Recognizing Excellence: Sarah Kramer Soars as Learning’s Thirty Under 30 Honoree

The Thirty Under 30 program at Learning seeks to recognize young professionals who demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and the drive to be a leader. Among the group of Thirty Under 30 at Learning 2024 is Sarah Kramer, a Curriculum Content Developer at LIFT Academy. 

“Receiving this honor is a testament to the support and encouragement I’ve received from my colleagues and managers. Professionally, receiving this recognition reminds me of my passion for the Learning and Development Industry and motivates me to continue growing and working hard. Personally, it has given me more confidence as a young professional and has become a source of inspiration for future endeavors.”

Curriculum Content Developer: A Multifaceted Role 

As a Curriculum Content Developer, Sarah’s role is multifaceted. It involves becoming a micro-expert in various subjects, utilizing graphic design skills, creating and presenting materials, analyzing data and determining the most effective ways to convey information. This requires adaptability to the instructor, environment and content. 

“In my role, I am a lifelong learner, a designer, a data analyst, a teacher, a critic and a developer. My recognition in the Thirty Under 30 Cohort is a testament to these diverse responsibilities and my ability to effectively juggle them. In a world where multitasking is common, a Curriculum Content Developer embodies this by encompassing all these roles within a single job title.” 

Sarah’s Journey to Aviation 

Before joining LIFT Academy, Sarah worked in a non-profit setting. “While rewarding, I yearned for a role more focused on development rather than fundraising, teaching or being a helpline. LIFT Academy, with its unique approach to educating future pilots, drew me in. It offered the mentorship and growth opportunities in Instructional Design I was seeking.” 

LIFT Academy has not only helped Sarah hone her existing skills but also fostered an environment that values her ideas and needs, making her new career path very rewarding. “Under the guidance of Kelly Rynearson, I’ve been able to explore Instructional Design deeply, create multi-platform learning experiences, and stay updated with the latest trends in the Learning & Development community.” 

A Word to Aspiring Leaders and Young Professionals in Learning and Development 

Sarah imparts five foundational pieces of advice to others under the age of 30 in Learning and Development. 

  • Embrace Lifelong Learning: The Instructional Design field is dynamic. Always be open to learning, even when the content is unfamiliar. Remember to empathize with your learners. 
  • Develop a Diverse Skill Set: Each project enhances your skills. Retain what you learn and remember, as Ms. Frizzle says, to, “Take chances, make mistakes and get messy.” 
  • Seek Mentorship and Network: The multifaceted nature of Instructional Design can make it challenging to showcase your value. A mentor can provide guidance through these challenges. Networking on platforms like The Learning Guild, ATD, LinkedIn, and E-Learning Heroes can keep you updated and assist in navigating the field. 
  • Value Feedback: Criticism can be hard to accept, but it’s a learning opportunity. It is someone else’s opinion, and it is up to you how you use it. 
  • Stay Up-to-Date with Trends: Learning groups like the Learning Guild and E-Learning Hereos offer free seminars and tips. Utilize these resources and don’t underestimate platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Reddit and Twitter for staying current.