Should I Drop My Diploma for a Job as an Instructional Designer? Career Impact Insights Needed

Hi, I have enrolled myself in a diploma from the Indian Society for Training and Development; however, I am considering dropping out since I got a job as an instructional designer. If I decide to pursue it, how will it affect my career? Will I face any problems if I don't? Also, people who have done this diploma, how has it affected your career?

Regards

Dear member,

Positives of the ISTD Diploma:

a) The ISTD is an institute recognized by the government of India. Therefore, their fees are lower, which is a major advantage over private institutes or training companies that charge hefty fees.

b) The course is designed for those with an MBA (HR) qualification. If you are an MBA (HR) graduate, it will be easier for you to complete the course.

c) Once acquired, the qualification remains with a person throughout life. Nobody can take it away from the holder, and the certificate will add value to your CV.

Shortcomings of the ISTD Diploma:

d) The course curriculum is outdated and more theoretical.

e) The essence of employee training lies in measuring the ROI of the training. The course curriculum does not prepare students in this aspect.

f) Beyond measuring the ROI, the course curriculum does not even teach how to prepare a training calendar or on what basis to prepare it. Students continue to struggle in this area.

g) Notwithstanding the comments given in (e) and (f) above, we cannot find fault solely with ISTD. Private players are equally guilty in this aspect. Neither do they teach their students to measure the ROI nor how to create a training calendar.

Final Comments:

Pursuing the ISTD Diploma while working is no easy task and can be stressful. Therefore, if possible, find a friend who can assist you, or consider hiring a paid consultant. However, your efforts now will bring lifelong benefits.

All the best!

Dinesh Divekar

You should not drop the course as it has a validity of 4 years. You can try to appear in the exam each semester, based on your preparations and convenience. Additionally, you have the opportunity to extend the time for up to 2 years. Keep striving to complete it as the course has been upgraded to a PG Diploma in Training and Development, covering all subjects related to HR, Training, and Data Analytics. The curriculum has been updated in the last year.

If you want to pursue a career in Instructional Design (ID), then completing the Indian Society for Training & Development (ISTD) certification does not add much value. However, if you plan to work in the Learning and Development (LnD) domain later, it might help you.

Advanced Courses
You can opt for any advanced course from ID Mentors or Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

If you already have exposure to LnD, then clearing the ISTD exams won't be much of an issue. If you can spare some time, you might as well finish it.

Revised Syllabus
ISTD has revised its syllabus, and the current curriculum is better and more practical.

I think it does not affect your career trajectory.