My Goals as a Growing Instructional Designer
In my professional life, I hold the role of a Training Analyst in the Government sector. The title "Training Analyst" encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. I find myself sifting through vast amounts of compliance and learning project data, managing functions within a Learning Management System, and leading project management efforts with groups of physicians and policy-making teams through a formal design process. The development phase is equally demanding, involving working on a computer with limited performance and using tools like Adobe Captivate, Audacity, and Photoshop. Simultaneously, I handle administrative tasks tied to operational obligations and challenges. All the while, I must find the time to build advanced actions, ensure 508 compliance, and apply filter presets to audio file wavelengths.
Since July 2023, I've taken on an Acting Senior Analyst role. In addition to my existing TA duties, I provide analysis and guidance for an LMS implementation that delves into intricate technical details. I've become the go-to person for a higher level of technology proficiency, enabling effective communication with Information Technology and Security teams. This role also entails analyzing and advising on ISD support, demanding a calculated approach while maintaining awareness of ongoing operational tasks for the team and standing ready to provide support at any moment.
It might sound crazy, but some things have improved since school started! The recent life changes happened more quickly than I anticipated, and some friends think it might be too much. But I've faced similar stressful situations during my 24 years of military service, and I'm not giving up without a fight. I have three key priorities: family, work, and school. Each one depends on the others to varying degrees, and my goals are built around these priorities. So, as I embark on my ISD educational journey with Arizona State University, let me share my short-, medium-, and long-term goals.
In the short term, my primary goal is to successfully complete this course. This is important to me so I can enhance my working knowledge of Instructional Design and the processes associated with it to share with others on my team. Achieving this hinges on effective time management. I'm focusing on forecasting and setting specific time slots for tasks, creating boundaries for each task, and optimizing efficiency. To tackle this, I need to approach each priority with the right mindset. It's essential to maintain physical and mental well-being. For my physical health, I plan to maintain a reasonable level of fitness by regularly attending my CrossFit gym three days a week and Coach Joe will certainly harass me if he sees deviation. I'll also continue attending Sunday morning Yoga sessions with my spouse. Mentally, I've found success using the Pomodoro Technique, which I learned about in this course. To help me stay on track, I've placed my newly purchased tomato-shaped cooking timer on my desk. Lastly, I'm implementing better organization within my Microsoft Outlook. I'm in the process of implementing rules-based filing and saving pre-established distribution lists. This approach allows me to process larger chunks of information, avoiding the chaos of constant, disjointed messaging. Additionally, at the suggestion of a classmate, I plan to integrate my personal and school Gmail communications and calendars since school is now a significant part of my life.
My medium-range goals, to be achieved by the midpoint of this program, include professional development and networking to reinforce and enhance my skills and, in turn, share them with my team members. This will enhance our team's capabilities to produce training products that meet the demands of our organization. I plan to do this through reading all of my assignments and doing the best that I can on projects. I also plan to effectively engage with my project teams and continue to build my professional network which I feel will help me maintain situational awareness of the industry, its practices, and the technology that impacts it.
My long-range goal is to successfully complete this program and harness its advantages to propel my professional journey forward. Following the program's completion, I aspire to pursue further academic endeavors in the field of graphics and arts. These creative skills have been a personal passion, offering a therapeutic outlet, and although originally intended solely for personal satisfaction, they have remarkably enriched my current achievements.
In conclusion, as I reflect on my current circumstances and the goals I've set as a learning designer, I feel the sense of purpose and determination. My professional journey as a Training Analyst in the Government sector has been both demanding and rewarding. It's a role that encompasses a multitude of responsibilities, from managing compliance data to leading intricate learning projects. This journey took an unexpected turn with the addition of my Acting Senior Analyst role in July 2023, thrusting me into a world of technical intricacies and heightened responsibilities.
Despite the challenges, I am resolute in my commitment to my three overarching priorities: family, work, and education. These pillars support and inspire my short, medium, and long-term goals. In the short term, efficient time management, physical well-being, and mental clarity are key as I navigate the demands of my ISD program. In the medium term, my focus is on professional development and networking to enhance my skills and contribute to my team's success. Looking further ahead, I envision a future where I leverage the benefits of this program to further my career and continue my academic journey in graphics and arts, a passion that has unexpectedly become an essential part of my life.
As I embark on this educational odyssey with Arizona State University, I am armed with a commitment to growth, and the belief that every step forward is a brushstroke on the canvas of my evolving narrative. The road may be challenging, but with resilience and adaptability, I am ready to face the opportunities and triumphs that lie ahead.
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