Here's how you can secure internships in Digital Learning from top companies.

You could take a look at the Digital Learning Diploma by the Digital Learning Institute. This is relatively inexpensive and provides an overview of both theoretical L&D principles and hands-on design skills. Everyone I've spoken to about the course recommends it.

The best way to learn theory concerning instructional design is starting speaking and learning from your senior colleagues and instructional designer, this is my point of view. Of course you can learn also following online courses, reading ebook or following webinar. The best LMS to learn are Docebo, Forma LMS, Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard. They have a really huge diffusion in the industry of e-learning. You can learn to use them just doing practice and practice and practice again :) The best authoring tool are Articulate Storyline and Articulate Rise. I am started to use also IsEazy and it is very interesting, also because it offer an easy way to develop screens based on gaming in your online courses.

In my experience it’s also worth researching what good UI or UX design looks like - it has plenty of overlap into learning experience design. Keep up to date with tools and technologies in the industry such as AI and understand how it can improve your skills and efficiency as a learning designer.

Unlocking Opportunities: How to Secure Internships in Digital Learning from Top Companies In today's dynamic job market, internships serve as crucial stepping stones for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience and kickstart their careers. In the realm of digital learning, where innovation and technology intersect with education, securing an internship with a top company can open doors to a world of opportunities. Whether you're passionate about instructional design, educational technology, or e-learning development, here's how you can position yourself for success in landing that coveted internship: To learn more read my full post.

My top LMS recommendations would be Canvas, Brightspace and ISpring. ISpring also has a lot of helpful e-learning content on their website. I would also suggest digital webinars, take notes and post your reflections, build your skills from there.

Find a good place to host your portfolio so that the client can fully use any interactivity (rather than just sending screenshots for example.) Also, often portfolios lack context; what was the problem you were looking to solve? What were the parameters? What limitations did you have? What was the measurable impact?

What I have found useful is researching and being inspired by experienced web UX/UI designers portfolio. Because as a Digital Learning designer, 'digital design principles' are key to our role with 'learning' content. All.of our learners are accessing high end online web and social UX/UI in their daily lives. That's what they are accustomed to and that's what those experienced UX/UI designers deliver. So why not learn from what they showcase. Yes we have our instructional design principles to also follow, however, how they showcase their work is visual inspiring and it will help you stand out.

The best portfolios showcase strong technical skills and highlight the impact created through storyboarding, interactive modules, assessment opportunities and accessibility.

I am building my portfolio using Notion. Make sure that the tool that you use for the building is easy to use, fast and that the ouput is sharable online. It is important share your work concerning storyboard writing, scripts writing, video or podcast production, SCORM design and development. Inclue also a CV and a presentation letter.

A portfolio is a must. If you can demonstrate a range of authoring tools used to develop sample content this is a good strategy. Try and explain how the content solves a particular learning problem, and why you chose the approach and tools you did. A range of examples for K-12, vocational and professional contexts are a good idea if you have them, or if you want to target a particular sector then profile more specific content.

Discuss with other professionals the key challenges they encounter within their role, what the landscape is and what they’re doing to combat these - you’ll often find plenty of similarities across companies and this stands you in good stead for your current or any future positions.

Networking online and also offline is the key to know new collaborators. They can become new colleague or providers or clients. Keep in touch with people more experienced, they can become a great resourse for you.

Find the thought leaders in the Digital Learning sector and take some time out each day to view their posts. Actively seek to network with the people who interact with the industry thought leaders

Do your research about the context regarding the background of the organisation, what they value- look up their latest reports, their current research areas and business strategies to understand their KPIs, long term goals and their pain points.

Paste the job ad into an AI tool for your first draft of a cover letter! But DON’T use that as the final version! I’ve used my Cv as a chance to highlight design skills, if you’re applying for a job in a creative industry, then show you can design a beautiful CV.

I always look for a feedback when I have a job interview or I send a curriculum, it is a way to show your interest in that specific position and company. Be always aware on the new company policies, mission and vision.

Keep up to date with developments within the industry - learning is ever evolving and so are the tools, technologies and methodologies. Investigate key topics and take plenty of notes to refer back to.

You have to love learning yourself to thrive in this industry, because the tech and educational theory is constantly evolving. But this makes it the best job, because you’re always able to find something new and exciting to explore! If you’re interested in working in the vocational or professional sector then Cathy Moore’s ‘Action at Work’ course or ‘Map It’ book is highly recommended. William Horton ‘eLearning by Design’ is also excellent. They’re my eLearning bibles! When designing eLearning I always try and follow the principles of visual design, information architecture and interaction design for learning. This article on LinkedIn provides a good summary: LinkedIn UX Principle.

Be passionate and resilient is the great key to have a career in the industry of e-learning. And also be a great learner and study day by day new technologies and methodologies to apply in your courses design and development.