Emma’s Story: From People Development Coordinator to Digital Learning Consultant

Coming from a people development background, Emma had been supporting digital learning for several years but without the formal structure or learning design theory behind it. As digital learning projects became a bigger part of her role, she knew it was time to close the gaps and gain the confidence to take the lead.

Hear from Emma directly below!

After five years in a people development coordinator role, Emma had plenty of hands-on experience in training and development but she could clearly see where she was missing the theory and structure of digital learning design.

When researching options, the Digital Learning Institute’s Certified Digital Learning Professional (CDLP) program stood out because:

• Every topic was directly relevant to her day-to-day work.

• The focus was on applied learning, not just theory.

• The modules and assignments were linked to real workplace challenges.

Flexibility was also crucial. With different ways to enrol, Emma chose the more flexible option, allowing her to:

• Decide when to learn and when to submit assignments.

• Access all course materials and webinars on demand.

• Pause, revisit, and rewatch recordings, building in time for further reading around a busy role.

Emma started the CDLP program looking to fill knowledge gaps. She finished it with a transformed mindset about digital learning and her own role.

If she had to describe the experience in three words, Emma would choose:

• Thought-provoking – the content and assessments encouraged her to reflect deeply on her practice and challenge her assumptions.

• Engaging – the mix of content, expert speakers, and discussions with other learners made each topic feel alive and relevant.

• Value-adding – she walked away with frameworks, tools, and examples she could immediately apply in her organization.

Before the CDLP program, a typical digital learning course in Emma’s organization was familiar: lots of text, a few interactive elements, and a quiz at the end. Completion was the main success metric.

Through the CDLP program, Emma learned how to redesign this approach around learner needs and performance outcomes.

Some of the practical changes she made include:

• SME onboarding pack – a collaborative document available at the start of each project, so subject matter experts understand objectives, timelines, roles, and expectations.

• Learner-first mindset – questioning whether training is truly needed and designing experiences that start from the learner’s context, not just content.

• Accessibility as standard – creating one-page accessibility guides for all training and helping to establish accessibility champions to review core learning experiences.

These changes helped turn digital learning from a compliance task into something meaningful, inclusive, and engaging for learners.

One of the most powerful parts of the CDLP program for Emma was learning how to collaborate effectively with subject matter experts and stakeholders.

She now:

• Uses data from existing eLearning and learner feedback to identify gaps.

• Co-creates solutions with SMEs, using clear project plans and timelines.

• Aligns everyone around shared objectives from the start of the project.

This structured, partnership-based approach has improved both the quality and impact of digital learning in her organisation.

When Emma enrolled on the CDLP program, she was working as a people development coordinator, supporting digital learning alongside other responsibilities.

Today, her role looks very different.

Emma is now a People Development Digital Consultant, fully focused on:

• Designing learner-centred digital learning experiences.

• Partnering with the business on learning needs and solutions.

• Championing accessibility and continuous improvement in digital learning.

The CDLP program helped her move from “supporting” digital learning to leading it.

Emma strongly recommends the CDLP program, but also encourages potential learners to think carefully about what they want to achieve.

Her advice:

• Clarify your goals. "Reflect on what you want from the course and how it aligns with your current practice and future career."

• Plan for the commitment. "You have up to a year to complete the CDLP program, but the learning and assignments take time and focus. Make sure you can commit both personally and professionally."

For Emma, that commitment has paid off with a new role, a stronger professional identity, and a learner-first, accessibility-focused approach to digital learning.

👉 Would you like to transition into a digital learning career or take your current role to the next level?
Explore the Digital Learning Institute’s Certified Digital Learning Professional (CDLP) program and join a global community of learning professionals.

Enroll today!