Understand the current issues, discussions, research, and debates in this field as well as comparable sister professions.

Understand the history of the field of Instructional Technology, including the various trends, people, and issues that shaped it.

Clarify and define your own professional trajectory into your profession including your personal beliefs; the kind of career you are seeking; and the skills, knowledge, and characteristics you need to develop to be successful.

Begin to develop skills in literature analysis and scholarly writing.

Create an initial professional web presence that you can develop during your career.

Begin defining for yourself what the future of our field is or may be, and what your role may be in that future.