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Evelyn T. Stone College of Professional Studies Career Paths in Training and Development Training and Development field offers many paths which lead to rewarding careers. Listed here are a few of the primary career opportunities available to you in the training industry.
A Facilitator works with the Instructional Designer to integrate and deliver the training as designed into the classroom. The Facilitator must be able to incorporate creative training techniques as well as accelerated learning methods. These methods include utilizing interactive training activities, exercises, role-plays, case studies, and games illustrating the appropriate business application. They are adept at managing a class of students with varying levels of skills and experiences, knowing where to place their time and ingress, and knowing how to shift the materials to fit the level of the students. They initiate updates, revising course materials as products are upgraded and new features or technologies are introduced. The Facilitator provides input to product management based on client training and project team feedback. Experience includes powerful presentation skills, business awareness, a solid knowledge of business software applications coupled with the ability to
work effectively on your own initiative as well as part of a team. A Facilitator possesses the ability to have fun in the class while delivering training,
excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to evaluate effectiveness of training interventions. Also needed are strong organizational skills, excellent
oral and written communication as well as training skills. It is extremely beneficial to be a self-starter, be detail-oriented, a team player, and flexible
with the ability to adapt quickly to change. Travel may be required. Technical Writers write, produce and maintain documentation, reference materials, procedure manuals, job aids and/or on-line HELP for software applications. In order to accomplish this the Technical Writer will need to organize content, complete writing assignments according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology. They may need to select or develop photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate the material, layout the material for publication, coordinate with the printing company, review published material and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding. The Technical Writer may need to interface with end users in an effort to improve materials and/or meet business and user requirements. Experience for the Technical Writer includes the ability to work independently and gather information directly from software developers and subject
matter experts. They must be able to write complete manuals from scratch for on line and print publication and they should be able to serve the role of
writer, editor, review and proofreader. Excellent communication, writing and editing skills are a must. Working productively in a deadline driven environment
and the flexibility to work on multiple projects simultaneously is imperative. Experience writing on line documentation is helpful. An Instructional Designer (ID) is responsible for analyzing and determining training needs, designing and writing performance-based custom courses (technical and non-technical), applying the instructional systems design process and methodology to content usually supplied by subject matter experts and curriculum owners. The ID should be capable of identifying the appropriate delivery method for a project, research needs, write objectives, design performance-based instructional strategies and corresponding activities, and write and assess all levels of evaluations. An ID designs training materials utilizing interactive training activities, exercises, role-plays, case studies, games, or accelerated training techniques. The goal is to develop training, which allows for a high percentage of transfer of the knowledge/skills/behaviors learned in the classroom back to the job. Experience includes in-depth knowledge in adult learning theories. Experience in development of distance learning materials using Internet technologies or CBT authoring systems is always a plus. Excellent technical, writing, and documentation skills are a must. The ability to work solo and as a team member is required. Good communication skills are essential, as the position usually requires interfacing with the clients. A Project Manager (PM) works with clients to determine project objectives and scope, assembles the project team and advisory board, supervises the project team in all aspects of the project, and builds a project plan. The PM assures that all projects are budgeted, planned, organized and staffed to meet business objectives. In addition to that, the PM schedules and manages project activities and tasks in a software tool, develops and distributes status reports to project stakeholders. The PM is instrumental in the transfer of information from management to the development team. The PM also ensures client satisfaction through quality work, provides coaching and mentoring to team members, manages and communicates scope and schedule changes to the team members, client, and stakeholders. The PM may be asked to identify new business opportunities. Experience includes project leadership, competency on standard desktop computing tools, as well as on project management tools. Experience managing
multiple projects is a plus. Excellent communication skills are a must. A Project Manager must know a little about each component of the team (design,
development, production, facilitation, administration, evaluation, etc.). Some companies require the project manager to have a Project Management Professional
certification (PMP certification through the Project Management Institute). Curriculum Developers design and develop dynamic curriculum solutions for end-user training to meet business and instructional objectives, and ensures the training meets the needs of the clients. They are usually the project leader for the course development team, possibly including resource assignments. They will ensure consistency of learning objectives, development strategies, and standards and guidelines across a curriculum. The Developer assists in the development of instructional activities and new methodologies to improve program delivery. They may serve as 'consultant' to the customer to assist in the appropriate application of technology and recommend applications of specific educational technologies to meet the customers' needs. The developer reviews and participates in the preparation of technical and cost proposals to include methodology and approach, project budgets and schedules. They provide overall direction of the project from conceptualization through final testing and delivery to the customer and establish policy and procedures for accomplishing the associated tasks. Experience includes excellent oral and written communication skills, curriculum design and development, system administration, systems, networking.
The Developer is knowledgeable in adult learning theories. A Training Director manages all phases of training, training development including task analysis, material design, and scheduling for all areas of the company. They also produce measures to track training results or performance, based on corporate strategies. The director evaluates and makes recommendations for current and future training programs ensuring classes meet all corporate goals. They mentor their staff in regards to general business and development practices; facilitate excellent group dynamics and foster teamwork; assist in setting employee career paths in the development arena; and motivate the group to produce the highest quality solutions possible. The career path programs usually include a comprehensive planning outline for each area and position; skills and knowledge required, and development opportunities including training programs. The director is also responsible for the fiscal liability and maintenance of the training department, hiring, supervising, and performance evaluation of the trainers. The director generally works with HR and other Directors to design appropriate and on-going programs. Working with HR ensures the programs correlate with compensation programs and recruitment efforts. The director facilitates communication on training issues and courses, throughout the organizations, coordinates class seating, scheduling details, curriculum and testing materials. The director also supports vendor negotiation and contract processes for current and future training. The Training Director manages the delivery of curriculum solutions for end-user training in assigned product areas and possible geographic locations. They ensure that training meets the needs of the clients, conducts complete site assessments to uncover training needs and expectations of users at all levels of the organization. In addition, the Director analyzes data from site assessments to create and present custom training plans, coordinates training and development for the training team at a client site, and monitors the development of content and materials for train-the-trainer courses. Experience includes a management background in training or instructional design, process design, project management, and/or facilitation. They must possess strong written and oral communication skills, excellent organizational and administrative skills; attention to detail is essential. Additionally the Director must have the ability to manage people and programs, as well as managing leading-edge development teams creating state-of-the-art, revenue-generating solutions. Request Further Information Request a university catalog, information packet, or application for admission. College of Professional Studies
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