Transition Tip #4: Research Before Reaching Out
One thing that teachers often struggle with, that stops them from “running towards something” or focusing their resumes as I’ve suggested, even after they have some clarity in what they want to do is that they may not really understand the role they want to do and what it looks like day to day. They may also really struggle to visualize themselves as anything but teachers. This can make getting a job hard, and it can lead to disappointment or struggles once you do get a job.
How do you visualize? Well, you have to research first. You have to build a solid understanding of what the role can look like — you’ll never be able to visualize the minute to minute of a role, and it will vary place to place in different settings, but you have to have some concept that becomes more concrete. This is part of running towards something.
For me, research was crucial.
Alt Text: A woman with a pen in one hand, typing on a laptop with that hand, and a notebook in the other hand. This is a top down picture of a woman at the computer where you can only see her arms, the desk, the computer, and the notebook.
Here’s what I did to research and visualize:
I read tons of job ads for the same type of role (in my case, instructional design) and I began to compare them. What did they say? Did they list a 30/60/90 for onboarding? What were the duties and expectations? What was the software? What was common? What was unusual?
I watched YouTube videos, read LinkedIn posts, and read blog posts from people in the job. Again, I began to build comparisons in my head.
I learned the software and I built a portfolio for the job…after looking at hundreds of portfolios, of both very experienced designers and new folks who had gotten jobs or opportunities. I wanted to see if I’d like the development side of the work, enjoy the tech, feel the workflows worked for me, etc.
I read books relevant to the field and saw if they resonated with my experience and knowledge (they did).
I participated on LinkedIn in communities and with connections in the field I wanted to go to. I tried to learn everything I could.
THEN — and only then — I sought out direct messages and coffee chats with people I’d found on LinkedIn who were either offering time (posting in my feed they were taking some calls etc.) or who I had built a relationship and rapport with.
Alt Text: A laptop next to a cup of coffee and some white and yellow flowers.
Before you reach out for advice, and definitely before you purchase anything, be really sure on what you want to do and what you want that advice to achieve. That’s where research comes in (and this is maybe doubly true for aspiring instructional designers, because I think it’s a field where this curiosity and inclination to research independently is crucial to performing). You don’t want to be too led by others advice or a chosen path. You want to research and select your own path, so you will be happy with the direction you walk. Advice is great, but know why you’re asking and what you want that advice to achieve.
