AS PUBLISHED IN THE ELEARNING GUILD - January 25, 2017

As we begin 2017, what do you view as the most critical issues impacting gender in the eLearning field? 

I still think the wage gap is a huge issue for women in the eLearning field. As with many tech roles, women in particular are not always compensated properly for these technical and highly skilled hybrid roles. Visibility is another huge issue facing women in eLearning. Although there are lots of women working in the field, are they getting the right career opportunities and high-visibility projects? Are their careers growing quickly enough to accurately represent their gender? 

What do you see as the single best way that others in the field can encourage and support female eLearning practitioners? 

Get together often and discuss the industry—that constant dialogue will inform change and offer a support system to help female eLearning practitioners troubleshoot through their career challenges. Let’s be honest, there will be roadblocks, so having that support system in place is key.

What three pieces of practical advice would you give to women in eLearning? 

1. Get out there and don’t be afraid to be disruptive. Go to meet-ups, go to events, invest in meaningful conversations, and wear your “woman in tech” accomplishments proudly. 

2. Always keep learning. Take as many courses as you can, and remember that you define what you do. Always keep growing so you don’t get pigeonholed and miss out on opportunities. 

3. Make sure your personal branding is on point. People expect every nuance of their experience with you to be flawlessly designed and developed, so use that as an opportunity to shine.

Author - Lauralee Sheehan, Chief Creative Officer (CCO)

Blog Cover Photo - joanna-nix-558203-unsplash