Two recent graduates from the Department of Learning Sciences have accepted full-time positions with The Home Depot.
Christen Neal-Porter and Taylor Carter, who graduated in 2024 from the instructional design and technology master’s program, now serve as instructional designers on The Home Depot’s Design and Development Team.
From Internships to Careers
Both Neal-Porter and Carter began their journey with The Home Depot as interns in summer 2024, working in the talent management & development organization in Atlanta. Their exceptional work during these internships led directly to their full-time offers.
During her internship, Neal-Porter worked with the Mobile Learning Team, where she “designed and developed eLearning content to enhance associate training.” She collaborated with cross-functional teams to create engaging, mobile-friendly learning experiences, by leveraging instructional design methods and established learning theories learned during her program of study.
Carter’s internship focused on researching artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT and Synthesia to enhance learning development capabilities and productivity. This forward-thinking work aligned perfectly with the company’s innovation goals.
Both students presented their work to the executive vice presidents of the company, demonstrating the significant value they brought to the organization.
Current Roles
In fall 2024, both graduates accepted full-time positions as instructional designers and now work on the Contact Center Learning and Development team, where they develop innovative learning solutions that support frontline associates.
A Partnership for Success
Neal-Porter and Carter’s successful transition from interns to full-time employees showcases both their exceptional capabilities and the strength of the department’s partnership with The Home Depot. Their contributions demonstrate a deep understanding of learning design principles and The Home Depot’s corporate values.