The instructional design field continues to evolve rapidly, creating exciting opportunities for professionals willing to bridge the gap between education and corporate training. In a recent episode of the Designing with Love podcast, host Jackie Pelegrin interviewed Sakina Brandford, who completed her master's degree in instructional design at Grand Canyon University (GCU) in January 2025 and successfully transitioned from K-12 teaching to a corporate instructional design role.
Sakina's journey illuminates several crucial aspects of both the educational path and the professional transition that many aspiring instructional designers face. She highlighted the importance of GCU's program structure, which caters specifically to full-time working adults by offering one course at a time over nine weeks. This approach allowed her to focus deeply on each course while maintaining her professional responsibilities. Previous attempts at pursuing advanced education had failed due to less accommodating program structures, underscoring the importance of finding the right educational fit for working professionals.
One of the most valuable insights from Sakina's experience was her strategic approach to portfolio development during her studies. Rather than focusing exclusively on educational projects within her comfort zone, she deliberately chose to explore corporate training scenarios despite her background in education. This forward-thinking approach proved invaluable when applying for positions, as it demonstrated versatility and a broader understanding of instructional design applications beyond academic settings. Employers often seek evidence of adaptability across different industries, and Sakina's diverse portfolio helped her stand out in the competitive job market.
The transition from classroom teaching to corporate instructional design presents both challenges and opportunities. Sakina secured a position in the oil and gas industry, working with a global company where she collaborates with subject matter experts from around the world. This dramatic shift from K-12 education to corporate training illustrates the transferability of instructional design skills when properly contextualized. Her current role involves upgrading traditional PowerPoint-based training to engaging e-learning formats using industry-standard software like Articulate Storyline, highlighting the ongoing digital transformation in corporate training environments.
Technology proficiency emerged as a critical success factor in Sakina's transition. She emphasized the importance of gaining familiarity with industry-standard software before entering the job market, noting that employers typically expect new hires to be productive quickly without extensive software training. Her interview process included specific questions about Articulate Storyline to verify her hands-on experience. Some companies even require candidates to design sample courses as part of the interview process, demonstrating the practical nature of the field. This reality reinforces the need for instructional design programs to incorporate substantial software training alongside theoretical foundations.
For current students and career changers, Sakina offered several practical recommendations. Building a robust LinkedIn presence early in the educational journey can create valuable connections and visibility with recruiters. Engaging with professional organizations, attending webinars, and exploring free training opportunities from software vendors can supplement formal education with current industry insights. She also advocated for certification programs in specific software tools to enhance marketability and build confidence for interviews.
The integration of artificial intelligence into instructional design represents both opportunity and challenge. Sakina's new employer utilizes AI for translating training materials into multiple languages, enabling truly global learning experiences. However, she expressed appropriate caution about AI tools, particularly regarding proprietary information, reflecting the balanced approach many organizations are adopting—leveraging AI's benefits while maintaining control over sensitive content.
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