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?
“IDOL courses helped me understand what skills I had and provided the resources to fill in the knowledge gaps so I could be a top contender in a new field. But more importantly, it is the network of aspiring and experienced IDs you meet in the Academy that is the most essential resource you will have to help you reach your goal."
~Laura Krauss
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I have so much to tell! 1) Trust the process. 2) Trust the process even when you don't want to! 3) Don't negotiate with yourself. No excuses, no outs. 4) Take care of yourself and get lots of rest! 5) Believe it. Write that goal down, go big, dream. Believe it to the point that it's truth. Put those sticky notes all over the house. Stick your vision board next to your work station so you see it constantly. 6) It WILL happen. You WILL do this. Be patient. Every minute you spend learning, listening, networking, thinking about it all, is worth it and will pay off!"
~Jennifer Berman
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL courses Academy is a one-stop shop for all knowledge and skills essential to becoming an IDOL. It was directly through the learning and hands-on experience provided by IDOL courses Academy that I acquired the skills and developed the portfolio I needed to land my first job as an IDOL."
~Traci Johnson
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I am so thankful for joining IDOL Courses Academy. I have learned so much and have truly enjoyed creating assets in #DoItMessy. I truly believe that my portfolio helped me land an interview and my knowledge of Instructional Design practices through learning throughout this course helped me nail my interviews. I was so much more confident in talking about my abilities and the imposter syndrome I was facing decreased so much. I cannot say enough good things about IDOL."
~Allison Bedient
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"As a former teacher, I already had so many of the skills needed to work in this field, but I didn't fully know it until I went through the Academy. During the application process, it was essential to update my resume and interview answers to fit the more corporate lingo and show them that I can do the job. I believe creating and building my portfolio was also helpful because it showed that I can do the work, and also that I learned new things quickly! I'm excited to get started on my new adventure and look forward to everyone else's success!"
~Katherine Miller
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I have gained so many skills and confidence from the IDOL Academy. From learning new resources, creating assets, connecting with other students, and building positive relationships with mentors, the academy was everything I could hope for and more. I'm so grateful that I can continue to be part of this community and grow my skills in instructional design while I put things into practice at my new job!"
~Emily Barber
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL helped me realize that I can do something else. The jumpstart, DoItMessy, mentors and coaches all helped push me toward my goal of transitioning from teaching to becoming an IDOL full time. I got my masters in instructional design and technology in 2020 but felt like a ship without a rudder. What do I do know? How do I get a job? How do I build a portfolio? Less than a month in IDOL I was offered a part time position as an instructional designer with a year contract. Now I can practice these skills and authoring tools and have experience to add to my resume. Thank you, IDOLs!!!!"
~Cheryl Blankenship
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"It's an amazing program that gave me the confidence and skills to land a dream job. I was working just to make ends meet. Now I love what I do and I can't wait to get started everyday. Thanks IDOL Courses Academy for helping change my career and my life."
~Shemaine Hernandez
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL courses Academy has been such an enriching experience. The plethora of knowledge available to you is immeasurable. They truly set you up for success and cheer you on through the whole process!"
~Ana Leskanich
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL gave me an amazing jump start into a career change. I think the most valuable thing for me was the community. Sharing this experience with so many people, even though we were moving at different paces, gave me confidence in my skills and motivation to keep moving forward."
~Ana Leskanich
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL Academy was a perfect fit for me. It intertwined my past experience as an educator with the newly upskilled experiences of instructional design. The academy has been designed in manner that is well planned and very empowering. The mentors are amazing and the coaches push you to reach your best. I highly recommend IDOL and will use it as a resource in my new adventure."
~Shawna Wise
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"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. My advice is to keep going. There's no behind in the academy - go at the pace that works for you. Put in the time and effort and you'll make it!"
~Marilyn Day
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I have learned so much through IDOL. Building my portfolio was made easier with feedback from others as well as coaches. The mentor sessions are so valuable to creating connections with others. I couldn’t have done it without IDOL!"
~Bianca Martinez
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"The academy gave me a community so I could learn new skills to meet my goal of pivoting into the learning and development space. Great mentors, lessons, challenges, and I can keep coming back as I want to!"
~Elizabeth Wilcoxon
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL Courses Academy set me up for success as a transitioning teacher! It gave me the knowledge and confidence to learn the field and land the job. I am so thankful for everything I've learned within the program."
~Jillian Maenza
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I am so thankful for IDOL, as it allowed me to achieve my dreams. I am now working for a company I love, and I am able to work from home. I would not have been able to transition out of education without the IDOL Courses Academy program, or the incredible system of support that it offers. I felt equipped and prepared to answer questions in interviews, and feel knowledgeable in my new role. Thank you IDOL for changing my life!"
~Morgan Lavey
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL courses Academy did a great job providing actionable steps in a way that encouraged instant application and results. For me, the program paid for itself within the first 3 months through helping me put together my portfolio, edit my resume, showing me how to make my LinkedIn work in my favor, mentoring, coaching, among MANY other things. I have not even completed all the courses and I am reaping the results. If you need to reinvent your career and are looking into instructional design or eLearning development paid programs, IDOL should be one of the top programs on your list. Plus, IDOL courses academy is a certified trade school now!!!"
~Rocio Granela
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL Courses has been a wonderful way to fill in the gaps I was experiencing with my Masters program. I love that there is "no behind" and I can jump around to whatever content is most relevant to where I am in the moment. And, new material is always being added so there's ALWAYS something new to learn. I'm so glad that I found and joined IDOL!!"
~Sara Nelson
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL gave me everything I needed to transition. I took the leap out of teaching (after hearing Robin on a podcast) with a gnawing feeling in my gut that instructional design is what I was going to do next. Through IDOL, I was able to learn all the terminology, theory, authoring tools etc. AND create a portfolio. I also learned just how many of my skills were transferable. With the resources available in IDOL, I was able to go into interviews prepared and able to speak confidently about instructional design. Quitting my job and starting IDOL felt overwhelming at first, but about halfway through the program, I started to really believe in myself and feel prepared and more confident in my ability to make the pivot. I did it! 🙌🏻"
~Emily Everson
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"The IDOL courses Academy fully supported my career transition. The Academy provided me with Instructional Design skills, but more importantly, IDOL gave me HOPE as I began to invest in my learning and I discovered an entire new industry with so many possibilities. The podcast, 5 day Challenge, Do It Messy Challenge, feedback implementation, badges, interview coaching, community, mentors and overall positive encouragement of the network helped me pivot in a time when I sought a big professional change. Due to the self-paced accessibility of the content, I was able to engage in the Academy while maintaining a full-time job and when the time came to apply I was offered a position within 7 days of my goal date! I'm grateful to have learned so much from the Academy and so thankful that I can continue to learn from all of the resources the IDOL courses Academy provides."
~Megan O'Connor
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL Courses did a fabulous job at preparing me for a career in Instructional Design through their extensive resources and community/coach feedback. I am prepared to step into my new role in food manufacturing."
~Jim Reed
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL courses Academy changed my life. It was time for me to make a career transition out of teaching and into instructional design in the corporate world. IDOL provided me with all the resources, workshops, mentors, coaches, and community I needed to be successful in this transition. Did it take hard work? Yes! Did I feel alone and lost? Not once! I even made a few great friends along the way. Investing in myself and in IDOL courses Academy was the best decision I made to help me achieve my goals!"
~Marissa Dobbert
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL courses Academy gave me the freedom to work at my own pace, take a break, ask questions, and poke around at topics in whatever order I needed. Not being "locked in" to a specific mentor also gave me a chance to get a variety of feedback on projects AND my questions. IDOL provided the springboard, and I determined my landing."
~Karen Bigham
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I could not have gotten to this point so quickly without the help of IDOL courses Academy! IDOL gave me the tools and the confidence to keep working on my goals and in doing so I was ready much faster than I anticipated! Having a community of folks to rely on kept me going and believing in myself!"
~Sarah Olsen
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I was transitioning back to ID after YEARS of being out of the industry. IDOL provided the information, structure and support I needed so I could focus on my path and plug away. It is not easy to transition but it is very possible and I am forever grateful for this program and community. Thank you!"
~Tricia Jones
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"The diverse nature of the community lets you make this experience whatever you want it to be. IDOL offers a wealth of ways to engage in learning the Instructional Design field. I found the mentor meetings to be an important and reliable source of inspiration."
~Veena Hopson
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I've learned so many skills in the Academy that are countless to list. Although somewhat challenging, the benefits are rewarded with practice and hard work. Only after finishing your creations can you admire the true masterpiece that was created on paper and within yourself."
~Alex Criswell
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I landed my first ID role within weeks of joining the Academy! However, I finally felt prepared because of the IDOL mentorship and supportive community. I definitely recommend joining if your ready to make the transition into the ID field! #teachergoneIDOL!"
~Danielle Dennis
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I really enjoy being a member of IDOL courses Academy. I love the content, the community and the mentors/coaches. IDOL courses Academy has given me to tools I need to upskill and successfully transition into the ID space."
~Raquel Massey
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL introduced me to the incredible world of instructional design. Within weeks I had a grip on top learning principles and popular technology used in the industry. Having mentors to help motivate and guide me through the courses made my experience worthwhile."
~Renelde Foiles
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"The insight that I have gained from the mentor sessions has been extremely beneficial. Landing the job on the same day that the Academy started was perfect timing. I continue to learn as I grow in my skill set and it is nice to know that there is a group of peers and mentors there cheering me on."
~Charles Swartout
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL courses Academy not only helped me land a full time ID role, but also helped me land 2 part-time contract positions! there is no way I could have gotten through the career transition without the support of IDOL coaches and mentors. Anytime I needed support, I knew where to turn for help. I will forever be grateful to IDOL for helping me make the transition!"
~Sherry Staudt
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"After many months of experience doing contract instructional design work, I'm so excited to announce that I've just completed my 3rd week as an Instructional Designer at PowerTrain, Inc.!! Thanks Dr. Robin, IDOL mentors and coaches for your assistance and support."
~Bridget Allison
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"My experience with Idol Academy has been so enriching! I loved being able to learn at a pace that worked from me and all of the support that I received from mentors and coaches. I'd like to give an extra shoutout to Tabatha Dragonberry who always went the extra mile to help me reach my goals."
~Alyshea Techam
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL courses Academy is designed uses a holistic and a flexible model to empower you. Mentor driven coaching is the best part of the program. The mentors here care, and guide you if you're ready to put in the effort. Thank you IDOL!"
~Srividhya Sundaram
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"I cannot express enough how strongly I believe the IDOL courses Academy is worth every penny. Not only did it provide instruction and massive support to learning ID theory and design tools-it also well prepared me for the job application and interview process. I felt very confident in my abilities when I interviewed and I believe that the IDOL course is why I landed the job!"
~Amanda Ocampo
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"While I followed a somewhat atypical path to accomplish my goal and reach the role I’m made for- IDOL made this possible on many levels. Whether it is mentors and their mentor groups, starting with translating your resume and learning the ins and outs of LinkedIn and job searching to in depth hands on courses building portfolio assets and resources (which I am still utilizing) to online groups with similar demographics to increase connections ultimately forming a support system of instructional design wizardry. Even though my focus swayed toward digital design- IDOL always supported and mentors came out to assist and help with alternate resources. I’m excited and proud that I get to be an IDOL forever."
~Rebecca O'Brien
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"Joining IDOL courses Academy is one of the best decisions I’ve made. The support from the community and the encouragement to keep going were vital in getting me to where I needed to be to land my IDOL job. Academy mentors not only understand what new members need instructional-design wise, they also understand that changing careers and learning new things can be scary, and they’re able to provide support in that area as well."
~Mallory Pickert
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"As a 20-year veteran in education with a masters and passion for curriculum and design. I had already spent half of my career specifically working in curriculum and instruction for one of the largest school districts in the state of Florida BUT I was totally unaware or prepared for the transition and struggle that I would have moving into corporate education. I spent the better part of a year submitting looked over applications and within a month of joining IDOL I landed a job that I actually applied for before. I knew I wanted to design for Humana Military and seeked a position on their team. IDOL helped me better market my skills for the corporate world and fill in the gaps I still needed to make the move. Thank you, thank you."
~Wendy Samz
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"IDOL helped me transition to the ID field through a structured, supported program. Without the mentorship and structured lessons, I would not have successfully made the transition on my own! Thank you, IDOL!!!!"
~Katie Mueller
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"Thank you for the opportunity to join a community of supportive instructors, mentors, and instructional designers. Professionally, I would not be where I am today without the IDOL Academy's guidance, instruction, and inspiration."
~Rachel McDevitt
What would you like to tell others about your experience in the IDOL courses Academy?
"The IDOL academy was instrumental in helping me to attain my first job as an instructional designer. I applied Robin’s tips for revising my LinkedIn profile and received immediate attention from recruiters. I have a hard drive full of academy resources that were very helpful in my new position as an instructional designer. I would not have attained my current position nor achieved my level of success without the IDOL academy."
~David Grant
