilities, were key for Joe's successful shift from academia to a corporate instructional design role.

Q: How long did it take Joe to learn tools like Storyline and xAPI in order to become proficient enough for his job?

Joe dedicated a few months of focused effort, fueled by curiosity and a desire to create satisfying projects, to learn and master Storyline and xAPI, allowing him to confidently navigate his new instructional design role at Amazon Web Services.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Joe transitioned from academia to instructional design at Amazon Web Services in just seven months, unfamiliar with the role initially.

• Through networking and eLearning resources, Joe learned the necessary skills like Storyline and xAPI to create a strong portfolio.

• By showcasing his academic expertise in a new light on a concise resume, Joe successfully landed a full-time job in instructional design.