EdTech, Product & Innovation

Breaking Into EdTech: How to Start a Career in Learning Technology

Introduction

EdTech is one of the fastest-growing career spaces in the learning ecosystem, spanning product management, engineering, customer success, UX, and AI. Many L&D and training professionals are transitioning into EdTech for better salaries, global opportunities, and product-driven roles.

Here’s how to break into the industry — even without prior tech experience.

1. Understand the EdTech Landscape

EdTech companies typically fall into:

  • LMS/LXP platforms
  • Authoring tools
  • Assessment software
  • AI-powered learning solutions
  • Corporate training platforms
  • Content libraries
  • EdTech SaaS startups

Each category requires different skill sets and offers different career paths.

2. Identify Your Transferable Skills

You may already have skills that map directly into EdTech roles:

From L&D → Product:

  • Needs analysis
  • Learning workflows
  • User empathy
  • Requirements gathering

From Training → Customer Success:

  • Client communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Onboarding and facilitation

From ID → UX or Product Design:

  • Wireframing
  • Prototyping
  • Content structure

3. Build Tech Fluency

You don’t need to know how to code — but you do need to understand how learning products work.

Learn:

  • APIs and integrations
  • Learning data models (xAPI, SCORM)
  • Product lifecycle
  • Agile workflows
  • AI models used in education

4. Create a Transition Portfolio

Show examples of:

  • Learning workflows
  • Content journeys
  • Product problem-solving
  • User experience sketches
  • Learning tech case studies

EdTech recruiters love seeing tangible thinking.

5. Start Applying for Bridge Roles

Great entry points include:

  • Customer Success Manager (CSM)
  • Implementation Specialist
  • Learning Technologist
  • Associate Product Manager
  • Solutions Consultant

These roles help you transition into more technical positions over time.

Conclusion

EdTech offers dynamic, high-growth career paths for learning professionals looking to expand into product, innovation, and technology roles. With the right strategy and skills, you can break into the industry faster than you think.