The Real Success of the IDOL courses Academy℠ is our Students!
Our students land instructional design and eLearning development jobs or start their own freelance businesses within 3 weeks to 6 months. Our students accelerate their skills, knowledge, and craft in instructional design and eLearning through deliberate practice and paid experience opportunities. Students who successfully complete the Academy lessons and projects are provided the high-valued skill sets that make them competitive candidates for leading corporations.
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"If it wasn't for IDOL courses Academy, I wouldn't have the confidence and push to change my life with an exciting new career! I have been exploring the idea of being a corporate instructional designer for about 1-2 years and in June 2020, I decided to fully commit. I was actually enrolled in a Master's program for Instructional Design and withdrew from the program after the second month because I saw more value in IDOL courses Academy. I am so happy I did that. If I had stayed in graduate school, I would not graduate for another year and a half, be in a lot of debt from student loans, and not apply for IDOL jobs until after I graduated.
IDOL courses Academy gave me all the tools and more, plus an awesome, supportive community, that really inspired me to take action. I would listen to success stories on the Become and IDOL podcast and think, "I can't wait to have that success too". Now here we are, only 5 months later after joining IDOL courses Academy...and to think I would STILL be in grad school with no IDOL job... Thank you Dr. Robin!!!" ~Amy Garza
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"This is by far the best program for anyone wanting to transition into instructional design! The academy covers every single aspect of instructional design and eLearning development while also getting us prepared for job searching and mastering the interview. I got more and more confident as the weeks went on. Having mentors and coaches available for expert feedback is priceless!"
~Erica Stewart
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"From day 1, Robin had me focused on my #1 goal: getting a job in the field. I was able to work with a group of super smart, driven women who gave me real world feedback on my projects and advice about developing my resume and presenting myself in interviews. Thanks to all that support, I was able to land a dream job working for a high-profile tech company!!"
~Ruth Crossman
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL courses helped me move from the classroom to a corporate job with so much better benefits and less stress. I learned so much and in a short amount of time. It was definitely worth the investment. The feedback and support you get from Robin and the group are invaluable. I can't recommend it enough... it has literally changed my quality of life."
~Whitney Estes
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"After completing a university certificate in instructional design & elearning, I joined the IDOL courses Academy. My best advice is to join the Academy because it is a supportive and goal-driven school/community of practice that prepares you to do the work needed in a corporate environment beyond just theory. Dr. Robin is literally the reason I have my current position! Love her! And love the IDOL community!"
~Ashanti Henderson
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"My IDOL journey started off slow, but COVID gave me the extra time to focus that I needed. I can’t say enough about Dr. Robin and the time and energy she takes to make sure we are properly guided and our ID skills are developed. I found an accountability group that held my feet to the fire. I put in a lot of hours to hone my skills based on the tools in the academy and the guidance of the mentors and other members. Although I’m employed, I still take full advantage of the academy tools to refine my skills and engage with the community." ~Rashida King
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"100% worth the investment! I will make back the course fee in just one week of work with my first contract!" ~Kate Zeis
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL will give you the platform to be successful in all aspects of your career." ~Niya Jay
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"The IDOL courses academy prepared me for everything I needed to know to land a job. I still have so much to learn through the academy but I fast tracked my way into a job!
I’ve gained mentors and peers that will forever be there to give feedback and answer questions. We’ve become a support team for each other. Shout out to my accountability group for all of their help on this journey.
Without IDOL courses Academy I wouldn’t have known even where to begin preparing for an ID job. Learning to create my portfolio and maximize LinkedIn (which is ultimately where my new position came through, a LinkedIn connection) were two things I was clueless about. I loved learning so many new tools that I knew nothing about." ~Jocelyn Hudson
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"The IDOL courses Academy is one of the best decisions I have taken in life." ~Nancy Preetha Varshini
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL has been very helpful and motivating for me regarding my career. I could access plentiful of learning resources while getting prompt support from coaches and other experienced IDOL members." ~Thao Nguyen
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL courses Academy gave me the information and support I needed to stay motivated and tackle all the learning and skill-building I needed to do to make this transition. Robin and all the coaches were so responsive and willing to help, and the community of other learners was incredible. I 100% could not have done this without IDOL Academy." ~Jessica Pare
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"The IDOL courses Academy truly changed my career path for the better.
The knowledge and mentorship the Academy has provided me was the missing piece to the puzzle I needed." ~Jennifer De La Mota
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"Dr. Robin Sargent and the IDOL Academy prepared me to land an instructional design job in less than one month. The self-paced learning modules, ongoing community support and lifelong access cannot be beaten. If you are looking to develop your IDOL practice and portfolio, join the IDOL Academy." ~Bryson
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"The most important thing in this journey is to work hard. If you study but don't apply what you learn, then you're not making the most out of your skills.
If you love what you do, even if you don't have experience, and if you work hard, something great will be waiting for you on the horizon. And remember that a dream without action is just a dream."
~Jessica Oberto
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I have been trying to transition out of teaching and into ID for a couple of years but I was not sure what steps to take. I felt that I had a lot of transferable skills but I wasn’t able to articulate that to companies when I was applying. After quitting my job and focusing on learning from IDOL, I developed the skills to necessary to be offered my first ID job!" ~Christine Prince
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I had my moments of self-doubt during those three years it took me to reach my professional goal. I had to remind myself that because of my teaching experience I already have a very strong foundation for Instructional Design.
Much of our skills as teachers are transferable to the ID world. We just have to fill in a few gaps with adult learning theory and methodology." ~Gretchen Johanson
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"The knowledge and experience gained from going through Academy is invaluable.
It will change your life." ~Lisa Hollon
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"Even with 10+ years of experience with ILT, I knew I needed to improve my eLearning Development and ID skills as it was very clear that I had no idea what I was doing in those areas.
In such a short amount of time, Dr. Robin helped me feel confident in my newly acquired skills, put together a portfolio I'm really proud of and prepped me for an job interview (I nailed it!)
I'm so happy I opted in for the 1:1 sessions. Totally worth it!!" ~Kerri Duncan
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"Joining IDOL Courses Academy was the BEST decision that I have ever made. It was a big jump for me after 14 years of teaching, but Robin and my fellow cohorts made me feel so at ease!
There were so many other teachers in the same position as me. It was so fun to cheer each other on. You will have a new profound acceptance of feedback.
This was the hardest part for me at first, but it turns out I THRIVE off feedback. I never felt stressed and always felt supported.
Thank you IDOL Courses Academy, for helping me start my brand new life as an Instructional Designer!!" ~Laura Giannotti
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I struggled through IDOL courses with overwhelm and thinking that I could never do it.
I kept learning, applied anyway and I got an instructional design contract!" ~Adrienne Cooper
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"The IDOL Academy is filled with tons of information.
I leaned on Dr. Robin's portfolio and job interviewing tips sections the most throughout my job hunting... I was more confident during interviews and had specific buzz words to say that piqued the interest of potential employers. I am forever grateful." ~Joakima Carter
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"Since I started IDOL courses Academy, I have gone down many fun, informative rabbit holes of learning... My network has expanded exponentially.
Becoming an IDOL has been challenging and rewarding. I will be forever grateful for finding Dr. Robin Sargent and IDOL courses Academy. I am where I am meant to be." ~Marina Gibbons
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I wondered if there were really enough ID jobs to go around when I started. Then as I progressed through the program, more and more individuals were interested in interviewing me.
I was in several different final round interviews when I finally got the job offer I wanted.
Your hard work pays off. Keep going." ~Mandy Brown
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"There are so many useful things in the Academy, but there were two things that made the biggest difference for me. First, there is so much support! You have peers that are going through the same struggles and triumphs as you, knowledgeable coaches, and Robin herself is always present and willing to guide you.
Second, the real-world job experience. I was able to complete a freelance position set up through the Academy and used that to navigate many successful interviews. This was single-handedly the best investment I have ever made for my future." ~Rachel Schreiber
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I went into this experience knowing I'd learn a lot and be given plenty of resources.
What I didn't know, and what I valued the most, was the INCREDIBLE support system and family I would gain through IDOL Academy.." ~Helen Lafata
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"The IDOL courses Academy helped me to revamp my portfolio and provided additional tools needed to become a stronger Instructional Designer.
Connecting with others in the group along with the weekly coaching calls helped to keep me motivated." ~Veronica Reed
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I was at a low point in my career - I felt like I wasn't learning anything new or improving my skills. I was just spiraling downwards and eventually I reached rock bottom.
That is when I discovered IDOL Courses Academy. With the help of Dr. Robin, IDOL Coaches and fellow IDOLs, I was able to boost my confidence, improve my skills and most importantly discover the next step of my career.
I initially wanted to climb up the corporate ladder but later on I realized I want to go the freelancer route. IDOL Courses supported me by helping me improve my portfolio / LinkedIn profile (specifically to land projects), coming up with amazing portfolio pieces (which is still in progress), and helping me calculate project cost estimates. Plus with the help of their eLearning Freelancers Bootcamp, I had enough resources and templates to start transitioning to freelance.
Within weeks of following the Academy tips and getting endorsements / recommendations from my fellow IDOLs, I was able to land my first B2B client. And the most amazing part was my client found me.
I'm still on my way to claiming those badges but now, I know there's no other way but up.”
~Raiza Paras
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I was a teacher for 15 years and had no clue that I was qualified for anything else. I heard about IDOL courses in a Facebook group and the rest is history! Robin and her team are so supportive and helped me with each step along the way. I have now landed a job that has almost doubled my income and most assuredly changes my life.”
~Kristi Oliva
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
”There are so many great resources in IDOL Courses Academy, but the most helpful one for me is the community of peers and professionals that give constructive feedback on your portfolio. Everyone whom I have received feedback from has been very helpful and kind. I feel confident that IDOL Courses Academy will continue to be a valuable resource for me as I grow more in my career!”
~Samuel Monroe
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
“Guess who's joining the IDOL Mug club!!!!! Signed an offer yesterday as a Learning Experience Designer at Prodigy Education!! My dream job at my dream company. This is the first time they've created a role like this at their company so it really was kismet! Guys, 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 too that I included in my application. Luckily I knew a few contacts in the org that were able to refer me which obviously helped to get my foot in the door. Could not have done this without IDOL academy! Not only did it give me the skills I needed to land this job but the feedback from our community really helped me to grow as a designer! 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! You got this guys! #IdolAcademy, #idolmugclub“
~Auroosa Kazmi-Ishaq
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
“I discovered an amazing network of professionals. The coaches, mentors, and peers were very supportive and always there when I had questions. When I signed up I told myself that I deserve this. I did it for me. I wanted to make the transition into corporate Instructional Design. The IDOL Academy made that possible. It allowed me to stay motivated and most importantly, to focus on exactly what I want out of it.“
~Stanislav Nachev
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
Without the IDOL Academy, I would not have made it this far. The resources, support, and information I learned are priceless. This is such a worth self-investment. I am an IDOL fan for life!
~Fe'Dricka Moore
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
“IDOL courses Academy was the best decision I made for my career progression! I encourage you to soak up as much as you can from everything IDOL. Read, watch, take notes, utilize Trello to organize everything you want to read or do later, share your work, receive/give feedback, become active with LinkedIn and the IDOL Facebook groups, and practice/apply your skills in Storyline and other tools. Do a little every day to move you in a positive direction and you will achieve your goal!”
~Margie Bowling
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"The IDOL Academy has opened for me so many career doors along with a precious and valuable online learning community. Dr. Robin and her team have and are still providing valuable content for me to grow as an Instructional Designer. Surprisingly, at every step of the way, I found the right content, the right post, the right timely feedback that empowered me to face my ID/career challenge. Beyond the monetary value that I put into this training, there are some things that you can't just buy such as confidence, love and peers' genuine support. For me the IDOL Academy went above and beyond my expectations. It did help me land an ID corporate job and finally proudly claim my instructional designer and developer identity. It sets a profound assumption fron the constant content updating : If you want to be in this field, you must be a lifelong learner flexible enough to meet the pace of this fast growing industry. I am happy to say that being a part of the IDOL Academy is not a one-time event for me, it sticks with you along this ID journey as long as you stick to it too. As I like to say as a multilingual : شكرا Merci 감사합니다 Thank you!"
~Nada El Maliki
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"The IDOL academy was the best investment I’ve ever made in myself. I knew in 2018 that I wanted to pursue Instructional Design but had no experience. I attended an online certification program and while it put me in the right direction, I was no closer to my goals. Then, in August 2020, I learned about the IDOL academy. I immediately began researching it and after meeting with Robin, I made the leap. The change in my abilities in the last five months is incredible. I feel so much more confident and that is a result of the deliberate practice and the feedback system in place. Even during the job search, Robin and other coaches helped me with questions I had until I finally reached my goal of landing a job. In five months I went from going nowhere in my ID journey to landing a position with a prestigious learning company in my area."
~Adam Briggs
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"Best Money Ever Spent!"
~Kristopher Brown
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"The IDOL Courses Academy helped me feel more confident about my knowledge, perfect the industry lingo, see more of what's getting done out there, start building an actual portfolio and decide what parts of instructional design and e-learning development spoke to me the most. The support of the mentors and other members continues to be invaluable!"
~Maria Teixeira
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL was a challenging and fulfilling journey. I met great people and made good friends. IDOL provided me with the knowledge and skills to have the confidence to pursue my goal of a career transition. I appreciate the mentoring, coaching and community feedback that made this experience complete for me."
~Samiya Hai
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I highly recommend the Academy because of all of the support and resources. Make your own timeline to learn and don't compare yourself to others. It took me a year because I was working on a Master's degree in ID and I had a specific type of instructional design job I was looking for."
~Paula Surdu
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"The IDOL courses Academy is life changing. It gave me all of the resources and more that I could ever need to land an IDOL job. From the coaching calls to the community, to the many job-building assets, and everything in between, it’s everything I needed and more. Highly recommend!"
~Erika Cheek
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL courses Academy is a great way to get exactly what you need to enter the field of ID, up your skills, and get yourself ready for a new job."
~Dr. Christina Agvent
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"The IDOL courses Academy gave me the skills, experience, and mentorship that I needed to grow as an Instructional Designer. I was lost before the Academy and seriously considered going back to school for another degree. In the Academy, 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 courses Academy is by far the best career decision I've ever made!"
~Amanda McCroskey
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"Loved the support and community, especially the valuable mentor feedback and recordings!"
~D. Sophia Schreiner
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"This is what you need to really get your ID career on track. The content is good, the mentorship is good, and you will be part of a supportive community of people who share your goals. If you want to jumpstart your ID career, this is an excellent investment!"
~Dr. Melissa Machit
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I've been making PowerPoints for 15 years as an educator. I taught others how to become Microsoft Specialists in PowerPoint. I never considered myself an Instructional Designer, until I started the IDOL courses Academy.
I made $500 for an Instructor-Led presentation, that was made using PowerPoint, Vyond, and Canva. In less than 2 months I have clients (never intended on Freelance) and truly enjoy my work. ✌️ classroom!"
~Michelle Flint
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"Honestly, this was the best investment I ever made in MYSELF. I started slow because I had a child born around the same time as I started my first cohort. The #DoItMessy jumpstart was a game-changer for me. Once I changed my mindset from perfection-oriented to outcomes-oriented and from defeat to triumph, everything fell into place. I took deliberate practice seriously and my goals were achieved in kind."
~Cassandra Root
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
“IDOL Courses Academy was vital to my successful career change. Without IDOL, I would never have had the skills to make a career change. I am telling ALL of my friends to join the next cohort! Thank you, Robin! I am officially an IDOL!“
~Katherine Warren
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
“Because of IDOL I was able to double my income and work from home. This is only the beginning, I plan to triple my income and I could only do this because of the academy.“
~Renee Rose
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
“Stay engaged at some level. You're going to feel discouraged sometimes, but as long as you stay somewhat engaged, those from the group words will change your thoughts, then your actions will start to change. Thank you, IDOL courses Academy!“
~Jazmine Reynolds
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
“I couldn't have done it without the IDOL Academy. I have learned so much and gotten so much support. I am so grateful that I will continue to have their help!“
~Star Peterson
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
“The reason I will tell everyone about the academy isn't even the most obvious reasons like, the support and mentorship is amazing, the community we build, the generosity of information and sharing of experience... no. All of that is true and awesome... but the reason I want to bring my mug to work and tell everyone about the academy is because of the lifelong access (which honors my desire to be a lifelong learner while living my life - without the stress of having to finish going through all of the module within a small window of time). No pressure. Just stellar content, an always-invitation to grow, and a community of generous and talented people focused on making the world a better place through re-imagining the field of learning while modeling a different way to be with each other. Cooperation and creativity over Competition and strict structure. I love that i am an IDOL. I love Robin for her journey and confidence to build this, and I love the people I've met. And although I've finished my 8 week cohort, my journey in this direction has only just begun!! BIG LOVE~
~Jen Slusser-MacTernan
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
“IDOL was instrumental in elevating my elearning and instructional design skillset. The program offered many opportunities to explore new processes and learn new tools. Highly recommend“
~Christopher Wertz
