From Fashion Retail to Learning Design: Discover How You Can Pivot to a Flexible Career in Digital Learning

After over a decade in the fast-paced world of fashion retail, Emma Jenner found her path to a more flexible, fulfilling career in digital learning design. Here’s how she made the leap—and how you can, too.

After 13 years in fashion and luxury retail, I was ready for a change. My career had spanned roles in visual merchandising and operations, but training was always at the core of my work. Becoming a mother shifted my priorities, especially regarding flexibility. That’s when I started researching options that could help me formalize my passion for training and shift into the learning and development field. The answer came in the form of the Certificate of Instructional Design from the Digital Learning Institute (DLI), a course that would help me not only make the career pivot I needed but also future-proof my skills.

I knew that digital learning was rapidly growing, especially in Australia, where there’s a demand for roles that allow hybrid work. The DLI program stood out because it offered practical knowledge on the design and development of e-learning—a must for the roles I aspired to. The program included masterclasses in tools like Articulate Rise and Storyline, both of which are highly sought-after in learning design roles. This practical focus was exactly what I needed to feel ready for a new direction.

The DLI program wasn’t just theoretical; it provided hands-on assignments that allowed me to test my skills and immediately apply what I was learning. I’m a hands-on learner, so jumping into project work right from the start allowed me to plan ahead and understand how I’d apply these new skills. The practical experience, combined with the flexibility of the online platform, set me up for success in my current role, where I now use Articulate Rise and Storyline regularly.

Completing the Certificate gave me the confidence I needed to pursue my first role in learning design. Today, I work as a training coordinator, LMS administrator, and e-learning designer. I’ve taken traditional face-to-face training and adapted it for online and blended learning formats. From compliance modules to technical training, I’m creating content that’s engaging and accessible, thanks to the tools and methods I learned at DLI.

For those considering a similar path, my advice is to start with the certificate if you’re looking for a solid foundation in digital learning design. This course gave me the practical experience and insight I needed to transform my career, and I’d recommend it to anyone ready to make a change in learning and development. It’s a great entry point to assess your interest in learning design, and if you’re interested in ongoing development, the diploma program offers deeper specialization along with CPD, including in areas like AI for learning.

Want to know more about Emma's journey? You can watch her full interview by clicking here.