Designing the Future: My Next Top 3 Career Goals

To maintain a steady professional shape, it is essential to grow, learn, and set goals for future development. Reflecting on what steps to take next is necessary if a professional wants to succeed in the modern job market. For a better understanding of what I aim at in terms of professional development, it was helpful to read and watch a number of resources to get some ideas of what spheres need my attention. It isn't easy to decide what direction to follow and what might happen in the 5-year timeframe. Still, considering how the world of Instructional design and education is developing, I think the following goals can benefit me:

Goal 1: Mastering AI for Instructional Design

Specific: Learn to effectively integrate AI tools into my teaching and instructional design projects.

Measurable: Complete at least two recognized courses on AI applications in education and successfully implement AI-driven solutions in three instructional projects.

Achievable: Dedicate 4–6 hours weekly to learning AI tools and attending relevant webinars or workshops.

Realistic: Leverage widely available AI tools and resources.

Time Frame: Achieve proficiency in AI applications within 18 months and fully integrate them into three projects by the end of five years.

Goal 2: Redesign Instructional Materials for AI-Dependent Learning

Specific: Revamp instructional designs to ensure students can rely on AI as a core tool for completing course tasks.

Measurable: Pilot and refine AI-reliant course designs in three different programs or classes, gathering feedback from at least 80% of participants.

Achievable: Collaborate with peers and test AI integration gradually, starting with one course and scaling up.

Realistic: Focus on creating clear guidelines for ethical AI use and develop assignments requiring students to critically engage with AI tools.

Time Frame: Complete the first redesigned course within two years and finalize all three by the five-year mark.

Goal 3: Enhance Project Management Skills

Specific: Develop advanced project management skills to streamline course development and collaboration.

Measurable: Earn a recognized project management certification (e.g., PMP) and successfully manage at least five complex projects.

Achievable: Allocate time for certification preparation (2–3 hours per week) and apply learned techniques to ongoing projects.

Realistic: Use project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello) to organize tasks and demonstrate leadership in current projects.

Time Frame: Obtain certification within three years and apply improved skills to five projects by the end of five years.

That's a pretty raw draft, and I feel these plans will be reconsidered and rescheduled many times within the 5-year framework. Anyway, the core goals will always be the same: I want to continue developing my skills and contributing to the profession I love and enjoy doing.