Welcome to episode 37 of the Designing with Love podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sakina Brandford, an instructional designer in the corporate industry and recent graduate of the Master of Science in Instructional Design program at Grand Canyon University.

The journey from classroom teaching to corporate instructional design can seem daunting, but it's entirely possible with the right education, strategy, and mindset. In this revealing conversation, recent GCU graduate Sakina Brandford shares her successful transition story just one week into her new role as an instructional design specialist in the oil and gas industry.
Sakina provides a candid look at how GCU's program structure supported her success as a working professional, allowing her to focus on one course at a time while building skills that immediately transferred to the workplace. She shares a crucial insight that helped her stand out in the job market: deliberately creating diverse portfolio pieces across multiple industries rather than focusing solely on educational projects. This strategic approach demonstrated versatility to potential employers and expanded her employment opportunities beyond education.
What does the corporate instructional design world really expect from new hires? Sakina reveals that employers want candidates who already know industry-standard software like Articulate Storyline and can hit the ground running. She describes how her interview process included specific technical questions and how some companies even require candidates to design sample courses during the hiring process. For those still in their master's program, she offers practical advice on building a professional network through LinkedIn, seeking certification programs, and leveraging free resources from professional organizations.
The conversation also explores how AI is transforming the field, from voice-overs to multi-language translations, while balancing concerns about proprietary information. Sakina's journey demonstrates that with proper preparation and a strategic approach, career changers can successfully navigate the transition from education to corporate instructional design. Whether you're currently pursuing your degree or contemplating a career shift, this episode offers valuable insights from someone who has recently made the leap.

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