How to Become a Learning and Development Professional (Step-by-Step Guide)

In 2010, I found myself standing in a sea of graduates at the University of Florida, a newly minted degree in hand but feeling utterly lost in my future.

Little did I know, the seeds of my destiny had already been sown.

As an undergraduate, I had the remarkable opportunity to be a teaching assistant for Chemistry under the incomparable Dr. John Mitchell.

His trust in me ignited a spark I didn’t even know existed.

For the first time, I experienced the electrifying feeling of standing in front of a room full of eager minds, facilitating knowledge, and witnessing the light of understanding in their eyes.

From there, I took a leap into teaching middle school social studies.

Every day was a roller coaster ride of highs and lows. But as rewarding as teaching young minds was, I discovered it wasn’t my true calling.

That’s when I started to explore adult education.

That exploration led me to a career in Learning & Development (L&D).

I took my first hesitant steps into the world of L&D more than 12 years ago, and it has been a fascinating journey since.

Each day in this profession is an opportunity to make a difference.

I’ve had the privilege of educating and inspiring thousands of professionals, traveled to stunning destinations, and witnessed the transformative power of education firsthand. 

L&D has gifted me more than just a fulfilling career; it has enriched my life in countless ways.

The connections I’ve made, the lives I’ve impacted, and the joy of doing what I love – all these continue to fill my life with purpose and fulfillment.

My career in L&D not only provides for me and my family, but also fuels my passion and ambition.

If you’re considering this path, let me tell you:

A career in L&D is not about teaching; it’s about learning, evolving, and making a genuine difference. It’s about illuminating paths, unlocking potential, and fostering growth – both in others and in yourself.

Take it from someone who’s been in your shoes – the journey is more rewarding than you could ever imagine.

Why Become a Learning and Development Professional?

Being a Learning and Development (L&D) professional is more than just a job, it’s a way to make a real difference in people’s lives and the companies they work for.

Imagine you’re a coach who helps people get better at their skills (like a sports coach helps a team play better together).

This is exactly what an L&D professional does. The only difference is, instead of sports, they’re helping people get better at their jobs.

In my book, being competent in your role plays a big part in how content you are to come to work and do your job.

L&D not only impact people’s happiness at work,  the function also helps the company do better.

Let’s say a company has many customer complaints because their service team isn’t doing a good job.

An L&D professional might create a training program to teach the team how to use better communication skills. This could lead to happier customers and better reviews for the company.

The best learning professionals don’t just teach classes, they make measurable impact key on the company.

Companies are seeing just how important this role is.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be more job openings in learning and development in the next few years than many other jobs. This means more opportunities for people who want to become an L&D professional.

What is a Learning and Development Professional?

Learning and development (L&D) professionals are key to a company’s growth. They plan and run training programs for employees. This helps workers learn new skills and get better at their jobs, which makes the business more successful.

These professionals create training plans, choose the right software or tools for online learning, and check how well the training is working.

If the training isn’t helping as much as it should, they make changes to make it better.

L&D professionals also help to make learning a regular part of working life. They encourage people to keep improving their skills, which is important in a world where businesses need to change quickly.

There are many different jobs in L&D, all aimed at helping employees and the business to grow:

• Training Coordinator
• Training Facilitator
• Talent Development Specialist
• Instructional Designer
• Learning Experience Designer
• Learning Management System Administrator
• Learning and Development Analyst
• Learning and Development Consultant
• Learning and Development Manager
• Chief Learning Officer

How to Become a Learning and Development Professional: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Get the Right Education

First, think about going to college for a degree in something like Human Resources or Education. These subjects can help prepare you for a job in learning and development (L&D). Some people also go for a higher degree in Adult Education or learning within organizations. These programs often include classes on how to design training programs and how to use technology for learning.

Step 2: Get Some Experience

If you’ve ever taught a class, coached a team, or worked in Human Resources, you’re already on the right track! Try to get more experience with training or teaching at work, even if it’s just helping out. This can give you a taste of what it’s like to work in training and development.

Step 3: Get Certified

Just like a teacher gets a teaching certificate, there are also certificates you can get for L&D. These certificates can help show that you know what you’re doing and can do a good job. Some of the most in-demand L&D certifications include:

• Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM): A certification that validates expertise in overseeing and managing training programs in organizations.
• Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD): Recognizes professionals who have demonstrated expertise in instructional design, training delivery, and improving human performance.
• Certified Performance Technologist (CPT): A designation for individuals skilled in utilizing technology to enhance learning and performance in organizations.
• Certified Instructional Designer (CID): Recognizes experts who specialize in creating educational and training content based on sound instructional design principles.
• Certified Professional in Gamification: Certifies individuals who are adept at applying game mechanics in training and educational contexts to engage and motivate learners.
• Certified Virtual Reality (VR) Expert™ Certification: Recognizes professionals who specialize in designing and implementing VR-based training and educational experiences.
• Certified Augmented Reality (AR) Expert™ Certification: Certifies experts skilled in integrating AR technologies into learning and training environments.
• Blended Learning Certification: A certification for individuals who are adept at integrating both online and offline methods to create effective learning experiences.

To become certified, you will need to meet the requirements of the certification program, which may include completing a certain number of hours of training, passing an exam, and having work experience in L&D.

Getting certified is a great way to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in L&D, and it can help you advance your career.

Here are some additional tips for getting certified in L&D:

1. Do your research and choose a certification program that is right for you.
2. Make sure you meet the requirements of the certification program.
3. Start studying early and create a study plan.
4. Take practice exams to assess your knowledge.
5. Get support from a mentor or study group.

Getting certified can be a challenging but rewarding process. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success.

Step 4: Keep Learning

The world of L&D is always changing, so it’s important to keep learning. This could be going to training sessions, workshops, or meetings to learn about the latest trends in training, online learning, and learning technologies.

Here are a few continuing education opportunities to consider:

• Attend conferences and events. There are many conferences and events that focus on L&D. These events are a great way to learn about the latest trends, network with other professionals, and get inspired.
• Take online courses. There are many online courses available that can help you stay up-to-date on the latest L&D trends. These courses are a convenient way to learn at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home.
• Read industry publications. There are many industry publications that can help you stay informed about the latest L&D trends. These publications can provide you with insights into best practices, case studies, and research.
• Join professional organizations. There are many professional organizations that can help you connect with other L&D professionals and stay up-to-date on the latest trends. These organizations often offer webinars, workshops, and other resources.

By continuing to learn, you can stay ahead of the curve and ensure that you are providing your learners with the best possible experience.

Here are a few final tips for keeping your skills up-to-date:

1. Set aside time each week to read industry publications or blog posts.
2. Attend a conference or workshop at least once a year.
3. Network with other L&D professionals on social media or at industry events.
4. Take an online course or two to learn about new technologies or trends.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you are always learning and growing on your quest to learning how to become a learning and development professional.

Step 5: Make Connections

Finally, get to know other people who work in L&D. Joining professional groups, like the Association for Talent Development (ATD), is a great way to do this. Networking with others can help you learn from their experiences and might even lead to job opportunities.

Here are a few of the most relevant HR/learning and development groups:

• Association for Talent Development (ATD): ATD is the world’s largest professional association for those who work in learning and development. They offer a variety of resources and events for their members, including online courses, webinars, and conferences.
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): SHRM is the world’s largest HR professional association. They offer a variety of resources and events for their members, including online courses, webinars, and conferences.
• International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI): ISPI is a global organization that promotes the science of learning and performance. They offer a variety of resources and events for their members, including online courses, webinars, and conferences.
• Learning Forward: Learning Forward is a professional association for those who work in professional learning. They offer a variety of resources and events for their members, including online courses, webinars, and conferences.

By joining professional groups, you can connect with other L&D professionals and learn from their experiences. This can help you stay ahead of the curve and ensure that you are in the rooms with people who are part of the learning and development community.

Inside Tips to Become a Learning and Development Professional

• Learn About New Technologies: In L&D, you often use online tools to teach people. So, it’s important to know about the latest online learning tools and systems. Think of it like a teacher learning how to use a new smartboard or a new online learning platform.
• Become a Good Communicator: Communication is very important in L&D. You need to explain things clearly so people can understand, but you also need to listen well. For example, if you’re teaching a class on how to use a new software program, you need to explain the steps clearly. But you also need to listen to the questions and problems people have.
• Know Your Learners: Remember, you’re teaching adults, not kids. Adults learn in different ways than kids do, so it’s important to know how to teach them effectively. For example, adults usually want to know why what they’re learning is important. So, instead of just teaching them the steps to do something, explain the impact of each step.
• Be Adaptable: Every company is different, so what works for one might not work for another. Be ready to change your training programs to fit the needs of each company. For instance, a small startup might prefer a casual, interactive training session, while a big corporate company might prefer a more formal, structured training program.

Final Thoughts: How to Become a Learning and Development Professional

Choosing a career in learning and development (L&D) can be a really rewarding decision. It gives you the chance to help people learn and grow at work. But how do you really become an L&D professional? It’s all about getting the right education, gaining some experience, getting certified, always learning new things, and making connections with other people in the field.

Let’s break it down:

1. Get the right education: Think about going to college for a degree in something like Human Resources or Education.
2. Gain some experience: Any experience you can get in teaching, coaching, or working in Human Resources will be really helpful.
3. Get certified: There are certificates you can get that show you have the skills for a job in L&D.
4. Always be learning: L&D is always changing, so it’s important to keep up-to-date with new training methods and technologies.
5. Make connections: Networking with other L&D professionals can open up job opportunities and give you the chance to learn from others.

By following these steps, you can be on your way to a successful career in L&D. It’s a path that’s not only beneficial for you but also makes a real difference in other people’s lives.

Additional Resources:

• The Art and Science of Learning and Performance Improvement by Michael Allen. San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer.
• A Practical Guide to Training Delivery by Sharon Bolles. Alexandria, VA: ASTD Press.
• The Ins and Outs of Instructional Design by Beth T. Green. Alexandria, VA: ASTD Press.
• The E-Learning Handbook by Barbara Means, Richard Mayer, and Richard M. Popham. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.
• The Rise of the Learning Enterprise by Josh Bersin. Boston, MA: Harvard Business Review Press.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is training and development a good career?

Yes, a career in training and development can be very fulfilling. This job involves helping people learn new skills, which can boost their performance and open up new career opportunities. There’s a high demand for this role, so it offers good job security. It’s also quite flexible, as it allows you to work in various industries and specialize in different areas.

Are professional development courses worth it?

Yes, professional development courses can be a great investment. They help you learn new skills or improve existing ones. This can make you more attractive to employers, or help you do better in your current job. Some of these courses also provide certificates or licenses that can boost your career. Plus, you can meet other professionals and build your network.

What is the difference between HR and L&D?

Human Resources (HR) and Learning and Development (L&D) are both about managing people in a company, but they focus on different areas. HR involves many tasks like hiring people, managing employee relations, handling pay and benefits, and ensuring the company follows labor laws.

L&D, on the other hand, is a part of HR that focuses on helping employees learn and grow professionally. It’s about creating training programs to help new and existing employees improve their skills.

What degrees are best for training and development?

Degrees in education, human resources, business, or psychology are usually good for a career in training and development. They teach you about how organizations work, how to train people, and how to plan and manage training programs.

What is the best degree for a training and development manager?

Degrees in Human Resources Management, Education, Organizational Behavior, or Business Administration are often useful for training and development managers. These degrees teach you how to design, plan, and manage training programs. A master’s degree in these areas can also be beneficial for more advanced roles.

What do you do in learning and development?

In learning and development, you help people in a company learn and grow professionally. You identify what skills they need to improve, create training programs to help them learn these skills, assess how effective these programs are, and update them as needed. You also work with company leaders to ensure your training programs support the company’s goals.

How do I get training and development experience?

You can gain experience in training and development in several ways. You can train others in your current job, volunteer to train people in a non-profit or community group, get a degree or certificate in a related field, or work in a related job like human resources. Attending industry events can also give you insights into the latest trends and best practices in this field.

What are the types of learning and development?

Learning and development can come in many forms. It can happen on the job, in a classroom, or online. It can involve learning from a more experienced colleague or coach. Or it can take place in a workshop or seminar. The best method depends on what skills are being taught and who the learners are.

How do I start a learning and development program?

To start a learning and development program, first, find out what skills your employees need to improve. Then, decide what you want the training to achieve. Next, plan your training program. Choose the best method to teach the skills and create the training materials. After that, deliver the training to your employees. Lastly, check if the training is effective. Ask for feedback, test what they’ve learned, or see if their performance has improved. If not, adjust the program as needed. Keep in mind, training is a continuous process. It needs to be updated regularly to stay effective.