LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform that offers thousands of courses in business, technology, and creative skills taught by industry experts. Whether you’re looking to gain new skills for a career change, brush up on the latest software tools for work, or pursue a personal passion, LinkedIn Learning has courses and learning paths to help you reach your goals.
What types of courses does LinkedIn Learning offer?
LinkedIn Learning offers over 15,000 courses across a wide range of subjects including:
- Business skills like project management, leadership, marketing, accounting, and more
- Technology skills like programming, cybersecurity, software like Excel and Photoshop, web development, data science, and more
- Creative skills like graphic design, photography, video production, music production, and more
- Personal development skills like time management, communication, career development, and more
Courses are taught by real-world practitioners and experts who know what skills are relevant in today’s job market. Course lengths range from quick 20-minute introductions to multi-hour comprehensive trainings so you can choose the right level for your needs.
How do the courses work?
LinkedIn Learning courses feature high-quality video tutorials that you can watch anytime, anywhere, at your own pace. Most courses also include downloadable exercise files and quizzes to help reinforce the material. The video-based format makes absorbing even complicated information feel straightforward and engaging.
Courses are broken down into bite-sized videos, usually between 3-10 minutes long, which makes learning feel achievable even when you only have a short time. Course instructors explain concepts clearly, demonstrate practical examples, and share insider tips and expertise.
Who teaches the courses?
LinkedIn Learning courses are taught by industry experts and practicing professionals, not just professional trainers. Instructors go through a rigorous screening process to ensure they have both subject matter expertise and strong presentation abilities to teach effectively online. When you take a course, you’re learning from a genuine expert.
Some of the instructors are well-known authorities in their fields, like author Chris Croft who teaches business writing, award-winning designer Aaron Draplin who teaches logo design, and respected photographer Jesús Ramirez who teaches portrait photography. The calibre of instructors gives LinkedIn Learning huge credibility.
What are learning paths?
LinkedIn Learning offers curated learning paths that group together individual courses in a logical sequence focusing on gaining expertise in a particular skillset or industry role. Learning paths provide an immersive, structured way to take your skills to the next level.
For example, some popular learning paths include:
- Become a Video Editor
- Learn Key Excel Skills for Business
- Become a Human Resources Specialist
- Become a Digital Marketing Specialist
- Become a Project Manager
- Become a Data Analyst
The learning paths act as a guided curriculum, typically consisting of 10-30 courses apiece, to take you from beginner to intermediate or advanced ability in the skill area. Learning paths are an efficient way to zero in on the exact skills you need.
How will LinkedIn Learning help my career?
In today’s job market, learning new skills is essential for career progression and reaching your earning potential. LinkedIn Learning makes it easy and accessible to gain in-demand abilities. Here are some of the key career benefits:
- Gain new skills for your current role: Refresh and strengthen your skillset to help you excel and take on new responsibilities in your current job. Stay up-to-date on the latest software, tools, and best practices.
- Prepare for a promotion: Get the exact skills you need to transition into a higher role. For example, take project management courses to prepare for a team lead position.
- Explore a career change: Try out new skills and fields to help you switch careers altogether. LinkedIn Learning is the perfect low-commitment way to experience what a new career would be like.
- Build your resume: Getting certified in high-demand skills makes you a stronger candidate. LinkedIn Learning courses look great on a resume.
- Network and get noticed: The more you learn, the more insightful you become. Impress colleagues with your skills gained through LinkedIn Learning courses.
The benefits are clear: learning new skills results in more opportunities and higher earning potential. Investing in yourself through LinkedIn Learning can pay dividends throughout your career.
How much does LinkedIn Learning cost?
LinkedIn Learning starts at $19.99 USD per month for individual subscriptions. It’s also commonly offered as part of organization or corporate learning programs, so check with your HR department if it may already be available through your company.
Considering you get unlimited access to all 15,000+ courses for the flat monthly fee, it’s outstanding value compared to the cost of traditional in-person courses and workshops. Plus there are no commitments so you can cancel any time.
What features help me learn effectively?
LinkedIn Learning has great features that help facilitate the learning process:
- Exercise files – Downloadable files to follow along with course projects on your own computer
- Offline viewing – Download courses to watch offline when you don’t have an internet connection
- Course timeline – Jump easily to any video in the course
- Speed control – Speed up or slow down the pace of videos
- Notes – Take textual notes right within courses
- Discussions – Engage with other learners in course Q&A discussions
- Mobile app – View courses on your phone or tablet on-the-go
LinkedIn Learning makes picking up new expertise feel seamless by giving you the ability to customize your learning in ways that work best for you.
How do I track my progress?
LinkedIn Learning offers robust features to help you track your progress:
- Course completion status – Mark courses complete as you finish them
- Course bookmarks – Bookmark courses to easily find ones you want to revisit
- Skill assessments – Measure your skills before and after courses
- Certificates of completion – Download certificates when you finish courses to showcase your learning
- Course recommendations – Suggestions for related courses based on your learning history
Staying on track with your learning goals is easy with LinkedIn Learning’s progress tracking features. You’ll always know right where you left off.
How can I showcase my new skills?
LinkedIn Learning makes it simple to demonstrate the new abilities you’ve gained. Here’s how to get the most value:
- Add certificates of completion to your LinkedIn profile
- List courses and skills on your resume and LinkedIn
- Engage coworkers and share your learnings over email or in meetings
- Create work samples, presentations, or other deliverables applying your skills
- Teach others – mentoring helps reinforce what you’ve learned
Showcasing your new skills gained through LinkedIn Learning courses can help you achieve your career goals faster.
Conclusion
LinkedIn Learning offers an outstanding way to develop in-demand skills through expert-led online courses. It’s the go-to solution for advancing your career, keeping your skills sharp, or expanding into a new field. The platform makes learning achievable through short video lessons, practical exercises, mobile access, and features to track your progress. Given the affordable monthly subscription cost, it’s one of the most accessible and effective ways to grow your skills for today’s job market.