LinkedIn Learning, previously known as Lynda, is an e-learning platform owned by LinkedIn that offers video courses taught by industry experts on a wide range of professional topics. With over 16,000 courses in 7 languages across business, technology, creative skills and more, LinkedIn Learning aims to help professionals develop in-demand skills and advance their careers. But is a LinkedIn Learning subscription worth the investment for professionals in India?
What does LinkedIn Learning offer?
Here are some of the key things to know about LinkedIn Learning and what is included with a subscription:
- Over 16,000 expert-led courses covering business, creative, and technology topics
- New courses added each week to keep skills updated
- Courses feature video tutorials taught by industry experts
- Ability to earn certificates to showcase skills learned
- Option for closed captioning and translated captions
- Downloadable exercise files to follow along with instructors
- Accessible across desktop, mobile, and TV
- Personalized course recommendations based on skills and interests
- Expert-curated learning paths for guided skill development
In addition to individual courses, LinkedIn Learning offers over 1,000 comprehensive learning paths. These learning paths group relevant courses together into a structured curriculum to help you master in-demand skills like front-end web development, graphic design, business analytics, and more.
Key benefits of using LinkedIn Learning
Here are some of the main benefits that LinkedIn Learning offers working professionals and students in India:
- Develop in-demand job skills – Stay competitive by building the latest job skills like programming languages, design tools, project management, and more. Learning paths make it easy to identify the skills you need.
- Career advancement – Stand out for promotions and new job opportunities by expanding your skillset through LinkedIn Learning courses.
- Earn certifications – Getting certified in key areas like project management, graphic design, and data analytics can improve hiring and salary prospects.
- Flexible learning – Learn at your own pace, on any device. Courses are short and self-paced.
- Expert instruction – Learn from credible instructors and working professionals in their field.
- Saves money – Get access to thousands of courses for less than the price of a single college course.
LinkedIn Learning pricing
LinkedIn Learning offers a range of subscription options. Here is an overview of LinkedIn Learning pricing for individual subscriptions in India as of October 2023:
| Subscription | Duration | Price (including taxes) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | 1 month | ₹649 |
| Annual | 12 months | ₹4,999 |
The annual plan offers the best value, equivalent to just ₹416 per month. LinkedIn Learning also offers enterprise plans for companies looking to purchase subscriptions for their employees in bulk.
Compared to other e-learning platforms and professional training options, LinkedIn Learning’s pricing is quite competitive for the breadth of content offered. For example, many professional certifications cost over ₹10,000 for a single exam prep course.
Top courses and learning paths for Indian professionals
Here are some of the most popular and recommended LinkedIn Learning courses and learning paths for working professionals in India looking to advance their careers:
Business Skills
- Digital Marketing Foundations
- Business Writing: Effective Communication
- Advanced Excel
- Become a Sales Representative
- Leadership Development
Technology Skills
- Python for Data Science Essential Training
- Programming Foundations: Databases
- DevOps Foundations
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
- Front-End Web Development
Creative Skills
- Graphic Design Basics
- Photography Foundations
- Illustrator CC Essentials Training
- Video Editing with Adobe Premiere Pro
- Motion Graphics and Visual Effects
The most popular learning paths align closely with in-demand skills like programming, cloud computing, digital marketing, design, and more. Focusing your learning on the most sought-after skill areas will maximize the career benefits of LinkedIn Learning.
Who is LinkedIn Learning best suited for in India?
Here are the types of learners who can benefit most from a LinkedIn Learning subscription in India:
- Working professionals – Upskill in your field or expand your skillset to transition careers or roles.
- Job seekers – Gain employable skills to improve hiring prospects and competitiveness.
- Entrepreneurs/freelancers – Build expertise in areas like marketing, project management, graphic design and more.
- Students – Complement university studies with career-ready skills and certifications.
- Lifelong learners – Pursue personal growth and satisfaction through continuous learning.
With its vast catalogue and career-focused courses, LinkedIn Learning can benefit anyone in India looking to achieve professional and personal development goals through online education.
Pros of LinkedIn Learning
Here are some of the main advantages of using LinkedIn Learning for professional development in India:
- Relevant, practical skills – Courses teach in-demand hard and soft skills needed to advance careers.
- Expert instruction – Learn from working professionals and renowned instructors in their field.
- Flexible, self-paced model – Complete courses on your own schedule and pace.
- Visual, engaging format – Courses use video, demos, and hands-on exercises for effective learning.
- Mobile access – Download courses to watch offline or on-the-go.
- Certification – Opportunity to earn professional certificates in key skill areas.
- Affordable – Good value compared to other online and offline training options.
- Personalized recommendations – Platform suggests courses tailored to your goals and interests.
Cons of LinkedIn Learning
While LinkedIn Learning has many benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider as well:
- No instructor support – Self-paced model means no direct support from course instructors.
- No assignments – Lacks graded assignments common in academic online courses.
- Casual learning – Short video format less rigorous than a semester-long college course.
- Limited credentials – Certificates hold less weight than college degrees with employers.
- Cost – Paying a subscription fee versus free learning options like YouTube.
- Overwhelming catalogue – Large volume of courses can make it hard to choose a defined path.
While LinkedIn Learning offers flexibility, it does require self-motivation and lacks the accountability of a more formal virtual classroom. The skills gained may not always translate directly into career advancement either.
Alternatives to LinkedIn Learning in India
Here are some alternative online learning platforms professionals in India can consider besides LinkedIn Learning:
Skillshare
- Best for creative skills like design, photography, writing, etc.
- Mix of short classes and long-form workshops
- 1000s of classes but smaller catalogue than LinkedIn Learning
- Doesn’t offer official certificates
- Lower cost, starts around ₹180/month
edX
- Offers courses from top universities like MIT and Harvard
- Includes Professional Certificate programs and MicroMasters
- Pay per course starting around ₹1,600 or subscription plans
- More rigorous credentialed programs
Udemy
- Marketplace model with courses by freelance instructors
- Very wide range of quality – vet instructors carefully
- Lower average prices, frequent discounts on courses
MasterClass
- Classes taught by celebrities and subject matter experts
- High production value video classes
- Limited subject range focused on popular interests
- Annual plan costs ₹6,600
Pluralsight
- Specialized in tech/IT skills training
- Hands-on learning activities and knowledge checks
- Skill IQ assessments and skill plans
- Individual plan ₹5,000/year
Evaluating the pros, cons, features, and pricing can help identify the best platform based on your specific professional development objectives and budget.
Conclusion
In summary, LinkedIn Learning offers a number of valuable benefits for working professionals and lifelong learners in India seeking to gain new skills and advance their careers through online education. The platform provides comprehensive, practical training in many of today’s most in-demand business, tech and creative skills at an affordable subscription price.
With its vast expert-led course catalogue, flexible self-paced format, mobile access, and official certification options, LinkedIn Learning has many advantages compared to free online learning resources. Though lacking academic rigor, it provides an efficient way to build relevant workforce skills.
For Indian professionals looking to expand their professional opportunities and students preparing to enter the job market, a LinkedIn Learning subscription can be a worthwhile investment to gain specialized skills and stand out from the competition. Combining LinkedIn Learning with practical work experience can be an effective strategy to fast-track career growth.
