Learning Beyond MALXD
As I conclude the Master of Arts in Learning Experience Design (MALXD) program at Michigan State University, I am intentionally looking ahead at developing skills and additional knowledge that will support my continued professional growth as a learning experience designer. My goals focus on strengthening my ability to manage complex projects, effectively consult with clients, and design accessible, job-relevant learning experiences. Each of these goals build on the foundation I gained from the MALXD program while continuing to grow and learn in this evolving field.
Project Management
Following the completion of the MALXD program, I am interested in acquiring additional training in project management, with a focus on the Agile method. I was first introduced to Agile in CEP 856, Learning Design Leadership, where I learned the importance of project planning, defining scope, affordances, and constraints, and building in feedback mechanisms. In my training and development work, I often receive requests to design new trainings, courses, microlearning modules, or guides to support employee skill development. Effective project management that is supported by a clear project plan helps ensure these efforts stay focused, on schedule, within budget, and aligned with team roles and responsibilities.
While CEP 856 provided a strong foundation, I feel I have only scratched the surface of project management. Agile stood out to me as the most practical and applicable framework, particularly for learning design. To deepen my knowledge, I have identified Agile-foundation courses through LinkedIn Learning and Coursera, both of which offer accessible and affordable opportunities for continued professional development.
Consulting Skills
As I begin transitioning my work toward consulting, specifically around onboarding and effective new hire training, I see the need to further develop my consulting skill set. This includes learning how to structure initial client meetings, establish contracts that define project scope, payment, and timelines, and set expectations early for the working relationship. Strong consulting work requires not only effective communication and relationship-building skills, but also an understanding of the business aspects of consulting. Gaining knowledge in all aspects of consulting will help support me as I transition into this new career path.
To support this goal, I have identified a Coursera course that breaks down the fundamentals of consulting and provides guidance for individuals getting started in this type of work. Developing these skills will allow me to engage more confidently with clients while ensuring transparency, professionalism, and progress throughout the consulting process.
Accessible Microlearning
My final goal aligns closely with my original objectives for entering the MALXD program: creating accessible learning experiences that directly connect to a learner’s job responsibilities. I am specifically interested in exploring microlearning as a strategy for delivering effective, bite-sized learning experiences. Microlearning supports accessibility in many different ways, including short, captioned videos, condensed content that can benefit neurodivergent learners, and using a variety of interactive elements that enhance engagement for a range of learners.
Microlearning is also great for busy professionals who may not have the time to commit to lengthy courses or all-day workshops. Additionally, it can serve as a refresher for previously learned information, especially for recent hires who have completed onboarding but need to revisit specific topics. I started exploring microlearning platforms like 7Taps and Articulate Rise 360, but I am interested in learning more about microlearning best practices and how to design these experiences to ensure instruction is effective and impactful. I plan to explore YouTube videos on this topic and different articles, such as the 3 Tips for Creating Effective Microlearning Courses by Articulate, to continue growing my skills in this area.
Integrating My Goals for Continued Growth
As I move forward beyond the MALXD program, my goals in project management, consulting, and accessible microlearning are not separate paths, but deeply interconnected areas that strengthen my overall effectiveness as a learning experience designer. Strong project management skills will provide the structure and organization needed to manage timelines, scope, and collaboration, while consulting skills will allow me to better understand client needs, build relationships, and guide projects with clarity and professionalism. At the same time, my focus on accessible microlearning ensures that the final products I create are meaningful, inclusive, and directly applicable to learners’ real-world responsibilities. Together, these goals create a skill set that allows me to not only design learning experiences, but to lead, communicate, and deliver them effectively from start to finish. Once I achieve these goals, I will confidently manage complex projects, facilitate productive client partnerships, and produce high-quality, accessible learning solutions that meet both organizational and learner needs.