When I joined The Canton Group as an Instructional Design Intern, I thought my role would be mostly about building training materials. What I didn’t expect was stepping into an environment where learning design is treated as real organizational change, and where every project challenged me to think differently.
Stepping Into Real-World Complexity
Supporting the Training team means helping state government staff navigate mission-critical technology. On the surface, it might seem straightforward. Yet in reality, it requires curiosity, patience, and the ability to translate complexity into something people can actually use.
I quickly realized that classroom theory only gets you so far. In school, you imagine the ideal scenario. At TCG, I learned to design training around constraints, clear learning goals, and measurable outcomes. That shift completely changed how I approached each assignment.
The Power of Asking Questions
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the value of asking questions. In graduate school, questions can feel like a sign of uncertainty. Here, they build trust, prevent bigger mistakes, and keep projects moving. Curiosity isn’t inexperience—it’s a tool for accuracy and alignment.
Learning by Doing
Most of my growth came from hands-on work with Salesforce, breaking down workflows, and figuring out how to guide learners step by step. Sometimes that meant writing a detailed walkthrough; other times, a short, focused guide was enough. The goal was always the same: help people do their jobs with clarity and confidence. I also learned how important it is to communicate the “why” behind a process. People learn better when they understand the reason behind the process.
Practice Makes Progress
Outside of work, I recharge through music and crafting, and I’ve noticed a connection between these hobbies and instructional design. Repetition builds fluency—whether it’s piano or creating training materials. It’s not glamorous. It’s not instant. But steady practice produces strong results.
A Foundation for What Comes Next
This internship has taught me that effective learning design blends curiosity, patience, and respect for the learner. It’s not about being the expert in the room; it’s about creating space where others feel supported as they grow.
That mindset I’ve realized is work worth doing, and I’m grateful to be learning it here at The Canton Group.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Career?
At The Canton Group, internships are more than tasks and checklists—they’re hands-on opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful government and enterprise projects. Whether you’re exploring instructional design, technology, or project work, this is a place where curiosity is encouraged and real-world experience builds confidence.
Let’s talk about how The Canton Group can help you develop skills, gain clarity, and grow your career.
