When I entered University I had a hard time visualizing where my career would take me. I started in general arts and eventually found my way into Education. I knew I wanted to travel and an education degree was my best chance at seeing the world. After graduating I quickly found a job overseas in Sweden and had two of the most personal and professional transformative years of my life.
When I returned to Canada I was ready to try something new. I was debating law school or pursuing a new degree. I found a job with the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta teaching the public about their legal rights and responsibilities. I quickly realized this was where I wanted to be and I made it there with a lot of luck and without a law degree. I needed an outlet for my creativity and an opportunity to be a leader, and the freedom to be a designer.
My career shifted from designing for learning to designing for assessment during my time working in the non-profit sector. As I worked on public education initiatives the foundations and government grants wanted to know that their investment was making a difference. This meant regular reporting that included outcomes measurement. I continued to experiment with designing for learning including creating infographics no human rights, videos on resolving conflict, and an android app for landlord and tenant questions.
My experience in my Master of Educational Technology has mirrored my professional trajectory. I started off with a focus on designing for learning and as I complete my final courses my emphasis has shifted to assessment and evaluation.
When I started working as an Instructional Designer for Extended Education at the University of Manitoba my supervisor wanted to put my skills designing for assessment to use. So in addition to designing online courses I was also tasked with creating program evaluation plans. I recently started a new position with the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the university. I will continue to develop my skills in designing for learning and assessment.
Looking back I have been fortunate to gain experience in diverse workplaces that include a junior high schools, non-profits, and university campuses. I have found them all rewarding in their own ways and am excited where I may end up in the future. I am particularly excited about the opportunities that may arise from working in health care. I will continue to try new things and be open-minded about where my background in design will take me. I am a lifelong learner and anticipate my future learning will be design focused. This might be in the field of education but maybe one day in healthcare, sustainability, or community.