Students interested in educational technology (EdTech) joined the Career Connections Center for a Gator Career Chat focused on breaking into this rapidly growing field. The conversation brought together professionals working across instructional design, educational technology companies, and higher education to share their experiences and advice for students exploring careers in EdTech.
Panelists included:
- Yipin Wei – Instructional Designer, Center for Online Innovation and Production at the University of Florida
- Mikaela Janecek – Director of University Relationships at Quinncia
- Elfa Nur Iftitah – Instructional Designer supporting the UF veterinary medicine program
- Jason Tillotson – Manager for Academic Integration at the UF Career Connections Center and EdTech graduate student
Together, they discussed career paths into EdTech, day-to-day work in the field, key skills for success, and strategies students can use to begin building experience.
Click here to view the recording.
There Is No Single Path Into EdTech
One of the biggest takeaways from the panel was that EdTech careers rarely follow a linear path.
Panelists came from a wide range of backgrounds:
- Teaching and classroom experience
- Customer success roles in the tech industry
- Coaching and athletics
- Graduate study in instructional design
For example, Yipin Wei shared that her interest in instructional design began while teaching and experimenting with educational technology in her classroom. That curiosity led her to pursue a master’s degree in educational technology and eventually work in course development.
Similarly, Mikaela Janecek explained that she entered the field through client success roles in the tech industry before joining an EdTech startup focused on helping students prepare for their careers.
The key message: transferable skills and curiosity can lead you into the EdTech space from many different directions.
What Do EdTech Roles Actually Look Like?
While EdTech jobs can vary widely, the panelists described several common responsibilities in their day-to-day work:
Instructional Designers
- Collaborate with faculty to build online or hybrid courses
- Design course materials in learning management systems like Canvas
- Ensure accessibility and compliance with learning standards
- Align assignments, learning objectives, and assessments
EdTech Company Roles
- Train universities on technology platforms
- Support staff and students using the tools
- Host webinars and workshops
- Gather feedback to improve product features
Many EdTech roles involve collaboration between educators, technologists, and students, making communication and teamwork essential.
Skills That Matter Most in EdTech
While technical knowledge can be helpful, panelists emphasized that soft skills are just as important.
Some of the most valuable skills mentioned included:
- Communication and writing – explaining complex information clearly
- Empathy – understanding user needs and student experiences
- Adaptability – technology changes quickly
- Project management – coordinating projects and timelines
- Curiosity and lifelong learning
Because EdTech tools and platforms evolve rapidly, professionals in the field must continually learn new technologies and approaches.
Common Challenges in the Field
Like any career path, EdTech also comes with its challenges.
Panelists highlighted several realities students should be aware of:
- Technology can break or change frequently
- Tools and platforms constantly update
- Small course changes can require significant redesign
- Managing expectations with instructors or users can be complex
- AI is rapidly transforming the landscape of educational tools
Despite these challenges, panelists emphasized that the work is rewarding because it focuses on improving learning experiences for students and educators.
How Students Can Start Preparing Now
For students interested in entering the field, panelists shared several practical steps:
Build a Portfolio
Instructional design candidates are often asked to demonstrate their work. A portfolio might include:
- Course modules or lesson designs
- Canvas pages or learning activities
- Instructional writing samples
- Slides or training materials
- Short videos or tutorials
Even smaller projects or coursework can be valuable examples.
Develop Transferable Skills
Writing, communication, problem-solving, and project coordination are highly valuable in EdTech roles.
Explore EdTech Tools
Students can build familiarity with tools commonly used in the field, such as learning management systems like Canvas and accessibility best practices.
Networking in the EdTech Industry
Networking can also help students explore opportunities in this field.
Panelists recommended:
- Using LinkedIn to research companies and connect with professionals
- Looking at the “People” section on company pages to see career paths
- Reaching out for informational conversations
- Connecting with alumni working in related roles
- Participating in career events and workshops
The panel also highlighted resources like Gator Network and the Career Connections Center as helpful starting points for students building connections.
Final Advice for Students
The panel concluded with an encouraging reminder: you don’t have to start in EdTech to eventually work in EdTech.
Many professionals enter the field from teaching, technology, design, customer success, or other industries. What matters most is developing transferable skills, staying curious, and building experiences that demonstrate how you approach problem-solving and learning design.
Students interested in EdTech are encouraged to continue exploring opportunities through Career Hub resources, workshops, and networking with professionals in the field.
