In this episode, Holly Owens and Josephine Coco discuss the journey into the field of instructional design and technology. Josephine shares her personal story of returning to education later in life, the challenges she faced, and the importance of mentorship and networking in the industry.

They explore the value of pursuing a master's degree, the realities of freelancing, and the transition back to higher education. The conversation also covers practical advice for job seekers, including the importance of asking questions during interviews and maintaining confidence throughout the job search process.

Episode Takeaways

• The pandemic highlighted the need for instructional design in education.
• Networking is crucial in the learning and development field.
• Freelancing can be challenging but offers valuable experience.
• It's important to find a mentor who understands your journey.
• Job descriptions can vary greatly; read them carefully.
• Confidence and authenticity are key during interviews.
• Don't overwhelm yourself with job applications; take breaks.
• Utilize free resources and community support in your career.
• Believe in yourself and embrace the journey of learning.

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This fabulous episode is sponsored by Touro University's Graduate School of Technology. Go check out their MS in Instructional Design and Technology and learn how you can earn a scholarship today - https://gst.touro.edu/academics/instructional-technology/index.php

In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, Holly Owens interviews Isaac Herskowitz, the Dean of the Graduate School of Technology at Touro University. Isaac shares his journey from working at IBM to becoming the Dean and highlights the importance of practical education in the field of instructional technology.

The Graduate School of Technology at Touro University stands out for its practical approach to teaching and its focus on preparing students for real-world careers in instructional design and distance learning. The program emphasizes the booming field of instructional technology and the strong support it provides to students beyond the classroom.

The conversation highlights the various job opportunities and career paths available in the field of instructional technology. It emphasizes the importance of connecting classroom learning to real-world applications and industry-level tools. The conversation also mentions the need for technologists in the K-12 and corporate sectors, as well as the role of instructional technology graduates in corporate training.

The conversation concludes with advice for individuals considering a degree in instructional technology, emphasizing the value of credentials and the student-centered approach of the program.

This fabulous episode is sponsored by Touro University's GST - go check out their website for more information on how you can acquire a scholarship when enrolling in their masters degree program in Instructional Technology.

Some might ask... What is L&D?

In this episode, hosts Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson discuss their experiences and expertise in the field of learning and development (L&D). They share their personal journeys from teaching to instructional design and highlight the transferable skills that teachers possess. The hosts emphasize the importance of creativity and dynamic approaches in education and discuss the evolution of instructional design. They define learning and development as a broad field that encompasses various roles and jobs aimed at helping people learn and develop in different contexts, including K-12, corporate, and higher education.

Learning and development (L&D) is a broad and evolving field that encompasses the development of learners in any setting and at any age. It is not limited to the corporate space or linked solely to employee goals or performance. L&D can be inclusive and applicable across different organizations and sectors. The definition of L&D varies across organizations, and it is important to align on how it is defined within a specific context. The future of L&D involves automation and adaptive learning, where processes are automated and learning experiences adapt to individual learners.

Tune in now to gain more valuable insights about L&D!

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@HollyOwens and @DaNadia Johnson, MSIDT