5 answers
Hanh
Student
Singapore
1
Question
Updated
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What would be the best degree pathway for a future career goal of Learning & Development/ Talent Development?
I’m currently working as a student recruitment advisor with over seven years of experience. My bachelor’s degree is in applied languages, with a focus on corporate communication, which led me into my current role.
Recently, I’ve been considering a transition into Learning & Development (L&D), as I’m passionate about helping others grow. While this aligns with what I do now, it would be in a different context. Hence, I feel that my profile may be lacking in terms of business acumen and people management.
I’m exploring further study options to support this transition and would really appreciate your advice. I’m currently considering:
- A Master of Education (MEd), which feels like a safe choice but may not fully support a career switch into corporate L&D.
- An MBA, which offers strong business exposure, though I’m concerned about areas like corporate finance and data analysis --- these are not my strength.
- An MSc in Human Resource Management (HRM), which seems relevant but I’m unsure how well it would position me for L&D roles.
Aside from the above master's degree, I'm aiming to take a Professional Practice Certificate in Training & Development (this is just a short course equivalent to NFQ Level 6 in Ireland).
I would greatly appreciate any insights or recommendations based on your experience.
Thank you very much in advance!
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5 answers
Adam Wiszowaty
Retail - Human Resources
9
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Adam’s Answer
Great question! Here's how you can prepare for a career in Learning and Development (L&D):
1. Focus on gaining diverse experiences. L&D values varied skills over specific technical expertise. For example, if you love creative design, learn to use platforms for video editing or creating e-learning content.
2. Improve your communication skills. If you're interested in facilitation, join groups like Toastmasters or a debate club to enhance your abilities.
3. Embrace continuous learning. The L&D field is always evolving, especially with the rise of AI tools. Stay updated and adaptable.
4. Understand the learner's experience. The best team members can think from the learner's perspective, whether they come from education, psychology, or IT backgrounds.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared for a successful career in L&D.
1. Focus on gaining diverse experiences. L&D values varied skills over specific technical expertise. For example, if you love creative design, learn to use platforms for video editing or creating e-learning content.
2. Improve your communication skills. If you're interested in facilitation, join groups like Toastmasters or a debate club to enhance your abilities.
3. Embrace continuous learning. The L&D field is always evolving, especially with the rise of AI tools. Stay updated and adaptable.
4. Understand the learner's experience. The best team members can think from the learner's perspective, whether they come from education, psychology, or IT backgrounds.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared for a successful career in L&D.
Thanks a lot for the details. Do you think L&D is replaceable by AI or sometimes, easily neglected by SMEs?
Hanh
AI continues to grow its impact everyday at a very fast past. L&D teams are experimenting with AI where something automated be built that will save time/energy and allow human focus to be in the places it is needed most. With that in mind, AI can (and does) quite a bit of work in this space). I don't think the personal impact will go away. But those that are building routines right now are proving to be more urgent/impactful.
Adam Wiszowaty
Diana Ryan
Human Resources
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Hahn,
I'm so glad you are considering a career in L&D/Talent Development, that is where I've spent the majority of my 20 year career in HR and it's been incredible fulfilling and fun!
I studied psychology and art in college, so more like the "softer" skills like languages and communication that you studied. I stayed away from math and business courses because I was intimidated. I joined a non-profit working in Recruitment, which led me to a 20-year career in Human Resources. After working at that non-profit for 7 years, I decided to go to business school for my graduate degree. I would have never anticipated that I would have this interest while I was in college or my early years of work. However it was 100% the right decision! It would have been much harder for me to make the pivot to the corporate sector without my MBA and the career services resources provided by my business school were key in landing an internship and a job. I've now been working on the corporate side for 12 years.
Gaining real-world experience through work, volunteering, job shadowing, and talking to professionals can really help you decide what to study. Grad school is a big financial commitment, so taking your time will help you make the right choice. I think your assessments of the grad school options are spot on - a degree in education is the safe choice and won't help you pivot into corporate, a business degree would help you do that. Human Resource management is another good choice and getting a certificate is a great idea to help bolster your resume.
You are already asking the right questions and I'm confident you'll find your way!
I'm so glad you are considering a career in L&D/Talent Development, that is where I've spent the majority of my 20 year career in HR and it's been incredible fulfilling and fun!
I studied psychology and art in college, so more like the "softer" skills like languages and communication that you studied. I stayed away from math and business courses because I was intimidated. I joined a non-profit working in Recruitment, which led me to a 20-year career in Human Resources. After working at that non-profit for 7 years, I decided to go to business school for my graduate degree. I would have never anticipated that I would have this interest while I was in college or my early years of work. However it was 100% the right decision! It would have been much harder for me to make the pivot to the corporate sector without my MBA and the career services resources provided by my business school were key in landing an internship and a job. I've now been working on the corporate side for 12 years.
Gaining real-world experience through work, volunteering, job shadowing, and talking to professionals can really help you decide what to study. Grad school is a big financial commitment, so taking your time will help you make the right choice. I think your assessments of the grad school options are spot on - a degree in education is the safe choice and won't help you pivot into corporate, a business degree would help you do that. Human Resource management is another good choice and getting a certificate is a great idea to help bolster your resume.
You are already asking the right questions and I'm confident you'll find your way!
Allison Hill
Management Consulting
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Allison’s Answer
Hi Hanh, I would say the best options for advanced degrees options would be...
1. MBA- This degree gives you broader business knowledge and although you would have to take a couple of classes in finance/data analytics, you do not need to take many classes in those areas - instead you can focus your degree in organizational leadership or human resources. (I am awful at Math and still was very successful in my MBA- people come from all different backgrounds who do MBAs - some of my classmates were veterans, ballerinas, teachers, etc.). MBAs are very versatile and have a lot of scholarship options as well- you can look here for more resources on schools and how to apply: https://www.mba.com/
2. MSc in Human Resource Management (HRM)- more specific to HR functions so could be more limiting and may not have a huge focus on L&D. It also could limit you more into a career in HR.
2. Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology- more specific focus on applying behavioral science to improve workplace performance, leadership, and training. I would say this is a bit broader and applicable to L&D.
I do not recommend a MS in Education if you are not pursuing a teaching position. Corporate L&D is looking more for corporate training, business, and communications experience. I work in Human Capital consulting and work very often with L&D departments at companies. You could also look into Human Capital consulting - we are often building trainings and learning development programs for companies. Also note an advanced degree is not required to work in L&D functions and you could find jobs that could get exposure to building and delivering trainings that can help you as well.
1. MBA- This degree gives you broader business knowledge and although you would have to take a couple of classes in finance/data analytics, you do not need to take many classes in those areas - instead you can focus your degree in organizational leadership or human resources. (I am awful at Math and still was very successful in my MBA- people come from all different backgrounds who do MBAs - some of my classmates were veterans, ballerinas, teachers, etc.). MBAs are very versatile and have a lot of scholarship options as well- you can look here for more resources on schools and how to apply: https://www.mba.com/
2. MSc in Human Resource Management (HRM)- more specific to HR functions so could be more limiting and may not have a huge focus on L&D. It also could limit you more into a career in HR.
2. Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology- more specific focus on applying behavioral science to improve workplace performance, leadership, and training. I would say this is a bit broader and applicable to L&D.
I do not recommend a MS in Education if you are not pursuing a teaching position. Corporate L&D is looking more for corporate training, business, and communications experience. I work in Human Capital consulting and work very often with L&D departments at companies. You could also look into Human Capital consulting - we are often building trainings and learning development programs for companies. Also note an advanced degree is not required to work in L&D functions and you could find jobs that could get exposure to building and delivering trainings that can help you as well.
Victoria Nguyen
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion & HR
6
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
A specific degree is important, but even more important is work experience! I did not start out doing this but took on jobs and new stretch opportunities to learn more and landed in this role. This way, you know what you are getting into and the day-to-day responsibilities of the role. I majored in Adult Education & Leadership for my graduate degree with a concentration in business administration.
Looks like there could be different paths for us to land in this field. What you studied is really great! Thanks a lot for your advice. By work exp, do you mean a specific expertise based on the main area of the company you aim to work for (e.g.: let’s say Shopee doing on e-commerce), or it has to be HR/L&D (might start from interns?)
Hanh
Alex Novikov
Director, Learning & Development
4
Answers
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Learning and Development can be a great career path for people with different degrees like information technology, business administration, or adult education. If you can find a program in Instructional Design, Education Technology, or Learning Technologies, it will really help you stand out when applying for L&D jobs. Add some relevant experience, and you're on your way to a career in L&D!