Explore Your Career Path in Learning and Development: Roles and Skills

As Learning and Development professionals, we play a critical role in shaping the skills and knowledge of our workforce. Whether it’s designing e-learning modules, managing the learning management system, or analyzing learning data, we are the driving force behind building a culture of continuous learning.

To be successful in this field, it’s essential to have a diverse set of skills, from project management to communication and analytical abilities. As the field evolves, it’s becoming increasingly important to be familiar with emerging technologies and learning methodologies.

Here’s a list of some essential roles in Learning and Development along with the necessary skill sets. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned pro, these roles provide an excellent roadmap to building a fulfilling and impactful career in L&D.

Roles	Skills	Overview
E-Learning Developer	Programming, Instructional design, Multimedia production	You’ll need to be comfortable with instructional design and multimedia development tools such as Articulate and Adobe Creative Suite.
Learning Management System Admin	Technical skills, Troubleshooting, Data management	This role requires technical expertise in LMS platforms such as Cornerstone, Saba, or Blackboard, as well as strong project management and communication skills.
Multimedia Specialist	Design software, Video production, Animation	Creativity and proficiency in multimedia authoring tools such as Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, and After Effects are essential for this role.
Instructional Technologist	Educational technology, Instructional design, Project management	You’ll need to be familiar with emerging technologies and possess expertise in instructional design and multimedia development.
Instructional Designer	Instructional design theory, Adult learning principles, Project management	This role requires strong analytical and project management skills, as well as proficiency in instructional design models such as ADDIE or SAM.
Learning Experience Designer	User experience design, Human-centered design, Collaboration	You’ll need to be proficient in human-centered design and possess skills in UX design, as well as strong communication skills.
Training Coordinator	Event planning, Scheduling, Communication	This role requires excellent communication and project management skills, as well as experience in event planning and coordination.
Trainer/Facilitator	Presentation skills, Public speaking, Classroom management	You’ll need to be comfortable with public speaking and possess excellent communication and presentation skills.
Learning and Development Manager	Leadership, Strategic planning, Budgeting	This role requires strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills, as well as experience in managing and developing a team.
Change Management Specialist	Change management theory, Communication, Project management	This role requires expertise in organizational change management, as well as strong communication and project management skills.
Performance Consultant	Needs analysis, Data analysis, Consulting skills	You’ll need to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as expertise in performance analysis and improvement.
Evaluation Specialist	Assessment methods, Data analysis, Reporting skills	This role requires expertise in training evaluation methods and tools, as well as strong analytical and communication skills.
Learning Data Analyst	Data analysis, Data visualization, Reporting skills	You’ll need to possess strong data analysis skills and experience in using tools such as Excel, Tableau, or Power BI.