Meet
Elaine Atherton – Mentor
Zones of Genius
- Storyline
- Visual Design
- Wellsaid Labs
- Script Writing
- Project Management
- Job Aids
- Storytelling
- vILT/ILT
- Audio/Technical Matters
- PowerPoint Design Tool
- Flowcharting
- Software Simulations in Storyline
- Zoom/Teams
- LinkedIn Profiles
- Interviewing
- Image Editing
- Portfolios
- SME Management
- Scenarios
- Branching Scenarios
- Process Mapping
- Backward Design Model
- Blooms Taxonomy
- Interpersonal Communication
- Vyond
What job/career did you transition from?
Even since I was a young child, I have had a talent for sharing information in a way that was easy for others to understand, and I aspired to help others. So when I began considering my future, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. After college, I began my professional career as an English teacher. I have taught middle school, high school, and even college level classes, spanning an over 20 year period.
Why did you join AIDA?
After 20 years in the classroom, I was burnt out as a teacher and was looking for something else, though I didn’t really know what that was. Because of my toxic work environment, I was no longer meeting the needs of my family and I was entering an unhealthy mental and physical state. I knew something needed to change, and that’s when I found AIDA. Within the first 2 days of the Jumpstart Workshop, I KNEW AIDA was for me. It felt like instructional design was the career I was always meant to have. I researched Jill and the program, as well as other similar programs. This research led me to the conclusion that AIDA was the most comprehensive training available and would prepare me to not only move into the instructional design field but also find a new position.
How did AIDA set you up for Success?
Finding AIDA was the biggest blessing to myself and my family. Not only did AIDA open my eyes to a dream career I didn’t know existed, it also taught me the skills I needed to be successful and land a job as a corporate instructional designer. On top of the software and job readiness skills, AIDA is responsible for helping me to learn how to achieve a work/life balance and advocate for myself like I had never done before.
What do you love about AIDA?
My favorite thing about AIDA is the support and feedback members receive throughout the program. The process of bringing a project from inception to completion is something other programs do not replicate, and that particular skill as an ID is probably one of the most important to learn. I am also beyond thankful to AIDA for the constant support and encouragement the program provides. Jill and her team ensured that I stayed focused and motivated throughout the process, even when I wasn’t sure my work was any good and imposter syndrome set in.
What are you doing now?
I am currently a full time, 100% remote instructional designer with a company in the financial field. Right now, my day to day activities include creating a leadership series and materials for my company as we are elevating our branch managers into a more formal leadership position. Beyond leadership modules, I also create sales, onboarding, and soft skills training to help our team members meet monthly sales goals and grow in their professional development. In the short time that I have been working with this particular company, I have quickly become the ID that our Director relies on when we are asked to create training programs that will receive attention from the company’s executives. I have been given creative freedom and my leadership has shown tremendous trust in me.
