Section 6: Getting an IDT Position and Succeeding at it

Section 6: Getting an IDT Position and Succeeding at It

This section of your textbook focuses on jobs in the profession of instructional design and technology: lessons and tips on how to get one and organizations that can support the job search and continued learning in the IDT field. Many of you already have a job in the field or in a related field; however, based on this week’s readings, you’ll reflect on where you are, where you want to go, and what you need to learn or do to get there. Begin your post for this week with some background: what is your current job, what program are you enrolled in, what brings you to that program, and what do you expect when you graduate (change jobs? obtain a promo)

Well, to begin, I am currently a Senior Server Administrator working in the District Information Technology (IT) Department at the District Service Center for the Dallas County Community College District (District).  I have been working for the District in the IT department for over 14 years.  As a Senior Server Administrator, I am a mid-level manager, managing the team that supports the Library Information system, the Document Imaging system, the District Intranet server and the online Self-Service Knowledge Information system (FAQs).  Before coming to work at the District, I served a 20 year career in the U.S. Air Force as a Jet Engine Technician and a Bioenvironmental Engineering Specialist (which means I was part of the OSHA, EPA, and Nuclear Regulatory Commission compliance team for the base) followed by a couple years of Government Civil Service and a short tour overseas with Halliburton. While still on active duty, I began my education in computing.  I finished my under grad at University of Phoenix with a major in Business Information Systems.  I am enrolled in the Masters of Education in Educational Technology/Leadership program.  I have had a desire to pursue a Masters degree for quite some time.  However, work schedules and life events have always delayed me.  I have added my Masters Degree obtainment to my job performance review for the last 7 years.  One of my fellow workers had just completed her Bachelors degree with TAMU-C and had enrolled with TAMU-C in a different Masters program.  She told me how great of a school it was, so I started doing research into the different Masters programs.  When I researched the Educational Technology/Leadership program, it definitely peaked my interest.  I will be in the window to retire from full time employment in about 4 years.  My original plan (and may still be) was to teach part time after full time retirement.  However, after enrolling in the program and some advisement from a wonderful TAMU-C professor, I am considering during Instructional Design on a contractual or part time basis.  I am not the type of person that considers retirement as a “sit at home and watch TV or fish all day” thing to do.  For me, it is more of a “life-career change”.  I retired (life-career change) from the USAF when I was 39 and started my next career.  This will be another life-career change for me.  It keeps life interesting.  I have also always had a desire to pass on the knowledge that I have.  Whether it be to someone younger or older, i have always thought it was good to share information and not keep it.  I have always wanted to  teach or having something to do with knowledge sharing 

Next, describe the kind of work that you want to do and the type of organization or institution in which you want to work. Use the WorkMatrix in the chapter titled “Getting a Job in Business and Industry” to help organize your thoughts. Do you most desire first, second, third, or fourth level service? Or would you rather design or develop instruction? What features of work are important to you? What economic sector do you want to work in? Based on these intentions, explain what you need to learn. What skills and qualifications do you need? Will you obtain the skills you need in the required courses in your program? What electives might you need to take to help you develop skills specific to your aspirations? 

Like I stated above, at this point I am really getting interested in doing Instructional Design on a part-time and/contractual basis.  I have been a manager in my present position for several years and doing my military career.  I think I would like to work as an Instructional Designer, as team member.  Not so much as a manager (although I would not managing a small team), but more as an Instructional Evaluator on a team.  The more knowledge I gain from the classes I take, the more I am leaning towards Instructional Design evaluation.  I would love to be able to travel as part of the job.  I also would like to work for a firm that designs and consults for the government and military sectors.  I have already readjusted class schedule to fit into more of an Instructional Design track.  Additionally, I would still like to leave the door open to teach an online course or two with the District.  In that aspect, I will be looking at taking some electives in Distance Learning and Education also.

Finally, what organizations would best support your continued learning after you graduate? Do you think you would benefit from joining those organizations before graduating? Explain why or why not?

I have already research joining the AECT.  I think this is a good source of information for IT professionals in Higher Education.  I plan on joining as a full time member before the end of the semester next spring.  Since I am only a part time student, I don’t believe I can join as a student member.  I am currently a subscriber to the digital edition of The Chronicles of Higher Education. I have found a lot of good articles on Distance Learning and IT implementation at other universities.