Headshot of Rick Housler

Rick Housler

Senior Learning Specialist, The World Bank Group

Rick is an experienced learning designer and recognized leader in the learning community who brings natural empathy to all interactions. Rick seeks to bring measurable results to learning initiatives. He has partnered with large and small organizations to help them retain and maximize their human talent. In his current role, Rick analyzes corporate learning needs, designs appropriate interventions, develops solutions, and collects results to help improve future initiatives. He believes in helping people achieve success in their careers through continuous learning. Rick highly values courage in taking on new challenges while upholding the highest level of integrity. Achieving success for organizations where he works brings Rick great satisfaction. He’s your advocate, confidant, and encourager through the whole process of developing effective and award-winning learning solutions.

Why did you choose the LDT program?

The LDT program incorporated a practitioner-focused program that was organized to fit neatly into a full-time work schedule. Also, LDT successfully combined learning design with technology in a way that stood out above the competition.

How did the LDT program help you achieve your career goals?

I have years of experience in the learning field, but lacked the formal education required to qualify for promotions. LDT helped me bridge this gap; I’m now fully qualified for higher-level positions.

What advice would you share with prospective LDT applicants?

Whether you are just starting out, seeking a change, or mid-career, formal education with a strong grounding in building practical skills is valuable and can enable you to achieve your goals.

What were you balancing while participating in the LDT program?

I had a full-time and demanding job while completing the program. The initial onboarding course prepared me to balance my “life” with the LDT requirements.

What was your favorite part of the program?

Upon reflection, the program’s most valuable aspect was the critical skills and reasoning it imparted. The ability to prepare for and engage in evidence-based debates using academic research significantly enhanced my capability to convince management of the importance of sound conclusions.

How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?

Keep a laser focus on the end goal, but allow yourself some grace throughout. And take it one assignment at a time.

LDT Graduating Class:

2025