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Peck Academy
Instructional Design Bootcamp (Now the ID Professional Certification Program)
Instructional Designer at EMSI
Jacqueline transitioned from teaching into her first instructional design contract with EMSI, where her portfolio projects and bootcamp experience opened the door to real-world opportunities.
Before joining the Instructional Design Bootcamp, Jacqueline was a high school science teacher. She loved sparking curiosity in her students but longed for more flexibility and creative opportunities. “I enjoy teaching, but I wanted a career where I could create engaging content and have more balance in my life,” she shared. That desire, combined with her natural passion for designing meaningful learning experiences, led her to instructional design.
In the bootcamp, Jacqueline found the structure and encouragement she needed to transition. She committed herself to building her portfolio while substitute teaching and networking weekly on LinkedIn. Along the way, she leaned on feedback from mentors and peers, which helped her push through challenges and refine her work.
“The coursework, mentorship, and community gave me the structure and confidence to keep pushing forward.”
Just over six months later, Jacqueline landed her first instructional design contract. She accepted a role with EMSI, where she is now building real-world experience and positioning herself for long-term career growth.
Jacqueline’s flagship project reflects both her creativity and her care for learners. She designed a scenario-based eLearning experience to help nurses and enrichment coordinators facilitate positive interactions between therapy dog units (handler + dog) and their patients.
The project walks facilitators through realistic decisions, preparing them to navigate animal-patient interactions with confidence.
She created all of the artwork herself and incorporated subtle animations to keep learners engaged. More than just a visual showcase, the project demonstrates her ability to apply instructional design theory to a real-world problem—designing practice scenarios that build both empathy and decision-making skills.
“The feedback I received on this project pushed me to refine my design and development process. Seeing it all come together was one of the most rewarding parts of my Bootcamp experience,” Jacqueline reflected.
“Seeing my ideas come to life in Storyline gave me confidence that I could design for real learners.”
After publishing her portfolio, Jacqueline committed to a steady, focused job search. She balanced substitute teaching, freelance branding, and weekly networking on LinkedIn while applying to positions. Though the process came with its ups and downs, she stayed consistent—and soon saw results.
She interviewed with several companies before officially accepting a contract role as an instructional designer with EMSI. The position allows her to apply her new skills in a professional setting, gain valuable client experience, and continue building toward a long-term corporate ID career.
"Coming from a background in science education, I’ve always been passionate about solving complex problems in creative ways. I wanted a career where I could dedicate time to designing learning experiences, be valued for my work, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
While learning in the Bootcamp, I was building my freelancer brand and substitute teaching while applying and interviewing for instructional design positions. The coursework, mentorship, and community gave me the structure and confidence to keep pushing forward. I continued to build projects for myself, potential employers, and my portfolio while networking weekly on LinkedIn.
The support from the Devlin Peck mentors—Sabrina, Kristin, Robbie—and from Devlin himself through communications and workshops was incredible. The whole community was encouraging, which helped me stay motivated during the ups and downs of the job search.
In just over six months, I landed a role I truly love. The Bootcamp gave me the skills, mindset, and network to make that happen, and I’m so grateful for the experience.”
Instructional Designer at EMSI
Instructional Design Bootcamp (Now the ID Professional Certification Program)
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You’ve seen what’s possible when determination meets the right support.
Our certification programs are designed to help you stand out: structured learning, hands-on projects, and a portfolio that proves your skills.
Graduates don’t just learn—they launch careers with confidence and credibility.
Instructional Designer at True Group, Inc.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designer II at Advent Health Information Technology
