How Instructional Designer Benjamin Maguire Turns Expertise into Engaging Learning Experiences

Q: What’s the most important skill in your role?

A: Gathering requirements through open, thoughtful conversations with SMEs and pairing that insight with effective learning strategies is where rubber meets the road in my role. It’s the point where ideas become actionable and meaningful learning experiences take shape.

Q: What’s something surprising about your job?

A: I marvel at the expert-level skills and knowledge I encounter when sitting down with professionals across different organizations and offices. Many are eager to share detailed accounts of their work, from high-level theory to the nuts and bolts. As an educator, moments like these feel like a little high-five to my deep respect for knowledge and the joy of learning from others.

Q: What’s a skill you use daily that people might not expect?

A: Asking questions and listening are skills I use every day that people might not expect. Trainers are often seen as the ones doing the explaining, but it’s the asking and listening that truly shape our deliverables. Whether I’m quietly taking notes or asking pointed questions like a journalist, my goal is to fully understand the learning initiative. Listening is the key to creating a product that boosts audience skills and knowledge while meeting stakeholder needs.

Q: If someone excels at both big-picture thinking and attention to detail, why should they consider this career?

A: For any given project, I often find myself either taking someone’s high-altitude vision and breaking it down into detailed, actionable steps, or doing the reverse, connecting small, specific details to a larger purpose. This back-and-forth helps stakeholders at all levels of a deliverable speak the same language and easily zoom in or out as needed.

Q: What’s the best part about working at GovCIO?

A: I enjoy being the go-to person for learning and development, along with other enjoyable tasks like advanced document refinement and creating graphical representations. I get to use my skill set every day, which also gives me the chance to challenge myself to develop new skills. Doing grander-purpose work, like serving the government, which in turn serves the people, is fitting for my zoom-in, zoom-out style.

Q: Finally, what’s your “get stuff done” anthem?

A: Evenflow by Pearl Jam. It matches my intensity perfectly. Guitar-driven rock hits harder than caffeine and fuels a steady, focused rhythm – a nice, even flow.