Creating a Master Resume for Global Lifestyle

This interactive online course was designed to provide U.S. Foreign Service family members with practical tools for resume writing in both federal and private sector contexts. The objective is to equip them to translate diverse experiences into strong applications and pursue career opportunities with confidence.

Responsibilities: Instructional Design, eLearning Development, Visual Design, Video Creation, Project Management, and Academic Research

Tools Used: Articulate Storyline 360, Canva, PowerPoint, OpenArt.ai, ChatGPT, Adobe Acrobat, Excel

Read more about the project in detail below.

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Problem and Solution

This project grew out of a recognized need among U.S. Foreign Service family members, who often face disrupted careers due to frequent relocations. As partners transition from post to post, family members must repeatedly re-enter the job market, often in very different contexts. Many struggle to present their diverse experiences in a way that aligns with both federal hiring practices and private sector expectations.

Global Career Experts highlighted this gap, noting that while family members possess valuable skills, they often lack the tools to translate them into strong, targeted resumes effectively. Traditional career resources usually overlook the unique challenges that family members face, including cross-sector work histories, volunteer roles, and the need to balance federal and local opportunities.

This course was designed to bridge that gap.

'Creating Master Resume for Global Lifestyle' is an online learning experience that guides participants through the process of building a cohesive career story, identifying transferable skills, and creating tailored resumes for both federal and private sector roles. The modules combine practical strategies, examples drawn from real Foreign Service family member experiences, and hands-on resume-building activities that give learners confidence in presenting their professional value.

This Learning Experience consists of:

Online Course: 6 modules
Supportive resources, such as Inventory Sheets, Checklists, and Templates
Master Resume Workbook: fillable PDF-format

Tools used:

Articulate Storyline 360 - interactive eLearning modules
Canva - job aid and template design, video creation
PowerPoint - storyboarding
OpenART.ai - illustration and image creation
ChatGPT - content drafting and refinement support
Excel - Project Management
Adobe Acrobat Pro - workbook accessibility, fillable forms

This project was a part of my Master's Thesis at LAB University of Applied Sciences. The full research paper will be published on Theseus.fi -database in November 2025.

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Read the Research Paper

Design Process in a Nutshell

Analysis

The project began with a needs assessment to understand the challenges Foreign Service family members face in resume writing. I collected data through interviews with Global Career Experts (my client), two family member interviews, and an online questionnaire (n = 42 responses). I then visualized the insights from this assessment in learner personas and empathy maps, which helped me capture user perspectives and guide my design decisions in the next phase.

Design

In this phase, I developed the Instructional Design Document (IDD), which outlined the course objectives, structure, and content based on the identified learner needs. I created detailed storyboards for the modules and collaborated closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to gather feedback and ensure the course content aligned with their advising practices. In addition, I designed a customer journey map to capture the broader service environment in which the course would be implemented, ensuring the learning experience was integrated into the overall support system.

Development
I created prototypes of the e-learning modules, instructional videos, and some support materials. Draft versions were shared with my client and select family members for feedback. The materials went through several iterations, with input incorporated to improve usability, clarity, and learner engagement.

Implementation
I piloted the course with a test group of family members and my clients. This real-world trial focused on accessibility, adaptability, and relevance. Feedback from the pilot group was used to refine the learning experience, ensuring that the final product was practical, learner-centered, and aligned with the needs of its users.

Evaluation

I integrated evaluation throughout the process, collecting stakeholder feedback at each stage. I systematically assessed usability and relevance to ensure the course remained aligned with learner needs. In the final evaluation, I examined both the instructional effectiveness and how well the course fit into broader employment support practices. I concluded the process by reflecting on the sustainability of the resource and documenting lessons learned for future use.

Learner feedback:

"It’s dry information but the course did a good job of making it fun. I liked that it included links for PDFs that can be referred too at another time. Also links for things people often forget to address like the evaluation of foreign degrees. Smart thinking and good looking out for the learner."

Read the Research Paper