I have worked in Central Administration at Michigan State University (MSU) since October of 2015 as a Program Training Assistant. Among others, one of my primary responsibilities is to provide an efficient and optimum learning experience for the University Research Administrators and departmental staff in the Office of Sponsored Programs. Online learning and new responsibilities in my position made a powerful impact on my career goals and became the driving force behind my educational objective of earning the degree of Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) at MSU. As long as I can remember, one of my personal goals was to earn a degree from Michigan State University, and this program was an opportunity for me to not only become a leader in the industry, but to meet this goal.
The Trail Head
As I began working in this role, it was my department’s goal to offer an innovative learning environment. Along with attending classes at Davenport University, I incorporated my eLearning experience, knowledge, and creativity to help my department provide a more state-of-the-art approach to training and educating Research Administrators outside of their normal in-seat trainings. My work experience has shaped my thinking on learning in the workplace, and taught me that busy schedules can prohibit learning, especially in adults. Online learning provides the ability to pursue higher education, along with having a manageable work/life balance. With the inability to sit in a classroom, an eLearning environment provides individuals with resources and tools beneficial to their individual learning experiences and the opportunity to grow professionally without interfering with workload.
Where I am Now
Throughout the past two years, the MAET program has helped me to meet these goals and taught me that I have a creative and innovative mindset with a passion for lifelong learning. In conjunction with my personal and professional goals, I have a developed a strong desire to pursue a career in Instructional Design. In the beginning of my journey, some of the challenges I faced was my limited knowledge of eLearning which is rapidly becoming the preferred learning experience by not only adults, but children, as well.
Where I am Heading
I am a firm believer that it is important to stay motivated and challenged in our professional careers. The MAET program and my work experience has provided me with knowledge, experience, and skills to remain challenged and continue to pursue a career in Instructional Design. The rise in online learning gives me a sense of job security and the ability to continue my career in training program development. In addition, it continues to benefit MSU's Central Administration throughout its transition from in-seat training to an online learning environment. As a lifelong learner, I look forward to using the skills and knowledge gained from my education and experience to help improve professional learning and development in adults; therefore, creating my own path to success!
Comments