Congratulations! You Landed Your First eLearning Development Contract - Now What?

Securing your first eLearning development contract is an exciting milestone in your career. It's a testament to your skills and potential in the field. However, the real work begins now. Here's a guide to help you navigate this new territory and set yourself up for success.

1. Thoroughly Review the Contract

Before diving into the work, carefully read through the entire contract. Pay attention to:

• Project scope and deliverables
• Timeline and milestones
• Payment terms
• Intellectual property rights
• Revision policies

If anything is unclear, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. It's better to address any concerns upfront than to face misunderstandings later.

2. Set Up a Kick-off Meeting

Schedule a kick-off meeting with your client to:

• Introduce yourself and your working style
• Clarify project goals and expectations
• Discuss the target audience and learning objectives
• Establish communication channels and frequency
• Agree on a project timeline

3. Gather All Necessary Resources

Request all relevant materials from your client, such as:

• Subject matter expert (SME) contact information
• Existing content or training materials
• Brand guidelines
• Access to necessary systems or platforms

4. Create a Detailed Project Plan

Break down the project into manageable tasks and create a timeline. Include:

• Content development phases
• Design and storyboarding
• Development and programming
• Review and revision cycles
• Testing and quality assurance
• Final delivery and implementation

Share this plan with your client to ensure you're both aligned on the project's progression.

5. Set Up Your Development Environment

Ensure you have all the necessary tools and software for the project. This might include:

• eLearning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate)
• Graphic design software
• Video editing tools
• Project management software

6. Start with a Prototype or Sample

Before diving into full-scale development, create a small prototype or sample of the eLearning content. This allows you to:

• Demonstrate your understanding of the project requirements
• Get early feedback on your design and approach
• Identify any potential issues or misalignments early in the process

7. Communicate Regularly

Keep your client informed about your progress. Regular check-ins help to:

• Ensure you're on the right track
• Address any concerns or changes promptly
• Build a strong working relationship

8. Focus on Quality

As you develop the eLearning content:

• Adhere to instructional design best practices
• Ensure content is engaging and interactive
• Pay attention to accessibility standards
• Conduct thorough testing on various devices and platforms

9. Be Prepared for Revisions

It's rare for the first version to be the final version. Be open to feedback and prepare for revision cycles. Factor this into your timeline and pricing structure.

10. Deliver and Follow Up

Once you've completed the project:

• Provide clear instructions for implementation
• Offer a brief training session if needed
• Request feedback and testimonials
• Discuss potential future collaborations

Remember, your first contract is not just about completing a project—it's about building a reputation and relationships that can lead to future opportunities. Approach it with professionalism, enthusiasm, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.

By following these steps, you'll be well-positioned to not only successfully complete your first eLearning development contract but also to establish yourself as a reliable and skilled professional in the field. Good luck with your project!