Introduction:

A Rewarding Career You Can Start Without a Degree

Imagine a career where you get to be creative, solve problems, work from anywhere, and actually enjoy what you do.

That’s instructional design.

But if you're like most aspiring instructional designers, you're probably wondering:

• Where do I even start?

• Do I need a degree?

• How do I build a portfolio if I’ve never done this before?

The good news? You don’t need a degree or previous experience to become an instructional designer. But you do need a roadmap.

Let’s break down the 6 essential steps to get started in instructional design—and why this might be the best career decision you'll ever make.

Step 1: Understand What Instructional Designers Actually Do

Instructional designers create training experiences that help people learn on the job. Think eLearning courses, job aids, onboarding guides, or even microlearning videos.

You’re not teaching in front of a classroom—you’re designing experiences that improve performance.

Common deliverables include:

• Online courses

• Storyboards

• Interactive simulations

• Performance support tools

🎯 Your mission as an ID is to solve performance problems—not just deliver content.

Step 2: Identify Your “Why”

There are many paths into instructional design—each with a slightly different motivation.

Ask yourself:

• Are you a teacher looking for more freedom, flexibility, and pay?

• A creative craving more meaningful work?

• A professional ready to pivot into a growing tech-forward field?

Clarifying your “why” will help guide the rest of your journey—and keep you going when imposter syndrome creeps in.

Step 3: Learn the Core ID Skills (Without Going Back to School)

You do not need to go back for a degree.

In fact, many graduate programs teach theory but skip the technical tools, portfolio development, and job prep—leaving students struggling to get hired.

Here’s what you do need to learn:

• Instructional design process: ADDIE, SAM, backward design

• Learning theories: Bloom’s Taxonomy, Merrill’s Principles

• Project planning & needs analysis

• Storyboarding & scripting

• Authoring tools: Articulate Storyline, Vyond, Canva, Rise

• Portfolio design & job prep

💡 Looking for one place that teaches you all of this—and more? Check out IDOL Academy .

Step 4: Get Hands-On with Authoring Tools

Hiring managers expect you to be comfortable with at least one eLearning tool. The most common? Articulate Storyline and Rise 360.

Other tools include:

• Camtasia (video)

• Vyond (animation)

• Canva (visuals)

• CenarioVR (VR learning)

• Genially (interactivity)

The fastest way to learn is by building something. Start small - like a quiz, job aid, or mini-course - and iterate from there.

🛑 Don’t fall into the “watch 100 tutorials before doing anything” trap. Just open the tool and get messy.

Step 5: Build a Portfolio That Shows, Not Tells

You don’t need client work to create a portfolio. You need evidence that you can:

• Analyze a training need

• Design a solution

• Develop learning assets

That means your sample projects should walk through the process—not just show a finished product.

Pro tip:

Showcase your work with mock scenarios. Add an intro explaining your process, goals, and what tools you used.

Step 6: Prep for the Job Market

Once you’ve built 2–3 strong portfolio pieces, it’s time to start applying for jobs (yes, already!).

Here’s what to focus on:

• Resume: Highlight transferable skills + authoring tools

• LinkedIn: Optimize your title and headline for “Instructional Designer”

• Networking: Join ID groups, follow L&D leaders, attend virtual events

• Interviews: Prepare stories using the STAR method and show off your portfolio

🚀 IDOL Academy grads report landing jobs in as little as 6 months—even while working full-time.

Final Thoughts: Your First Step Is the Most Important One

Instructional design is one of the most in-demand, fulfilling, and flexible careers out there.

But getting started can feel overwhelming—especially if you're coming from a completely different field. Just remember:

• You don’t need a degree.

• You don’t need a corporate background.

• You can learn as you go—and land a job while you do it.

So don’t wait for “perfect.” Just start.

Want a proven step-by-step system to fast-track your career (with mentorship, feedback, and real work experience)?
👉 Join IDOL Academy and become the corporate IDOL companies are actually looking for.