Choosing a career in instructional design (ID) can feel like setting out to bake something new and slightly intimidating—like a lemon meringue pie. It’s challenging, detailed, and requires some precision, but once you’ve mastered the basics, it can be incredibly rewarding.

As a child, my mom made lemon meringue pies every Sunday. They were delicious. When I moved out on my own, I craved that same sweet and tangy lemony goodness. I woke up, felt inspired and started the process of making my first pie. Let’s just say that maybe I threw my fourth attempt at a pie crust against a wall – allegedly. 

How did my mom make it look so easy?

I realized right in that moment, she has had years of practice. 

Learning how to become an ID can be overwhelming. The more you learn about instructional design, the more you feel like throwing a pie. If you take a step-by-step approach and learn through research, practice, and reflection, eventually you will create the perfect recipe that works for you.

Also keep in mind: Your journey will most likely be different than any other person’s journey. Focus on your journey and enjoy the adventure.

In this blog, I will guide you through the first steps of exploring instructional design as a career, offering practical advice and a simple project to get you started.

Cheers

-Dana