Training and development specialists are professionals who design and deliver training programs to help organizations improve their performance and achieve their goals. While this field does not typically require a high degree of artistic creativity, individuals with a strong Artistic theme code in the Strong Interest Inventory Assessment may still find it appealing. This is because the Artistic theme is related to creativity and self-expression, and individuals with this theme may enjoy using their skills to design engaging and effective training programs.
In addition to delivering training, training and development specialists may also be responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of training programs. They may use surveys, focus groups, and other methods to gather feedback from participants and to determine what changes, if any, need to be made to improve the training.
Learn all about a career as a Training and Development Specialist, including career stats such as median salary, daily tasks, employment growth, and more!
Training and development specialists may work in a variety of settings, including corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. They may also specialize in a particular area of training. For example, some may specialize in leadership development, helping managers and executives to enhance their leadership skills and to build effective teams. Others may specialize in customer service, providing training programs that help employees to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
The tools and technologies used by training and development specialists range from common office software such as Microsoft Office Word and PowerPoint to more specialized course authoring software like Articulate Rise or 360, Adobe Captivate, or Open E-Learning. They will also commonly make use of Learning management systems (LMS) such as Moodle, Blackboard, or Canvas. For in-person training and learning programs, they may also use printers, copiers, and other machinery familiar in an office setting. A training and development specialist may use in-house equipment if it is available or may be responsible for coordinating with service providers or contractors in the case of more complex projects.
Typically, training and development specialists will have a bachelor’s degree in their desired field, such as medicine, law, history, etc., as well as either a certification from a top-tier professional organization like the Association for Talent Development (ATD) or the International Association of Facilitators (IAF) or a master’s degree in education or training. Some employers may be more or less stringent on educational requirements. Government and military training jobs, for example, generally require a master’s degree, whereas corporate jobs may prefer a bachelor’s and certification. While doctoral programs exist, they generally aren’t required outside of academic and may over-qualify applicants for some positions.
Generally speaking, a strong portfolio will do more for a candidate interested in entering this field than degrees and certifications alone. A prospective training and development specialist should be able to showcase specific skills in development as well as with specific industry tools.
The average salary for a training and development specialist is highly dependent on experience and location. Those who have more experience and are working in higher cost-of-living areas typically earn more. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for training and development specialists in May 2019 was $60,870 per year. Salaries also vary by industry, with the highest levels of employment being in education and health services, followed by professional, scientific, and technical services. It is important to consider the cost of living in the area you are looking to work in, as this can have a big effect on the salary you can expect to earn.
Below are some employment trends for Training and Development Specialists:
- Median Salary: $29.60 hourly, $61,570 annually
- Employment: 354,800 employees
- Projected growth (2021-2031): Faster than average (8% to 10%)
- Projected job openings (2021-2031): 36,500
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References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2012-2022 employment projections Onetonline.org
