LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, is an e-learning platform that offers video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills. With over 16,000 courses, LinkedIn Learning aims to help professionals gain new skills and advance their careers. But is LinkedIn Learning actually useful for learning new skills or is it just hype? Here we’ll examine the pros and cons of LinkedIn Learning and look at whether it’s worth the money.
The Pros of LinkedIn Learning
Huge library of courses
The biggest advantage of LinkedIn Learning is undoubtedly its vast course library. With over 16,000 courses covering business, technology, and creative skills, there’s certainly no shortage of content. Whether you want to learn programming languages like Python and JavaScript, graphic design tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, business software like Salesforce and QuickBooks, or even soft skills like leadership and time management, you’ll find relevant courses on LinkedIn Learning. This makes it a one-stop shop for learning a wide range of professional skills.
Top notch instructors
LinkedIn Learning courses are taught by genuine industry experts. Instructors include leading professionals like author Guy Kawasaki, designer Aaron Draplin, entrepreneur Seth Godin, and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman. Learning directly from recognized names and thought leaders in their fields is a big plus for LinkedIn Learning. Expert instructors share real-world insights and best practices that you wouldn’t find in a textbook.
Bite-sized videos
LinkedIn Learning courses consist of short video tutorials usually between 3 to 10 minutes long. This bite-sized learning approach allows you to digest the material in small chunks. You can easily fit short videos into small pockets of time between meetings or while commuting. The short videos help keep the courses engaging without overwhelming you with lengthy lectures.
Downloadable course materials
Many LinkedIn Learning courses offer supplemental downloads like code files, design assets, slide decks, and cheat sheets. This allows you to follow along and apply what you learn with real examples. Downloads serve as useful reference materials that you can keep and reuse long after completing a course.
Certificates of completion
LinkedIn Learning issues certificates of completion for all courses on the platform. This provides tangible proof that you have finished a course and acquired new skills. Certificates can serve as valuable credentials to showcase on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Some certificates even count for Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Syncs with LinkedIn profile
Your LinkedIn Learning activity automatically updates your LinkedIn profile. Courses you complete are added to the Certifications section. This allows you to showcase your new skills to recruiters and colleagues directly on LinkedIn. Seamless LinkedIn integration gives your learning pursued practical purpose.
Works on all devices
You can access LinkedIn Learning on desktop, mobile devices, and tablets through the website or mobile apps. This omnichannel access makes it convenient to learn anywhere, anytime. You can start a course at home on your laptop and continue where you left off on your commute via the mobile app. Device flexibility is useful in today’s world.
The Cons of LinkedIn Learning
No instructor interaction
While LinkedIn Learning instructors are highly qualified, the courses are still pre-recorded videos. There is no direct interaction with the instructors where you can ask questions and engage in discussions. Everything is self-directed learning. If you prefer an interactive classroom setting, then LinkedIn Learning may not meet your needs.
Limited hands-on learning
Given the video-based format, most LinkedIn Learning courses are presentations focused on concepts and processes. While you’ll gain a theoretical foundation, the platform is limited in terms of hands-on exercises for practical application. You’ll need to take extra initiative to practice and implement skills through your own projects.
Quality varies by course
With over 16,000 courses, quality naturally varies. Some courses provide rich content using proper instructional design principles. But others seem hastily prepared and ineffective. Checking the instructor, course preview, and ratings can set better expectations before enrolling. However, consistency is still an issue.
Difficult skill validation
While you can earn completion certificates, LinkedIn Learning lacks robust assessments for validation. Without quizzes, tests, and projects, it’s difficult to truly validate skills gained through courses. You’ll need to supplement courses with exercises or real-world application to prove competency.
Basic presentation and features
The learning platform itself offers a pretty basic video watching experience. You cannot take notes or highlights. Nor are there sophisticated features like flashcards, bookmarks, or skills reporting. The presentation lacks engaging elements you’d find in other learning apps.
Spotty mobile experience
While you can take LinkedIn Learning courses on the go, some users complain of technical issues with the mobile apps. Bugs, lag, crashes, and video playback problems hamper the experience. Mobile allows convenience, but the apps need improvement.
Cost can be prohibitive
LinkedIn Learning’s premium subscription does cost money. Individual subscriptions can run over $200 annually. Corporate accounts offer better rates but still require upfront investment. The price point makes LinkedIn Learning more prohibitive than free resources like YouTube.
Who is LinkedIn Learning Best Suited For?
Given its pros and cons, LinkedIn Learning offers the most value to:
Working professionals
LinkedIn Learning is best suited for working professionals looking to develop practical business, tech, and creative skills related to their roles and industries. The platform’s extensive library combines broad topics and niche skills valued in corporate settings. Seamless LinkedIn integration provides workplace credibility.
Self-motivated learners
To fully benefit from LinkedIn Learning requires self-direction and internal motivation. Learners must actively seek courses related to their goals and apply skills through personal projects. Without the accountability of a class or test, self-motivation is key.
Lifelong learners
LinkedIn Learning is a solid option for lifelong learners pursuing professional development over time. The platform makes it easy to steadily build skills through bite-sized courses. Subscriptions provide unlimited access instead of one-off purchases.
Team training needs
With enterprise pricing, LinkedIn Learning can be cost-effective for organizations to upskill teams. The vast course library allows delivering tailored training across roles and divisions. Management can track learning progress and results.
Supplementing higher education
College students and higher ed institutions can use LinkedIn Learning as a supplemental resource. Courses support college majors and provide tech/software capabilities expected by employers.
Job seekers looking to upskill
Job seekers and career changers can use LinkedIn Learning to rapidly gain skills to make them marketable candidates. The platform is an asset for reskilling and pivoting amid economic disruption.
LinkedIn Learning Use Cases
Here are some specific examples of how LinkedIn Learning can be used:
Gaining software/tools skills
LinkedIn Learning offers extensive training on leading software and tools like Microsoft Office, Salesforce, Adobe Creative Cloud, QuickBooks, Tableau, Slack, and more. Learners can efficiently build tech skills for daily work.
Starting a side business
Entrepreneurs or side hustlers can use LinkedIn Learning to rapidly gain skills for launching a business on topics like digital marketing, business strategy, copywriting, entrepreneurship fundamentals, and beyond.
Switching industries or functions
Professionals changing careers can use LinkedIn Learning to retool their skills for a new industry or function. Courses allow efficiently developing key abilities expected in a new role.
Preparing for certification exams
LinkedIn Learning offers prep courses for professional certifications like the PMP, Six Sigma, CompTIA, AWS, and more. The courses supplement exam preparation with video learning.
Learning coding/web development
For programmers, LinkedIn Learning provides extensive training on coding languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, C#, HTML/CSS, and popular frameworks like React and Angular.
Complementing college degrees
College students can strengthen theoretical degrees with practical professional skills training through LinkedIn Learning across technology, design, and business topics.
Participating in hackathons/challenges
Learners can rapidly gain skills needed for hackathons and challenges by taking intensive short courses right before the event for a competitive edge.
Upskilling team talent
Companies use LinkedIn Learning to provide on-demand professional development opportunities for employees to advance their skills and careers.
LinkedIn Learning Metrics
Here are some key metrics and usage data points about LinkedIn Learning:
Course library size
– Over 16,000 courses
Top categories
– Business: 33% of courses
– Technology: 26% of courses
– Creative: 22% of courses
Course length
– Average course length: 2 hours
– Median course length: 43 minutes
– 80% of courses under 3 hours long
Number of learners
– Over 15 million learners
Number of countries
– Learners in over 200 countries
Top skills taught
– Leadership & Management
– Data Science
– Web Development
– Project Management
– Marketing
| Course Category | Number of Courses |
|---|---|
| Business | 5,300 |
| Technology | 4,200 |
| Creative | 3,500 |
| Software/Tools | 3,000 |
LinkedIn Learning Pricing
LinkedIn Learning offers these subscription options:
Individual
– Monthly: $29.99/month
– Annual: $199.99/year (Best value)
– Free 1-month trial
Team/Enterprise
– Customized pricing based on number of seats
– Volume discounts for multiple users
– Admin dashboard to manage learners
Add-on to LinkedIn Premium Career
– $29.99/month for both Premium Career and Learning
– $24.99/month annual subscription
Complimentary access
– Some university students/alumni
– Select companies offer employees free access
Overall, LinkedIn Learning offers good bang for the buck considering the breadth and quality of courses. For context, the average professional development workshop can easily cost $200+ for just one day. Unlimited access to 16,000 courses makes the platform a worthwhile investment compared to traditional learning options.
Conclusion
So, is LinkedIn Learning worth it? In summary:
Pros
– Extensive course library
– Expert instructors
– Bite-sized learning
– Supplemental downloads
– Certificates and credentials
– Syncs with LinkedIn profile
– Accessible across devices
Cons
– No instructor interaction
– Limited hands-on experience
– Quality varies
– Difficult skill validation
– Basic platform features and UI
– Technical issues on mobile
– Premium pricing model
Ultimately, LinkedIn Learning drives results when you take initiative. The platform provides quality content from industry leaders that lets you efficiently build in-demand professional skills. But you must properly utilize courses through practice and application.
While not a magic bullet, investing time into selecting and completing high quality LinkedIn Learning courses that align with your goals can accelerate your career. The secret sauce lies in active learning.
So approach LinkedIn Learning with clear objectives, self-discipline, and a learning mindset. More than just watching videos, think of how you can actively apply concepts through work projects, freelancing gigs, volunteering, or personal hobbies. Learning plus application will make LinkedIn Learning a highly valuable investment.
