Gain A Professional Edge with Free LinkedIn Learning Courses
Knowledge is power. For motivated marketers and professionals, access to reliable, expert training and educational resources is crucial for personal and professional development. Aside from in-house training, most businesses don’t provide access to third-party training tools. If you’re looking for free training resources, we’ve found some of the best classes on LinkedIn – and they’re free!
School is in session; here’s your LinkedIn training courses list!
What Is LinkedIn Learning?
LinkedIn Learning offers more than 16,000 online courses, with 9,000 available in English. Formerly Lynda.com, LinkedIn acquired the site in 2015 for $1.5 billion. With fresh funds from LinkedIn, the rebranded professional training tool grew rapidly into three primary categories: business, technology, and creative. Within each category are dozens of subcategories broken down into more specific topics or skills.
Certifiably Useful Training, On-Demand
Among the thousands of classes available on LinkedIn Learning, there are dozens of LinkedIn-certified courses. Users earn Certificates of Completion whenever they complete a course by watching all the videos and passing any assessments. Many certificate classes are focused on specific software applications (think Microsoft Excel) or workplace skills (like negotiation).
LinkedIn Learning Pricing Options
Your first month of learning is free, but you’ll need an individual, team, or organization subscription to keep the knowledge flowing. Individual plans start at $19.99 or $14.99 per month if you pay annually. Pricing for teams and organizations varies based on the number of users – it can get a little pricey.
For many companies, the price tag is worth it. 76% of employees say they’re more likely to stay at a company that offers ongoing training. Retaining talent reduces costly turnover and knowledge loss, and preserves company culture.
Do LinkedIn Learning Certificates Matter?
Yes and no. LinkedIn certificates aren’t accredited like certificates from a community college or university are, and many proprietary software companies don’t recognize them. In most cases, that’s because they offer their own training programs.
But that doesn’t mean LinkedIn Learning certificates are a waste of time. 91% of hiring managers say this kind of certification is an important factor in hiring decisions. That’s especially true for organizations looking to reduce onboarding barriers caused by learning how to use software. A prospect certified in Microsoft products or Zendesk has a big leg up on another prospect without the right certification.
With so many courses to choose from, it’s important to set a clear goal and then narrow down the selection criteria. If you’re looking to land a new gig at a particular company, use the job description to identify specific skills or software requirements; if you’re weak at SQL, maybe it’s time to find a few LinkedIn SQL certifications. If you’re applying for a management role for the first time, look for relevant leadership courses tailored to your industry.
We’ve picked some of the best LinkedIn Learning courses to get you started.
The Five Best Courses on LinkedIn Learning
We’ve picked just a few courses to get you started. Remember, there are thousands of free classes – during your trial period, at least. Even if a $29.99 subscription doesn’t make sense right now, you can still pick up many new skills without spending anything but time during your 30-day trial.
1. Asking Great Sales Questions
We’ve all been there. A cordial sales call turns into an awkward question-and-answer between the sales pro and the client. This course, led by sales coach Jeff Bloomfield, provides a new approach to gathering information conversationally, leading to stronger connections and more valuable outcomes.
2. OneNote Essential Training
More than 70% of Fortune 500 companies use Microsoft products. As much as they use Word and Outlook, most Microsoft users don’t realize that OneNote ties all those tools together. Learn how to password-protect sensitive information, integrate images and video, and tie in Excel sheets. Take better, more organized notes and cross-reference your work with this undervalued super app.
3. Accounting Foundations
Whether you’re in the C-suite or a department head, it pays to have a detailed understanding of budgeting. This course highlights smarter ways to create a budget that anticipates future expenses, how to differentiate budgets by application, and how to read a balance sheet like an accounting pro.
4. Becoming a Product Manager: A Complete Guide
From development to delivery, product managers use a dizzying array of skills to turn an idea into a tangible, profitable good or service. The course explains the product life cycle and notes several approaches successful companies use in diverse industries. At just shy of eleven hours, it’s one of the most comprehensive beginner courses available, but it’s earned a 4.7-star (out of five) rating from nearly half a million learners.
5. How to Make Strategic Thinking a Habit
Learn how to work smarter by integrating strategic thinking into your everyday workflow. This short leadership course will help you look at your to-do list in a new way and anticipate workplace issues based on past and current experiences. Anyone with a lot to do and little time to do it needs to take this one!
What Is a Learning Path on LinkedIn Learning?
Learning paths are a curated list of related video courses on a specific topic. Think of it as the best of the very best resources available for that particular topic. Like courses, learning paths pull in the best courses and videos on the platform, combining hard and soft skills. By the end of the course, you’ll have a deep understanding of the concept and the specific skills required to perform related roles.
Is LinkedIn Learning Worth It?
Just like your gym membership, LinkedIn Learning is only an incredible value if you use it. The key is to make time (you won’t find time) every day or week for a course or two. Block off time and choose a learning path to keep focused on your end goal.
Never Stop Improving
No matter what you do, your success is based on learning, adapting, and using all the tools available. LinkedIn Learning is one platform that makes accessing relevant skills intuitive and affordable. Whether you buy a subscription out of your own pocket or get organizational support, don’t miss the opportunity to learn on your terms.
