E-Learning Design - How did you get started?

Hi Martin, 

 I obtained a job as a Course Developer by volunteering to help with training and documentation projects in my organization, and  taking the initiative to learn everything I could about adult learning principles and e-learning instructional design.  This led to a promotion to the E&D team, where my passion for instructional design grew. A year ago, I ventured out into freelance and obtained my first customers through Elance. I am still working with them on various projects.  

The key has been not just having a good portfolio, but also networking and building  relationships with clients and other instructional designers.  The Articulate Blogs, the Association for Talent Development (ATD), and various Instructional Design blogs on LinkedIn can be a great place to start. I am especially fond of the resources that the ATD offers, including local chapter meetings, webinars, and various eLearning Instructional Design courses. 

Brandie