Do you love teaching and helping
others fulfill their potential, but aren't sure whether you're cut out for a
career in a traditional classroom setting? If so, the profession of corporate
training could offer you a rewarding alternative.
Like teachers, corporate trainers
have the responsibility of dispensing valuable information and skills to
others. However, corporate trainers generally spend their time instructing
adult employees in a variety of job-related topics.
The American workforce is changing
rapidly, and many employees must retool their skill sets in order to remain
competitive in the 21st-century economy. Corporate trainers play a major role
in ushering in this new era, and as a result, the Bureau of Labor Statistics
has forecast that the field is likely to see significant growth in the years
ahead.
Education & Career Opportunities
in Corporate Training
According to federal job statistics,
the best opportunities in the corporate training field are reserved for
candidates with degrees. However, your degree program should vary according to
your area of interest in the field. For some, a general degree in human
resources might be the best preparation for a career in corporate training,
while for others, particularly those who specialize in a specific training
area, it may be more beneficial to seek advanced training in their preferred
field of study.
As businesses strive to operate in
an increasingly global market, many companies are recognizing the value of
having knowledgeable and motivated employees who will keep their business
competitive. The emerging field of corporate training uses the most modern and
innovative adult teaching methods to educate employees and inspire them to do
their best work.
Corporate
Training Career Paths
While some corporate trainers work
as consultants and travel to give seminars at different companies, more and
more companies are emphasizing in-house corporate training with new positions
such as chief learning officer (CLO) and chief knowledge officer (CKO).
Corporate trainers also work in non-profit organizations and government
agencies.
Corporate training job titles
include:
- Training and development specialist
- Training manager
- Training director
- Chief learning or knowledge officer (clo or cko)
- Technical trainer
- Customer service trainer
- Organizational development consultant
These corporate training
professionals work together to create training and development programs that
match the business goals of their organization. By supporting the professional
development of employees, trainers increase worker retention and productivity.
For CLOs and other high-level training directors, the goal is to create a
learning culture within the company.
Corporate
Training Education
Most corporate trainers have a
background in teaching or training, or they have a passion for teaching adults
using up-to-date technologies and methods. While the United States does not
require certification for corporate training positions, the standard minimum
qualification is a bachelor's degree. The most advanced practitioners in this
field usually have a graduate degree in corporate training or a related field.
Coursework for corporate training
degrees often focuses on public relations skills, the adult education needs of
companies, nonprofit organizations and government agencies, and strategic
operational and planning processes. Course titles include:
- Human Resource Development
- Training Program Management
- Assessment
- Professionalism
- Educational Technology
