- By the end of LDT502 (December 2025), I want to improve my oral communication skills.
- By the middle of my master’s degree program (May 2026), I want to become proficient in Canva.
- By the end of my master’s degree program (May 2027), I want to secure a learning designer position at Arizona State University.
Let’s start off with my first goal, which is to improve my oral communication skills. In previous work meetings and group projects, I have found myself sitting quietly and observing others. I will share my viewpoints and ideas rarely, which I know is a recipe for disaster in a career like learning design, where collaboration is key! As Wagner (n.d.) states, “Effective communication is central to the role and function of learning design.” If I would like to be successful in my future role as a learning designer, I must be able to collaborate with subject matter experts, stakeholders, and my colleagues! As a result, I want to improve my oral communication skills by sharing at least five times during my group meetings throughout LDT501. By setting a numerical goal for myself, I can hold myself accountable and track my progress through each meeting. At the conclusion of each meeting, I will write a short 3-5 sentence reflection about my experience. I will plan to reflect upon what went well and how I can improve for next time. By writing these reflections, I can document my growth as I work towards sharpening my communication skills. Some people who may be able to help me in achieving this goal include my senior managers and my team leader at work. These people are my current superiors, who share updates in larger meetings often. I can reach out to them for support and advice. Also, I will plan to practice my communication skills in our own work meetings as well.
My second goal is to become proficient in Canva. Wagner (2021) mentions how instructional designers cannot only have theoretical knowledge and expect to be successful in their roles. In the current landscape of instructional design, we must have strong technical skills as well. Currently, I have a very limited (if not non-existent) skillset when it comes to technical tools. To make myself more marketable as a learning design professional, I must take the initiative to learn a variety of technical tools. Therefore, I want to become proficient in Canva by the middle of my master’s degree program (May 2026) by completing eight certified Canva courses. These courses range from Canva Essentials to Graphic Design Essentials to The Field Guide to Human-Centered Design. Although Canva can be seen as a simpler tool compared to its more robust counterparts, such as Adobe Creative Suite products, I see the value in mastering it first. Completing these courses will allow me to “get my feet wet” when it comes to graphic design tools. By building my confidence in graphic design through the use of Canva, I can slowly start practicing with higher-level programs. Also, I would like to learn Canva because I can start producing artifacts to add to my portfolio, such as job aids, flowcharts, etc. I can even start creating my own personal branding using Canva, which can help me market myself on LinkedIn and this blog! As I work through this goal, I will plan to lean on specific YouTube channels for how-to videos and tutorials alongside the actual courses themselves. By seeking out Canva professionals, I can ensure the information I am learning is clear and helpful.
My third goal is to secure a learning design position. As I work through my master’s degree program, add to my portfolio, and build relationships with my professors and peers, I am setting myself up for success in the job field. Ultimately, I want to secure a learning design position at Arizona State University by the end of my master’s degree program (May 2027). While I would love for the position to be in training and professional development, I would not mind starting off by creating course content or other materials for the university. I would like to hit the ground running after completing my degree program and begin accruing the professional experience needed to supplement my educational background. As I embark upon my final semester in January 2027, I will begin job searching to find roles that align with my interests. To achieve this goal, I will start building connections now within my program. For example, I worked alongside an ASU learning designer in my previous course, LDT501. She shared some information regarding ASU’s LDT department and encouraged me to look into open positions! Also, I will reach out to my professors and fellow peers for advice and support as I navigate the job market. I plan to take advantage of mock interviews that are offered by ASU as well to brush up on my interviewing skills. Lastly, I will plan to complete all of my work in my master’s program to the best of my ability. By actively participating in my coursework, giving each assignment my best effort, and being open to learning emerging technologies, I am adding to my skill set for my future resume!
As I consider my future, these three goals will help me become my best self as a learning designer. Enhancing my communication skills and learning Canva will make me a marketable professional, and securing a position as a learning designer will allow me to begin my professional career. I’ve got my eyes on the prize, and I’m ready to crush these goals. Now let’s do this!
Wagner, E. (2011). Essay: In search of the secret handshakes of ID. The Journal of Applied Instructional Design, 1(1), 33–37.
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