IDOL Success Stories
Through IDOL Academy, we’ve helped thousands of students of all experience levels both break into the ID industry and catapult their career to the next level.
Students who complete the Academy lessons and projects are provided the high-valued skill sets that make them competitive candidates for leading corporations. Their successes tell all!
"The IDOL Academy was the best investment I’ve ever made in myself. I knew I wanted to pursue instructional design but had no experience.
The change in my abilities in five months was incredible. I felt so much more confident and that is a result of the deliberate practice and the feedback system in place.
In five months I went from going nowhere in my ID journey to landing a position with a prestigious learning company in my area."
“IDOL Academy is a great resource for all experience levels to become an ID or move further in your career.
Since starting IDOL, I landed my first ID job in December and will be promoted after only a year.
My boss tells me I’m “a damn good” ID.
It’s amazing to know that that they think that highly of me and that I should be at a higher position than where I am. It’s a big accomplishment.”
"IDOL Academy gave me the skills, experience, and mentorship that I needed to grow as an instructional designer. I was able to learn key ID concepts, revamp my existing portfolio, develop assets for my portfolio, gain paid experience opportunities, as well as build a stellar resume and LinkedIn profile.
I wouldn't be where I am today without the guidance and support of Dr. Robin Sargent and my peers in the group. I'm forever grateful. Joining the IDOL Academy is by far the best career decision I've ever made!"
Within IDOL Academy, students construct jaw-dropping portfolios that show companies and clients they're the IDOL to hire.
A main focus of our skill development track is to forge a high-quality online portfolio that showcases your best work.
What made her stand out? A portfolio to rave about!
“I don't think I would have been employed so quickly if it weren't for IDOL. They taught me everything I need to know. In every interview, people raved about my portfolio. I even learned that I had a leg up on other candidates because other people did not have a portfolio.”
From not that interested to super impressed all thanks to her portfolio.
“At the end the interview that, in all honesty, wasn’t going well, the hiring team asked to see my portfolio. So I opened it up and needless to say they were blown away. Immediately, they asked me when I could start.
I couldn’t believe it! Showing my portfolio completely changed the energy of the interview. It was like, all of a sudden, they went from not impressed to super interested. So much so, they called me back for another interview the next day.”
Meet the 2024–2025 Graduates
Who Turned Ambition Into Action
From hesitation to hired—this is what success looks like in real time.
Here you’ll find stories from our most recent IDOL Academy alumni, each one a powerful reminder that career change is possible with the right tools, mentorship, and mindset. These students started with questions and finished with confidence—landing instructional design roles, building bilingual courses, leading with creativity, and showing what’s possible when you believe in yourself and take consistent, messy action.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it.
"It takes a lot of courage to pivot careers. IDOL Academy is there to help you through. They help you set new goals for yourself and gives you the skills to reach your goals. They recognize the hard work it takes to be brave and persevere."
Marian Tufano
Instructional Designer for
Project Lead The Way
"IDOL prepared me to WORK in this industry. I couldn't have landed my new job without this course and the community. I was able to gain a deep understanding of the process and creating a quality product, and I had a strong group of mentors and colleagues to keep my motivation high. I'm so grateful for what IDOL taught me!"
Darlisa Wajid-Ali
Instructional Designer at
CCC Intelligent Solutions
"IDOL is a well-developed school with a depth of knowledge and skills to build. It has a community and support system to help you succeed and help you through the hard parts. I have come out with a wide range of skills and experience that I feel confident in using in my career in instructional design/L&D."
Skye Nguyen
Learning Systems Support Analyst at Lane Community College
"The IDOL Academy was exactly what I needed to learn the essentials of instructional design, build my confidence that I have the skills as in ID, and prepare me for the job hunt. I am proud of my portfolio and had support through every step of the process with IDOL courses."
Rachel Kent
Instructional Designer for TeamHealth
"Even though I was already working in eLearning, attending IDOL allowed me to upskill and, most importantly, network with other like-minded professionals. The community vibe and the mentorships at IDOL are incredibly valuable. Attending IDOL Academy was a great decision, and I highly recommend the program."
Keri Mikulski
Instructional Designer and Creator of Over the Wave LLC
"IDOL gave me the tools I needed to succeed. The internship is INVALUABLE. Having mentors to guide me through the process, offer feedback, listen to my ideas, and help me conquer applications and interviews was exactly what I needed to make this transition. There will be challenges along the way, but this program is so worth it."
Linda Crabtree
Learning Consultant at Mosaic
"IDOL Academy helped me gain the tools and knowledge needed to transition into the field of instructional design in the corporate space with confidence. I am in a remote role and career that I love, thanks to IDOL. It is definitely worth the investment!"
Jenna Balingit
Education Specialist for AutogenAI
"Joining the IDOL Academy completely transformed my career. It didn’t just make me a better instructional designer—it gave me the confidence and skills to tackle every project with professionalism and creativity. The support and guidance I received were incredible, helping me turn my work into something I’m truly proud of. Because of IDOL, I’m now seen as an expert in my field, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this experience."
Emberleigh Oracion
Global Customer Experience Training Developer at Quadient
"Joining the IDOL Academy was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my career. The program exceeded my expectations in every way. From hands-on projects to incredible mentorships, IDOL provided me with the tools, guidance, and confidence to excel as an instructional designer and eLearning developer. The supportive community of guides, mentors, and fellow IDOLs was invaluable—always there to provide constructive feedback, share ideas, and cheer each other on.
Through IDOL Academy, I refined my skills in tools like Articulate Storyline, Camtasia, and Vyond, learned the art of creating engaging, human-centered learning experiences, and built a portfolio I’m proud of. Most importantly, the program prepared me to secure a role at Raytheon, a position that aligns perfectly with my skills and passions. I owe a huge part of my success to the IDOL Academy and can’t thank Dr. Robin, Blaine, and the entire team enough for their support and belief in me. If you’re considering a career in instructional design, this is the place to be!"
Jim Neessen
Training and Development Specialist II at Raytheon
Our IDOL Academy students create
★ STAND OUT projects
Using development tools such as Articulate Storyline, Vyond, and AI Generators for imagery and voiceovers, Nadia Chernyak, created a fantastic course for her internship at Mentor Vermont with skills she was gaining through IDOL Academy.
Click on the image to view the whole course, 'Who Am I? Youth Gender and Identities'
3100+ graduates have already used IDOL Academy to turn career dreams into work realities. If they can do it, so can you!
Rachel doubled her income and only works part-time.
“I interviewed with three companies within a few weeks of applying to no more than 30 jobs (easy clickable applications on LinkedIn). I was offered a contract position for 30-35 hours per week through the end of the year. Even though it's not full-time, I doubled my income. I'm so thankful to IDOL Academy, the coaches, mentors, and other learners who helped teach me new skills and build my confidence to move forward as an ID."
Marilyn can’t believe she’s working for Google.
"I'm beyond excited about starting my new role at Google through a contractor! I truly owe it to IDOL - the community, the courses, the opportunities. It was a long journey: I started with the Do It Messy challenge, got a volunteer client, volunteered for Rumie Learn, landed a contract through IDOL, and finally this job offer. Put in the time and effort and you'll make it!"
Lynda is self-employed with a steady base of clients.
"When I started IDOL Academy, I was working as an ID, but looking to update my skills to grow and move into other areas. I considered working freelance, but I didn't really know how to make the move and frankly, I was a bit scared to take that leap. After finishing IDOL I started seriously thinking about going the freelance route. I currently have six clients and am loving the variety and the challenges. It was IDOL that helped me rediscover my passion for instructional design and find the courage to pursue something new.”
Learning Experience Manager at Culture Partners
Jamie made a complete career change in her 40s.
"I would never have imagined I could take the leap from one career field into a COMPLETELY different, unknown career field. I signed up for classes in January and in the meantime worked for a part-time non-profit. I would watch the videos on my lunch hour and the days that I was not in the office I completed my lessons. Now, here I am less than a year later, and I’ve completely changed my career field! For a woman in her mid-40’s, I’m proud of myself. The support I’ve received from everyone at IDOL has changed my outlook on this venture.”
Ricky interviewed so well, the company CREATED a job for him.
"IDOL Academy gave me all of the tools I needed to make the jump from teaching to Instructional Design.
My interviewer was so impressed with my skills that she CREATED a job for me. I could not have accomplished my goals without the help of my mentors and coaches and the greater IDOL community!"
Auroosa got an offer using assets she made the day before.
“I signed an offer yesterday as a Learning Experience Designer. My dream job at my dream company.
I didn't have my portfolio ready in time to apply for the role but I took a shot and applied anyway. I did submit some samples and I actually made a sample VILT facilitation guide for them that I included in my application.
I could not have done this without IDOL Academy! I can't believe a few months ago I decided I wanted to make a career change and now here I am, hired as a LXD!
Stephanie Banning of IDOL Academy's Cohort 16 engineered a Point of Service System that evaluators recognized as a
★ STAND OUT project
"I'm mastering Storyline's capabilities through building a complex POS simulation for my client. This project is enhancing my eLearning course development and learning experience design skills. I'm also improving my audio production by creating and editing effective voiceovers."
"IDOL has given me direction and confidence to progress in my career in Digital Learning."
STAR STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Jim Neesen (Cohort 16) created a gamified, eLearning course for Hope for Kids, Inc. in excellent efforts to onboard new camp counselors.
"We had the pleasure of working with Jim to develop an e-learning program to train our volunteer counselors for our summer camp. Before starting the project, Jim took the time to thoroughly understand our organization, programs, and goals. He also identified our pain points and tailored the platform to address these issues effectively. Jim's dedication and attention to detail are evident in the final product. What Jim developed for our organization is truly impressive. The training is comprehensive and ensures that all our counselors have clear expectations."
IDOL Academy has empowered hundreds of K12 educators to seamlessly transition into flexible instructional design careers.
Because we provide the expert training, practical tools, and a supportive community that fosters professional growth and success.
Margie Bowling knew she wanted to pivot from teaching—but it wasn’t until IDOL Academy that she finally found the path forward.
"This self-paced academy of training was exactly what I was looking for! I am a former teacher who has wanted to make a pivot into instructional design for years, but I didn't know how to get there! Now that my kids are finishing high school and entering college, I couldn't afford another master's degree for myself! IDOL Academy , Dr. Robin Sargent, and the coaching staff have given me the tools for developing my first Articulate Storyline eLearning course and now I'm working on my WordPress website. Given my desire to soak up as much as possible, it has taken me longer to get to this spot, but I'm pleased with my results. Having support along my new journey has been so encouraging! For the first time in years, I have no doubt as to where I am going! I encourage anyone who is on the fence about making a career transition, to take the jump, and join fellow IDOL team members on the path to making a difference!"
After 16 years in the classroom, Tennille discovered IDOL Academy—and turned her dream of a new career into reality.
"I was in my 16th year of teaching when I came to the realization that I needed to change my career. I continued to teach, but started listening to Daphne’s podcast, Teacher Career Coach. I heard her episode on IDOL Academy and was hooked! I then started researching IDOL Academy and read so many positive comments about it that I knew I had to sign up! I continued teaching for one more year and enrolled in September 2023. The journey was challenging, but so worth it! Lots of late nights working on projects and modules. The internship that IDOL requires is my favorite part of the program. Real, hands on experience every step of the way has given me the confidence to succeed in an ID role. I graduated in July 2024, and landed a role as Director of Learning and Workplace Development in August, just 1 month later. I can’t thank IDOL enough for turning my dream into a reality!"
Ann started IDOL Academy in mid-January and landed a job in corporate ID by the start of August.
"Everyone I have encountered in the IDOL Academy has been so supportive in helping me move from the classroom as a teacher to a new career in corporate as an ID. There are many ways to upskill in instructional design, but you can't beat the personal support from real people in the IDOL Academy! You never feel alone. Your fellow students and faculty are always available in your cohort. Run, don't walk, and sign up for IDOL Academy! You won't regret it!."
IDOL Academy provides the real experience tech training Roxanna was looking for.
"I am thankful that the IDOL Academy gives all the content, authoring tools, and community support one needs to take on a transition into a new career. I took a leap of faith and it paid off. I am so happy and thankful with my decision to leave teaching and join IDOL Academy because they set me up to be able to get a better paying career. My employer thinks I am great because I come real experience."
Success Stories so large, they deserve their own episode.
Our 'Become an IDOL' podcast gives space for Academy alumni to share their journey through IDOL Academy and how it prepared them for the career field. Listen to hear success first hand from the now ID professionals themselves!
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PODCAST