Is LinkedIn Learning worth it?

LinkedIn has made some changes recently that have caused quite the stir among its users and business professionals alike. In 2018, they decided to launch their own online education platform called LinkedIn Learning (formerly known as Lynda). This was met with mixed reactions from both sides, but what exactly is LinkedIn Learning, and should you use it? Let's dive into these questions in more detail below!

Is LinkedIn Learning respected?

The main question we want to answer here is whether LinkedIn Learning is considered reputable by other businesses. It certainly isn't without any detractors, which makes sense given that it launched so soon after the company acquired Lynda - a well-known competitor in the space. If anything, it seems like LinkedIn Learning is trying to compete against itself by offering something similar to Lynda in terms of content quality and accessibility.

So far, things seem pretty positive when it comes to reputation. For example, Forbes magazine named LinkedIn Learning one of the best places to take online classes due to "its deep library" of high-quality videos. And despite its young age, LinkedIn Learning also boasts an impressive list of clients including Apple, Microsoft, Adobe, Google, Amazon and many others.

There's no denying that LinkedIn Learning is definitely gaining traction at the moment, but will it continue to be successful down the line? Only time will tell. But if you're interested in exploring new ways to improve your skillset, then this could just be the tool for you.

Should I include LinkedIn Learning on my CV?

If LinkedIn Learning is already listed on your professional profile, there's little reason not to add it onto your CV too. The same goes for those companies who offer benefits packages to employees, such as tuition reimbursement programs. This way, you can show off your knowledge while demonstrating your commitment to the company as well.

Many HR managers and recruiters do consider LinkedIn Learning when reviewing candidates' CVs. This is because most people don't know what else to look for besides experience and qualifications. So if you've taken advantage of LinkedIn Learning before getting hired, chances are good that HR would see value in it too.

It's important to note though that LinkedIn Learning is only available through paid subscriptions. You'll need to pay $12 per month for full access, whereas individual lessons cost anywhere between $5-$20 each depending on what course you choose. That said, if you think you'd benefit from taking some form of training regularly, then subscribing might make sense.

Is LinkedIn Learning accredited?

While LinkedIn Learning may not yet be fully recognized as a legitimate educational institution by major universities, it is still very much a credible source for anyone looking to sharpen up their technical chops. Plus, since the material is all provided by third parties, it doesn't really matter where the content came from.

As mentioned above, LinkedIn Learning offers over 1,000 different courses right now, covering everything from programming languages, marketing strategies and accounting basics. These courses range from beginner to advanced levels, making them suitable for everyone regardless of skill level. There aren't many competitors in this field either, especially considering the fact that Lynda used to dominate the market until LinkedIn purchased the rights to the brand back in 2017.

But even with that being said, you shouldn't expect to receive a degree or certification from LinkedIn Learning anytime soon. As of writing, there's no official recognition program offered by LinkedIn Learning either. However, there are several certifications offered by third party organizations such as Microsoft.

Do certificates from LinkedIn Learning hold weight anymore?

Certificates from LinkedIn Learning are indeed valid proof of achievement. Most employers nowadays require applicants to submit copies of relevant academic credentials to demonstrate their ability to work independently. So if you're applying for jobs within tech industries, having a certificate from LinkedIn Learning will probably impress hiring managers enough to put you ahead of the competition.

However, this won’t necessarily guarantee you employment. Many people overlook the importance of resumes altogether and simply send straight applications to potential employers instead of making sure their profiles are complete and polished first. Therefore, you should always double check every aspect of your application materials before sending it off.

Are LinkedIn courses worth it?

This is perhaps the biggest debate surrounding LinkedIn Learning. While some users swear by it, there are plenty of skeptics who believe that nothing worthwhile can come from spending money on it. After all, why spend thousands of dollars on something you can easily obtain elsewhere for less than half the price?

Well, let me introduce you to the concept of “the cloud”. Basically, the idea behind this refers to using technology to provide services that once required expensive hardware and software setups. A prime example of this is Netflix subscription service, which provides streaming entertainment movies and TV shows for subscribers across multiple platforms.

In short, the cloud allows users to subscribe to premium services directly from their computer rather than having to purchase physical devices. When it comes to education, the cloud paradigm works similarly. By purchasing a subscription to LinkedIn Learning, you essentially gain unlimited access to hundreds of hours of video tutorials taught by industry experts.

With that being said, not all courses are created equal. Some of them are better suited for beginners, while others cover complex concepts that may prove challenging for someone who hasn't been exposed to them previously. Thus, it's essential to figure out what type of learner you are before diving into LinkedIn Learning.

How long are LinkedIn courses?

Most LinkedIn courses run for around 30 minutes each. They usually begin with a brief introduction followed by a presentation about a particular topic and conclude with a Q&A session to allow learners to ask questions regarding the subject matter. Depending on the complexity of the material covered, some courses may extend beyond thirty minutes.

For instance, a recent study found that the average length of a LinkedIn Learning course is 45 minutes. Other popular categories included Accounting & Finance (22 minutes), Data Science (26 minutes) and Marketing (32 minutes).

Are LinkedIn courses free for students?

Yes, LinkedIn Learning courses are completely free for students seeking to develop their career prospects. All you need to do is create an account and select the appropriate category based on your interest. From there, you'll be able to discover courses that suit your needs and start studying immediately.

What's great about this option is that you don't have to worry about paying monthly fees or signing lengthy contracts. Instead, you have the freedom to dip in and out whenever you feel like doing so. Furthermore, you can keep track of your progress throughout the duration of your studies by checking your stats page on LinkedIn Learning website.

Does LinkedIn Learning help you get a job?

You absolutely can! Although LinkedIn Learning is primarily designed for personal development purposes, it doesn't mean you have to limit yourself to self-improvement alone. According to LinkedIn, almost 40% of Fortune 500 companies rely heavily on social media tools including LinkedIn to hire talent. Therefore, if you're serious about landing a dream job, you must take advantage of this resource.

Some of the top positions that LinkedIn says you should focus on improving your skills include Account Executive, Product Manager, Digital Marketer, Customer Service Representative and Sales Associate.

These roles typically involve working closely with customers, managing team members and developing sales campaigns. Hence, having solid communication and interpersonal skills can go miles towards boosting your chances of getting hired. To ensure you land the perfect position, try incorporating various digital storytelling techniques into your everyday life.

LinkedIn has been around since 2003 and was originally set up as an online resume site. But over the years it's evolved into more than just that – becoming a social network for professionals, helping them connect with each other and find jobs. The company also offers training programs through its Education section – including Courses on subjects such as Leadership, Health & Fitness, Personal Branding, Marketing, Sales, Entrepreneurship, Management, Finance, Law and many others.

In fact, there’s so much content available from LinkedIn Learning that we decided to put together a detailed guide on everything the platform has to offer. So whether you want to know if LinkedIn is actually useful, what all those certificates mean, or where can you go to watch some great videos (and maybe even earn points towards your own personal course), then keep reading our complete guide below!

Can you get a job with LinkedIn Learning?

Yes – but probably not via their standard CV posting process. You need to sign up for one of their paid services which include LinkedIn ProFinder, Talent Scout, Jobs Alert, Career Builder, Job Search Plus and InMail Recruiter. Once signed up, these services will allow you to post your CV/resume to potential companies, allowing them to reach out directly to you rather than sending them to LinkedIn itself. If you've got any work experience, make sure you use this option when applying for roles.

Do employers like LinkedIn Learning?

LinkedIn Learning provides access to hundreds of thousands of hours of professionally made video tutorials covering a variety of different industries. While most are aimed at IT workers, business owners and managers looking to brush up on skills, they do cover everything from artistry to science too. And while most aren't particularly cheap to buy, there are plenty of options for people who don't have the cash to splash out. As well as the paid products mentioned above, you can subscribe to courses through their website for $20 per month or take advantage of some of their free offerings.

The best thing about LinkedIn Learning is that many of the courses are interactive, meaning you'll be able to ask questions during lessons and interact with instructors. This means you're getting a lot more value for money compared to buying books off Amazon, plus the chance to really grasp concepts better.

If you're worried about taking time away from working full time, remember that many of the courses are short, only running between 10 minutes and 60 minutes depending on length, and won't require any extra effort beyond watching. A quick search reveals hundreds of courses on pretty much every topic under the sun, so you should easily be able to find something that interests you no matter what industry you're in.

Is LinkedIn Learning recognized by employers?

No – unless you pay for a service like ProFinder. Otherwise, it's unlikely anyone will see your profile until after you apply for a role anyway. For example, if you wanted to learn about data analytics, you could create a new account and start studying right now. However, chances are nobody would ever see the results of your hard work because the employer wouldn't be aware of it.

On top of that, you'd need to spend money on a service like ProFinder before being considered for a position. It costs $35 per month, and includes features like a dedicated email address and professional recommendations. These might sound good in theory, but considering how competitive the market is, it's likely someone else will already have done that job.

Do recruiters look at LinkedIn Learning?

You may think the answer here is 'yes', but unfortunately not. Most recruiters won't bother using LinkedIn Learning. Instead, try signing up for a few free trials with popular recruitment websites to test out their platforms first. Then consider contacting relevant agencies for advice on what works best for them.

That said, if you decide to go down the route of spending money on a service like ProFinder, then it certainly makes sense to advertise yourself as having taken part. After all, it shows you've invested time into further education and demonstrates you have the drive and determination required to succeed in today's highly competitive environment.

Does LinkedIn Learning help you get a job?

It depends on what kind of job you're trying to get. Some positions will expect you to have completed specific qualifications, whereas others will simply accept your existing degree as proof enough of your ability. Still though, there isn't anything stopping you from creating a LinkedIn profile and starting studying whenever you feel ready.

What's important here is making sure you choose the correct keywords when searching for a job. Use phrases such as "data analyst" instead of "database administrator", or "Java programmer" rather than "web developer". That way, when recruiting firms come across your profile, they'll understand exactly what you're capable of.

And, for the record, LinkedIn Learning doesn't provide actual certification. Rather, it allows users to demonstrate proficiency in certain areas by completing tasks within its various courses. When users finish a task successfully, they receive a badge indicating they've passed. Of course, the whole point behind earning badges is that they prove you have the knowledge required to perform a particular skill.

Disadvantages of LinkedIn Learning

There aren't very many downsides associated with LinkedIn Learning. They're basically designed to give learners easy ways to improve themselves without needing to invest significant amounts of money upfront.  As such, there's nothing wrong with subscribing to a few of their premium courses as a fun little project. Alternatively, you could always save up for a subscription to Udemy or another similar competitor.

However, if you were hoping to build your portfolio and potentially land a higher salary in the future, you may be disappointed. Although there are lots of courses available, none of them seem to focus on providing practical solutions for everyday problems faced by businesses. Many of them are more focused on teaching general principles for success, rather than offering tangible benefits.

For instance, while you might learn how to write a killer sales letter, you won't necessarily benefit in terms of landing more clients. On the flip side, you may gain valuable information on how to run a successful team, but again, this won't necessarily translate into increased revenue once you leave college or university.

There are exceptions however. One of the biggest reasons why many people turn to LinkedIn Learning is because they hope to boost their career prospects with a prestigious qualification. There are several course providers that aim to teach you how to pass exams, such as Pearson VUE, CPD Certification, Microsoft Certifications, PVA Exam Preparation and the likes.

Although these types of courses are useful for boosting your credibility among prospective bosses, they often cost upwards of £500. At that price tag, it's understandable why many people prefer to stick with the tried and tested methods of gaining employment - namely, submitting applications through traditional channels.

So, is LinkedIn Learning worth it?

Ultimately, LinkedIn Learning is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in improving their technical abilities. Whether you're self-taught or still studying in school, you can quickly learn a tonne of basic skills without breaking the bank.

But, despite claiming to help you secure a high paying job, it doesn't appear to deliver on that promise either. Sure, you might pick up some handy tips along the way, but ultimately, you're going to need to go back to basics if you truly want to stand a chance against competitors.

At least LinkedIn Learning offers free courses, though. So, if you're willing to wait patiently until you accumulate enough points, perhaps you could eventually purchase one of their premium courses to show off your shiny new certifications. Just remember to avoid falling foul of Google's algorithm by focusing on quality material rather than quantity.

LinkedIn has been around since 2003 and was originally called LinkedIN. The site offers business networking opportunities as well as professional development resources. It’s one of the most popular social media platforms on the internet.

The platform can be used to communicate with potential employers, recruiters, clients, and peers. There are several different ways that people use LinkedIn from posting updates, sending messages, searching jobs, following news feeds, connecting with others, etc. You'll find a number of other features that will appeal to anyone who wants to improve their skills and grow professionally.

In fact, over 8 million businesses have signed up to the service so there's plenty of opportunity if you want to make yourself stand out by offering more value than your competitors.

If you're thinking about signing up, but not sure whether LinkedIn is right for you then read our guide to using LinkedIn effectively below. Otherwise, keep reading this article to discover what exactly LinkedIn Learning offers. We've also included some tips at the end of this post that could really benefit your career.

Is LinkedIn training any good?

There are hundreds of courses available on LinkedIn Learning which cover a variety of subjects including leadership, sales, communication, marketing, project management, writing, public speaking, technology, law, finance, accounting, design, customer service, and much more! You don't need an account to access these courses - they're completely accessible through the mobile app (iOS/Android) or desktop website.

Each course ranges between 3 – 20 hours depending on the subject area. Most courses take place online where participants watch videos, complete quizzes, answer questions, and discuss ideas with each other via threaded discussions. Some courses even offer live Q&A sessions. If you struggle to stay focused during video lessons then this might be something you'd like to avoid.

As I mentioned above, many of these courses are made available through the web or smartphone apps and aren't just limited to those who pay for membership. That means you should be able to access them without having to sign up first. As you would expect, all content provided on LinkedIn Learning comes with a money back guarantee meaning you won't lose out financially if you decide not to continue after completing a course. However, I wouldn't recommend paying full price for a course unless you feel certain that it's going to prove useful to your overall career goals.

Are LinkedIn training worth it?

While there are dozens of courses available, only a few actually provide significant benefits to learners. For example, while there are thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning covering various aspects of life, very few focus specifically on improving your skill set as a digital nomad. This might seem like a niche topic but if you're planning on travelling abroad for extended periods of time then knowing how to work remotely effectively could save you lots of money and hassle. Or perhaps you're interested in becoming a freelance writer and want to boost your income. Courses such as How To Write Better Content Than Your Competitors Can Offer valuable insight into crafting engaging copy.

On top of that, LinkedIn provides a list of "Top 10 Career Skills" every year based off feedback gathered from users. These skills were determined by asking respondents if they felt confident working in areas relating to each of the ten categories. While the skills themselves vary slightly from year to year, the majority remain consistent across years. In 2020, the Top 5 skills include Software Development, Customer Service, Project Management, Digital Marketing, and Data Analytics.

When deciding whether or not to invest your hard earned cash in a particular course, consider if it aligns with your current interests and aspirations. Is it likely to help you achieve success when applied immediately or is it more suited to developing future plans? Are you looking for ways to change careers altogether or simply want to gain extra knowledge specific to your industry? And finally, do you plan on using the information learned in the short term or potentially saving it for later?

It's important to remember that investing in education isn't always worthwhile since we're often told that experience is better than theory alone. But if you know someone who regularly uses a tool or process to perform a task efficiently, then they may be willing to share their expertise with you. Similarly, if you know someone who consistently outperforms everyone else in your field, chances are they'll be happy to impart advice too.

Are LinkedIn certifications legit?

Most companies require employees to hold relevant qualifications before being promoted, hired, or offered new responsibilities. So naturally, HR departments seek to ensure applicants meet minimum standards regarding educational achievements. This means it's crucial to understand the requirements associated with obtaining a certification or diploma.

LinkedIn offers a range of credentials that you can earn through its Learning Library. They range from Certificates to Diplomas and Associate Degrees. All certifications must be verified by an accredited institution prior to issuing the credential.

Certification programs typically last less than 1 month and consist of multiple assessments designed to evaluate your understanding of core concepts and demonstrate mastery of essential tasks. Many courses come with prerequisites and additional fees apply if you wish to enroll.

Diplomas are similar to certifications except that they tend to be longer and cover broader topics. Instead of focusing solely on testing your ability to master specialized skills, diplomas assess general proficiency in a wide array of topics. A diploma program usually lasts 6 months and requires fewer tests and assignments compared to a certificate option.

Associate degrees are comparable to bachelor’s degree programs and generally last 2+ years. Unlike certificates or diplomas, associate degrees are granted upon completion of both undergraduate and graduate studies.

All LinkedIn certifications and diplomas are recognized internationally. However, some countries restrict the issuance of academic credentials whereas others require proof of attendance or previous experience.

Are LinkedIn certificates worth anything?

With all things considered, it seems clear that LinkedIn certificates are no substitute for real world experience. After all, acquiring practical knowledge doesn't necessarily mean you'll become employable overnight. On the flip side though, getting certified gives you the chance to showcase your abilities to prospective employers and impress them with your level of professionalism.

At least in my opinion, the best way to acquire a qualification is to enrol in a reputable university. By doing so, you'll receive a piece of paper confirming you attended classes alongside a genuine transcript showing your grades. Plus, you'll probably benefit from receiving personalized assistance throughout the studying period ensuring you successfully reach exam day.

For instance, Udemy offers affordable courses that can help you advance your career regardless of your age or background. With 100% satisfaction guaranteed, you can rest assured that you'll never face financial penalties due to missed deadlines or failed exams.

Some universities charge tuition fees ranging anywhere from $2,000-$10,000 per semester. Others accept alternative payment methods such as credit cards or PayPal. Regardless, if you choose to pursue higher education, you'll definitely reap substantial rewards down the line.

However, despite the obvious perks, choosing to study at a traditional college does carry drawbacks. First of all, it's expensive. Tuition costs are skyrocketing making it difficult for young adults to afford attending school. And secondly, you miss out on countless activities and events that occur within campus communities.

To put it bluntly, a university setting feels worlds apart from the everyday hustle of corporate America. Which brings me onto my final point...

I think it's safe to say that most professionals prefer to spend their days immersed in a creative environment surrounded by friends and colleagues rather than spending endless hours sitting in front of a computer screen trying to figure out why their boss keeps emailing them about irrelevant matters.

So instead of feeling isolated during office hours, try joining a local startup community. Meetups are great places to network with individuals sharing common passions and hobbies. For example, I recently joined a group of entrepreneurs seeking to build a product called Vuex.com. Not only did I enjoy chatting with fellow members of the community, I found myself gaining invaluable insights into how startups operate and the challenges faced by successful teams.

And that's why I believe LinkedIn certs are worth pursuing. Just because you're not currently employed somewhere doesn't mean you shouldn't look ahead to your next step in life. It's possible to develop meaningful relationships with co-workers, managers, mentors, and potential employers whilst simultaneously boosting your personal brand.

This is especially true if you join a startup community. Even though you may not yet possess a formal title or official position with the company, you'll still be given ample opportunities to show off your talents and contribute towards building a sustainable culture.

The bottom line is that LinkedIn certifications represent a fantastic investment in your career prospects. Whether you already have a job or are looking to start your own business, earning a credential demonstrates your commitment to continuous growth. And with the global economy continuing to shift away from traditional employment models, you certainly don't want to risk losing out on the opportunity of a lifetime.