What’s It Like to Be a Instructional Designer?

If you love blending creativity with strategy, enjoy solving learning challenges, and get excited about designing engaging educational experiences, being an Instructional Designer might be your perfect fit. You’re part architect, part storyteller, and part tech-savvy problem solver—crafting learning journeys that truly make an impact.

📅 A Day in the Life

Here’s what your day might include:

  • Designing learning experiences – You’ll create courses, modules, and training programs that are interactive, effective, and learner-centered.

  • Collaborating with SMEs – You’ll work closely with subject matter experts to translate complex content into digestible, engaging formats.

  • Storyboarding and scripting – You’ll map out the flow of lessons, write scripts, and plan multimedia elements.

  • Building content – You’ll use authoring tools to develop eLearning, videos, quizzes, and simulations.

  • Evaluating impact – You’ll assess learner performance and refine materials based on feedback and analytics.

💡 What Makes It Awesome?

  • You get to shape how people learn and grow in their roles.

  • It’s a highly creative role with lots of room for innovation.

  • You’ll work across departments and industries—from healthcare to tech to education.

  • You can specialize in digital learning, instructor-led training, or blended formats.

🧠 Good to Know

  • A degree in Instructional Design, Education, or a related field is often required.

  • Experience with eLearning tools like Articulate, Captivate, or Camtasia is a big plus.

  • Strong writing, visual design, and project management skills are essential.

  • Understanding adult learning theory and accessibility standards is key.

📌 Quick Facts

  • Education Level: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Instructional Design, Education, or related field

  • Work Environment: Remote, hybrid, or office-based; cross-functional collaboration is common

  • Skills or Interests: Curriculum design, eLearning tools, visual storytelling, UX, adult learning theory

  • Salary Range: $65,000–$95,000 CAD annually

  • Job Outlook / Growth: High demand in corporate, academic, and nonprofit sectors

  • Physical Activity Level: Low — mostly desk-based with occasional workshops or meetings