5 Fast-Growing Jobs for Instructional Designers in 2024

In an increseangly saturated job market, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for professionals aiming to leverage their skills in new and dynamic ways. For instructional designers, 2024 presents a landscape ripe with opportunity, underscored by LinkedIn News comprehensive analysis in its “Jobs on the Rise” report. This research, drawing from millions of employment records and trends on the platform, shines a light on the top fast-growing jobs for instructional designers, offering a roadmap for those who are ready to expand their career horizons.

What are fast-growing jobs?

Fast-growing jobs are defined by their significant increase in demand within the job market over a specific period, in this case, observed from January 1, 2019, to July 31, 2023. These roles not only reflect current industry needs but also predict future trends, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in today’s workforce. As learning professionals, these trends can reveal exciting pathways to apply our unique blend of skills in content creation, educational technology, and curriculum development to roles that may not have necessarily been on our radar.

Top Fast-Growing Jobs for Instructional Designers

Instructional Systems Specialist
- Instructional Systems Specialists focus on crafting and deploying comprehensive educational programs and materials. This role aligns seamlessly with the skill set of an instructional designer, spotlighting the creation of meaningful and effective learning experiences.
- As an Instructional Designer you bring:
  - Expertise in instructional design methodologies.
  - Proficiency with educational technology and digital learning tools.
  - Strong curriculum development and assessment capabilities.
  - Ability to analyze and apply learning theories effectively.
  - Experience in project management and cross-functional collaboration.
- New skills to develop:
  - Advanced data analysis for educational outcomes.
  - Mastery in user experience (UX) design principles for learning.
  - Leadership skills for educational program oversight.
  - Financial management for educational project budgets.
  - Competency in global education standards and compliance.

Workforce Development Coordinator
- Workforce Development Coordinators dedicate their efforts to developing and implementing training programs aimed at enhancing employee skills and facilitating career growth within organizations. This presents a direct application of instructional design skills to adult education in the workplace.
- As an Instructional Designer you bring:
  - Understanding of adult learning principles and career development strategies.
  - Skills in designing and delivering professional development programs.
  - Experience with learning management systems (LMS) and online training platforms.
  - Capability to assess training needs and measure program outcomes.
  - Strength in collaborative program planning and execution.
- Skills to Develop:
  - Strategic workforce planning and analytics.
  - Knowledge in labor laws and regulatory compliance.
  - Skills in talent acquisition and retention strategies.
  - Advanced conflict resolution and negotiation.
  - Proficiency in corporate coaching and mentorship programs.

Corporate Communications Manager
- Corporate Communications Managers are responsible for orchestrating an organization’s internal and external communications, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives. Instructional designers can leverage their expertise in content creation and audience engagement in this dynamic role.
- As an Instructional Designer you bring:
  - Ability to distill complex information into clear, engaging communications.
  - Strong writing and editing skills across various media.
  - Experience with multimedia content creation and digital storytelling.
  - Skills in audience analysis and tailored messaging.
  - Knowledge of social media platforms and digital communication strategies.
- Skills to Develop:
  - Crisis communication and reputation management.
  - Public relations and media outreach strategies.
  - Corporate branding and identity management.
  - Strategic planning and execution of communication campaigns.
  - Leadership skills for managing communication teams.

Chief People Officer
- Chief People Officers take the helm in managing all facets of human resources, from talent management to organizational development and employee engagement. This role empowers instructional designers to shape company culture and drive employee development at a strategic level.
- As an Instructional Designer you bring:
  - Deep understanding of learning and development strategies.
  - Expertise in designing and implementing employee training programs.
  - Skills in organizational behavior and development.
  - Experience with HR technologies and data-driven decision-making.
  - Strong communication and leadership qualities.
- Skills to Develop:
  - Strategic HR management and planning.
  - Insights into employment law and compliance.
  - Advanced talent management and succession planning.
  - Organizational change management.
  - Executive leadership and corporate governance.

Diversity and Inclusion Specialist
- Diversity and Inclusion Specialists champion the creation of a diverse and inclusive workplace through the formulation and enactment of DEI policies and programs. Instructional designers can employ their adeptness at educational initiatives to bolster inclusivity.
- As an Instructional Designer you bring:
  - Experience in creating inclusive and accessible content.
  - Understanding of diversity and inclusion principles.
  - Skills in designing and facilitating training sessions on DEI topics.
  - Ability to conduct needs assessments and program evaluations.
  - Strong communication skills for advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
- Skills to Develop:
  - Comprehensive understanding of global DEI challenges and solutions.
  - Strategic planning for long-term DEI initiatives.
  - Conflict resolution skills tailored to sensitive DEI matters.
  - Data analytics for tracking DEI progress and impact.
  - Leadership in fostering a culture of inclusivity at all organizational levels.

Sustainability Manager
- Sustainability Managers spearhead an organization’s efforts towards sustainability, focusing on minimizing environmental impact while promoting social responsibility and economic viability. Instructional designers can make significant contributions to sustainability education within this role.
- Skills Instructional Designers Bring:
  - Knowledge of sustainability and environmental conservation principles.
  - Ability to design educational materials on sustainability topics.
  - Experience with stakeholder engagement and community outreach.
  - Skills in program development and implementation.
  - Proficiency in data analysis and reporting on sustainability metrics.
- Skills to Develop:
  - Expertise in sustainable business practices and green technologies.
  - Strategic planning for sustainability initiatives.
  - Skills in sustainability reporting and compliance.
  - Leadership for driving organizational change towards sustainability.
  - Advanced project management for sustainability projects.

Strategies for upskilling and broadening your professional reach

For Instructional Designers and Learning Experience Designers eyeing new career avenues, the journey involves more than just transitioning roles—it’s about embracing continuous learning and skill enhancement. By actively seeking out networking opportunities, pursuing additional education or certifications, and engaging in projects that highlight adaptable skills, we can smoothly navigate our way into new professional territories.

To develop for these varied roles, consider the following tips:
- Skill Mapping: Evaluate your existing skills in relation to those demanded by your targeted roles. Pinpoint any skill gaps and identify resources—like online courses or workshops—to fill these gaps through deliberate self-study and practice.
- Networking: Connect with industry peers who are already established in roles you aspire to. Utilize platforms such as LinkedIn, join professional associations, and attend industry events to gain valuable insights and build supportive professional relationships.
- Continuing Education: Leverage free events and learning opportunities and pursue relevant certifications that can elevate your profile within your desired career path. Industry-specific qualifications are often highly regarded by employers and can significantly enhance your marketability.
- Hands-on Experience: Seek out direct experience in new areas through various means, including internal job rotations, shadowing opportunities, freelance projects, volunteering, or internships. Real-world experience not only enriches your skill set but also strengthens your professional narrative, making you a more compelling candidate to future employers.
- Personal Branding: Regularly update your LinkedIn profile, resume and portfolio to reflect your growing skills and career ambitions. Showcase projects and achievements that signal your preparedness for upcoming challenges in new roles, underscoring your adaptability and eagerness to grow within the evolving job landscape.