by Doreen Li
Choosing HGSE and a New Career Path
Before my time at HGSE, I worked at an anti-poverty nonprofit in Nashville, TN, as an early learning specialist. My role involved designing and implementing programs for parent engagement and early literacy intervention. Starting this job during the pandemic allowed me to explore ways to enhance distance learning with educational technology, sparking my interest in continuing my career in technology-enhanced learning design. I wanted to gain a systemic understanding of learning and design theories to create high-quality e-learning experiences. This led me to decide that the LDIT program at HGSE would be an ideal fit for transitioning from face-to-face teaching to learning design in the digital age. Shortly after starting my program, I shifted my career path towards instructional design (ID) for adult/professional learners in non-corporate settings (higher education/non-profit), realizing that this path not only fulfills my passion to facilitate better learning but also supports my financial needs. (While it’s tough to admit, the financial aspect is undoubtedly a significant factor in career choice to consider).
Strategies and HGSE Resources That Helped Me with Job Search
As an international student with limited full-time work experience, I was well aware of the challenges in the job search process. Prior to my first semester at HGSE, I researched instructional designer job postings on LinkedIn. This research helped me identify gaps in my skills and areas for improvement, which I planned to address with my coursework, projects, and part-time experience during my time at HGSE. For example, many instructional design roles require technical experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and authoring tools, as well as a portfolio for application. Having no background in these, I strategically chose classes that provided project opportunities to develop these core skills so I could showcase relevant instructional design project experiences on my resume. For example, many ID roles require experience using authoring tools (Articulate), so I decided to take T127 Teaching and Learning Lab practicum. I was able to work on a semester-long project that involved redesigning a graduate-level course, offering me hands-on experience with Articulate in a real-world setting. This project became a cornerstone of my portfolio, and was brought up as a design process walkthrough in every higher education ID interview I participated in.
Because many ID roles involve working with subject matter experts in a higher ed setting, I also sought part-time and internship opportunities within the Harvard community. I served as a graduate assistant in Harvard College’s Dean of Students Office and as a junior learning designer at HGSE’s Teaching and Learning Lab. Although I lacked full-time instructional design experience, these roles significantly bolstered my job search, helping me secure interviews for 80% of the higher education ID positions I applied for. HGSE and the broader Harvard community offer abundant opportunities to enhance your professional experience and background, regardless of your career path. The HUB has been a wonderful resource for finding part-time and internship opportunities both on and off campus. The community is incredibly supportive, often willing to help even if there are no open positions in your area of interest. Always reach out and ask! That opened the door for me at the Teaching and Learning Lab.
I cannot stress enough the strong HGSE community and alumni network. Talking with alumni through panels, connecting on LinkedIn, and seeking their advice were all so helpful for my job search. Though I did not secure my full-time job through alumni referrals, every alum I spoke with offered substantial support, resources, and interview tips that made me a stronger candidate than before.
If you’re in the midst of the job search grind and feeling a bit lost, remember – it’s all part of the journey. I’ve been through the wringer with final interviews that led nowhere, but it’s all about keeping the faith and pushing forward. You’ve got what it takes, and the right opportunity will come knocking. To my fellow international students navigating this path, I feel you. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, but know that you’re not alone. I’m more than happy to connect with incoming and current HGSE students and help in any way I can 🙂
Doreen Li graduated from the LDIT program in 2023. She was an early childhood educator prior to HGSE, and successfully transitioned into a career in instructional design upon graduating from HGSE. Doreen currently works as an instructional designer for a professional association that provides continuing education credits and professional education to addiction professionals.
HGSE Admissions Blog 