Now that you know the answers to the questions, What is a corporate trainer? and What does a corporate trainer do? you may be wondering how to become one. If you’re still in high school, talk to your school counselor about your career goals. You may be able to adjust your course load to better fit your future plans.
Aspiring corporate trainers can benefit from a liberal arts education, so you may consider taking courses in English, communications, history and social sciences. Psychology courses are also helpful, as are business-related courses such as business administration. Technological skills are increasingly important for corporate trainers, so try to take some computer courses as well.
After you graduate from high school, you’ll need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree to become a corporate trainer.2 There is no universal bachelor’s degree program that is required for these professionals. However, most corporate trainers earn a degree in communications, education, business administration or human resources.
After earning your undergraduate degree, you’ll need to decide whether you would like to pursue advanced education. Corporate trainers aren’t always required to have a master’s degree, but earning one may improve your employment outcome. In addition to — or in lieu of — a master’s degree, you’ll also have the option of earning a corporate training and development certificate from a professional organization.3
Take the First Step and Earn a Communications Degree
A communications degree is an ideal academic credential for aspiring corporate trainers because communication is at the heart of this profession.2 Communications degree programs can provide opportunities for students to become critical thinkers, analytical reasoners and informed advocates.
The curriculum will vary from one school to the next, but in general, you can expect to study topics such as the following:
- Improving verbal and nonverbal communication among people of varying cultural backgrounds
- Leading and encouraging participation in small groups
- Best practices in corporate communication, with a look at organizational theory, leadership and interpersonal communication
- Developing, implementing and evaluating corporate training and development programs
You may have the opportunity to take a few elective courses. If so, choose them strategically with an eye toward your specific career aspirations. For instance, if you would like to specialize in training employees to become more proficient with various technologies, then you should take electives in information technology and computer science.
You may also consider declaring a minor in order to further bolster your employability. You could earn an industry-specific minor, such as a minor in computer science, or — if you aren’t quite sure whether you would like to specialize in a particular industry or area — you might take general electives in foreign languages, psychology, education, business administration or human resources.
Remember that although you’ll learn the fundamentals of communication in your classes, effective communication is a skill that requires a great deal of practice before you can master it. Take the initiative to participate in campus clubs and activities, and potentially work your way into leadership positions. A debate club or a similar communications-oriented activity could be advantageous for you.
Do You Need a Graduate Degree to Become a Corporate Trainer?
There is no universal requirement that calls for corporate trainers to earn a master’s degree. It’s possible to land your first job in this field with a bachelor’s. However, some employers do prefer that their corporate trainers have a graduate degree, and some may even require it.2
After graduating with your bachelor’s in communications degree, you may choose to gain some experience in the field before deciding whether to enroll in a master’s degree program. This path would give you greater perspective before pursuing your graduate degree. Master’s degree programs can often be completed entirely online, which means you could continue to fulfill your professional obligations while improving your academic credentials.
Which type of graduate degree should you pursue? There are a variety of suitable options for an aspiring corporate trainer, such as a degree in business with a concentration in training and development. Alternatively, you could choose a master’s degree in communications, human resources management or organizational development.2
Gain Experience
Before getting hired in a corporate training job, you might want to gain experience through other positions in the business world. Internships and career experience will not only hone your professional communication skills, but some employers may prefer to hire corporate trainers who have experience working in their company's specific industry.3
You might want to keep this in mind after earning your communications degree. Think about the types of businesses that you want to work with, then keep an eye out for relevant opportunities.
Learn From Others
Another helpful way to develop the skills needed to be a good corporate trainer is to observe and learn from others. Watch presentations, attend meetings and find videos to give you a good grasp on what makes a good trainer and what teaching methods seem the most successful. Paying special attention to lectures and instructors in classes can also be helpful for you.
Apply for Corporate Training Jobs
Corporate training is a growing field, and you may find it to be a meaningful, rewarding career, as well.4 After earning your communications degree and gaining job experience, you can look for businesses and agencies that are hiring for corporate training jobs. Consider looking for entry-level jobs at first, such as a position as an assistant to a corporate trainer.
