Training a "Best Career" for 2011 according to US News and World Report

In its annual look at where the jobs will be and what it takes to successful, US News and World Report includes "Training Specialist" among its featured "50 Best Careers." ASTD's executive editor Pat Galagan is quoted in the article and offers this sage advice for those looking to succeed in the field:

"Social skills and course management experience is also a must for this position. 'You really have to have some instructional design skills,' says Pat Galagan, executive editor at the American Society for Training and Development. 'Things like how to analyze training needs, how to design a course, how to deliver it, and how to evaluate it.' Trainers should also practice techniques to engage their students and keep them involved in the learning process. Galagan says tech skills will score you serious points with potential employers. 'It's helpful to know e-learning and some other technology skills,' she says. 'People who have that would have an advantage in getting a training job these days.'"