Training Industry Magazine - Summer 2023 - 55

L&D CAREERS
AMY DUVERNET,
PH.D., CPTM
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT:
2023 L&D CAREER OUTLOOK
As learning and development (L&D)
professionals, we dedicate so much time
and energy to developing our learners
that we can neglect our own growth
and
development.
Because training
professionals can be found in companies
of all sizes and industries, it's not
uncommon to feel adrift when it comes
to steering our own careers, as there isn't
a one-size-fits-all career pathway in L&D.
In this column, I aim to share valuable
insights from Training Industry to empower
you in your own L&D career journey. My
hope is that you'll discover useful tips and
find inspiration to devote more time and
attention to your own career development.
THE DYNAMIC BUSINESS
ENVIRONMENT HAS GIVEN
RISE TO NEW L&D ROLES.
L&D JOB GROWTH
The good news - the outlook for L&D
careers is quite promising! The demand
for L&D professionals has been spurred
by the rise of diverse work models, such
as the gig economy and temporary work
arrangements, as well as the heightened
mobility of career paths. Additionally,
advancements in technology and a
shifting perspective on the strategic role
of L&D in addressing business challenges
have contributed to an increased need for
L&D expertise.
Notably, data from the Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS) annual Occupational
Employment and Wage (OEW) report for
training-specific jobs indicates a significant
upward trend over the past decade.
Even more promising, a quick search
on LinkedIn reveals nearly 900,000 job
openings for training professionals in the
United States alone, underscoring the
wealth of opportunities within the field.
NEW ROLES TO MEET
EMERGING NEEDS
Traditionally, L&D positions were
classified into five primary training
process categories, including:
1. Administration (e.g., coordinators,
administrators, etc.).
2. Content development (e.g.,
instructional designers, content
developers, etc.).
3. Delivery
4. Technology
(e.g., instructors,
facilitators, etc.).
(e.g., learning
technologists, etc.).
5. Leadership and oversight (e.g.,
training managers, training directors,
vice presidents of learning, chief
learning officers, etc.).
However,
the
dynamic
business
environment and L&D landscape
have given rise to new roles that
prioritize consultation and
partnership,
emphasizing a deeper understanding of
the business issues driving the need for
training. Further, as the view of L&D has
shifted to that of a strategic business
solution, interconnections between
other employee experience functions,
like hiring, succession planning and
performance management, have become
a greater focus. Positions that encompass
these changes emphasize experience
mapping, career paths and competency
modeling, as well as sourcing and curating
materials to create learning journeys.
Consequently, we've seen the
emergence of newer job titles
and positions with L&D teams that
embody these newer concentrations
such as curriculum architect, human
TRAINING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2023 I WWW.TRAININGINDUSTRY.COM/MAGAZINE
Salaries and responsibilities tend to
increase as professionals ascend
to executive positions, with CLOs
commanding
the highest salaries
and facilitators and instructors often
reporting lower salaries.
MOVING FORWARD
In forthcoming columns, I will continue
to explore L&D careers, offering
insights and guidance to aspiring and
established training professionals
alike. By delving into the diverse roles,
emerging trends and essential strategies
for career development, I aim to provide
a comprehensive understanding of L&D
career paths and the evolving nature of
this critical profession.
To participate in Training Industry's
L&D salary and career development
research, learn more here.
Amy DuVernet, Ph.D., CPTM, is the
director of training and development
at Training Industry, Inc., where she
oversees all processes related to
Training Industry's courses for training
professionals, including program
development and evaluation. Email Amy.
55
performance
analyst,
strategy and
learning specialist, L&D curator,
learning partner, learning experience
designer, strategic capabilities partner
and learning performance consultant.
While
each of these newer
roles
warrants unique L&D career pathways
and development, Training Industry
research reveals that the majority of
L&D professionals espouse very similar
career goals, with roughly 50% of L&D
professionals aspiring to become L&D
executives and another 20% seeking
either training manager roles or
independent consulting.
Training Industry Magazine - Summer 2023

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