How To Become a Learning And Development Consultant: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn about the steps important to pursuing a career as a learning and development consultant, including education, skills, salary and more.
A learning and development consultant is a professional who helps organizations design and implement training programs that improve employee performance. This can be a rewarding career for those who are interested in helping others learn and grow in their careers. If you are thinking about becoming a learning and development consultant, it is helpful to understand the role, the skills required and the steps involved in becoming one. In this article, we discuss what a learning and development consultant does, the skills needed to be successful in this role and the steps involved in becoming a consultant.
What Does a Learning And Development Consultant Do?
A learning and development consultant is responsible for designing, developing and delivering training programs that improve the skills of employees within an organization. They work with clients to assess their needs and then create customized programs that target those specific needs.
The duties of a learning and development consultant include:
- Conducting needs assessments to determine which areas employees need improvement in
- Designing customized training programs based on the needs assessment
- Developing instructional materials such as coursework, manuals, exercises and simulations
- Delivering training programs to employees either in-person or online
- Assessing the effectiveness of training programs and making necessary changes
- Keeping up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in learning and development
- Maintaining records of employee training
- Providing consulting services to clients on how to best develop their employees
Learning And Development Consultant Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary for a learning and development consultant is $75,705. This figure can vary based on the level of experience, education, industry and geographical location of the consultant.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job prospects for learning and development consultants to increase at a faster than average rate over the next decade. The growing emphasis on employee training and development will likely lead to more organizations hiring consultants to design and implement training programs. Additionally, the increasing use of technology in the workplace will create a need for consultants who specialize in developing e-learning solutions.
How to Become a Learning And Development Consultant
Here are several steps you should take to become a learning and development consultant.
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or a related field
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for a learning and development consultant position. Common degrees held by L&D consultants include human resources, business administration or a related field. Coursework in these programs typically includes classes on organizational behavior, leadership, management, communication, training and development, career development and other relevant subjects.
While not required, pursuing a master’s degree can help you advance your career as an L&D consultant. A graduate-level program may provide more advanced knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional design and other topics important to this role.
2. Consider pursuing a master’s degree in human resources, education or a related field
While a master’s degree is not always required for this position, it can help you advance in your career and qualify for higher-level learning and development consultant positions. You may consider pursuing a Master of Science in Human Resource Development or a Master of Education with an emphasis in adult education to enhance your knowledge base and skillset.
A graduate degree program in human resources, training and development or educational leadership will provide you with the advanced coursework and practical experience needed to succeed as a learning and development consultant. Graduate programs often include courses on instructional design, e-learning development, organizational development, performance management and other relevant topics.
3. Gain experience working in human resources or training and development
While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for this role, many employers prefer candidates to have at least two to five years of experience in human resources or training and development. Consider interning or volunteering in these departments during your undergraduate studies to gain relevant experience.
You can also begin building your career as a learning and development consultant by working in an entry-level position within human resources or training and development. Entry-level roles often involve supporting employees with basic skills training or providing guidance on company policies. You may also assist managers and supervisors with developing their leadership skills.
4. Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills
Learning and development consultants must be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences. They interact with employees at all levels of an organization, from entry-level workers to senior executives. Consultants also work with managers and other leaders who may have limited experience in training and development.
In addition to communicating clearly with clients and their employees, learning and development consultants must also be able to listen carefully to others’ concerns and ideas. They need strong interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with everyone they meet during the consulting process.
5. Understand adult learning principles
Learning and development consultants should understand adult learning principles, which are the concepts that guide how adults learn. Understanding these principles can help consultants create effective training programs for their clients. For example, one principle is that people learn best when they are motivated to do so. Knowing this can help a consultant design a program that motivates employees to learn its content.
6. Stay up to date on changes in the field of learning and development
Learning and development consultants must stay up to date on the latest trends in their field. For example, companies are increasingly using gamification techniques to engage employees, which may require learning new software programs.
You can keep informed by reading industry publications and following professional organizations such as ASTD or the International Association of Training & Development Facilitators (IATDF). You should also be aware of developments in technology that could impact how training is delivered.
7. Join professional organizations such as the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD)
The American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) is a professional organization that provides resources and networking opportunities to those working in the field of learning and development. ASTD membership can help you stay up to date on industry trends and connect you with other professionals who may be able to provide referrals or recommendations for work.
You can join ASTD as an individual, but many employers also offer this benefit to their employees. You can learn more about ASTD by visiting its website at astd.org.
