A postgraduate degree in education is not just for the experienced classroom teacher. If you have a bachelor’s degree and are interested in the field of corporate training, an online Master of Science in Education – Instruction degree program from the University of Wisconsin-Superior may be your best next step.
What Is a Corporate Trainer?
The responsibilities of a corporate trainer may vary from one industry to another, as well as from organization to organization. According to the Houston Chronicle, however, the main goal of a corporate trainer in any industry or company is to “help to accelerate organizational change by developing the skills a company requires if it plans to enter new markets or needs to transform its business performance.”
The duties of corporate trainers are similar to those of teachers in any educational setting:
- Design training programs specific to the needs of the corporate client.
- Facilitate training sessions themselves or hire experts, consultants, or professionals, as needed, to provide high-quality programs.
- Collect, measure and evaluate the results of the programs, and make changes as needed for future training.
- Communicate frequently with client management regarding the programs, the return on investment and, based on results, the potential for future training.
How Much Can You Earn as a Corporate Trainer?
According to PayScale, in January 2018, corporate trainers earned, on average, about $55,000 per year. Bonuses, profit sharing and commissions can raise the salaries of some trainers up to $82,000 annually.
Qualities of a Good Corporate Trainer
Corporate trainers who can engage and keep the attention of adult learners at the corporate level require special skills and aptitudes.
Strategic thinkers. Strong corporate trainers do more than deliver educational materials to company employees in a specific department or region. They understand the costs, margins, ROI and staffing needs of the client and make connections between the new material and programs already in place. They know how what they are teaching fits into the client’s big picture and encourage the corporate students to see how they will play a significant role in changes being made.
Project managers. The responsibilities of the corporate trainer do not stop at the door of the classroom. Once employees are fluent in the new materials, corporate trainers are often asked to put the new or updated system or procedures into place. They must evaluate the success of the system and trouble-shoot issues that may arise when it is used for real company business.
Strong educators. This idea may seem to be inherent in the title “trainer.” Corporate trainers, however, may be well-versed in the content of the materials they have been asked to present and the technology used to present it, but lack varied teaching approaches. To capture the attention and interest of their “students,” the trainer must:
- Appeal to a wide-variety of learning styles.
- Determine the employees’ prior knowledge to avoid boring them with information they already have.
- Create a learning atmosphere that welcomes and encourages participation from everyone.
How Can You Become a Corporate Trainer?
One of the best ways to become a highly qualified corporate trainer is to earn a degree in education. The Master of Science in Education – Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Superior offers an all-online program designed to prepare students for a career in education, whether teaching K-12 students or adult learners. No teaching experience or credentials are required to enroll in this program, and, since it is offered entirely online, you can continue to work at your present position while completing the program at your own pace.
Learn more about the UW-Superior online Master of Science in Education – Instruction program.
Sources:
Houston Chronicle: Corporate Trainer Responsibilities
PayScale: Corporate Trainer Salary
