LinkedIn Learning: Unlocking Your Potential – What’s the Investment?

So, you’re ready to level up your skills and boost your career with LinkedIn Learning? Excellent choice! Let’s cut right to the chase and answer the burning question: How much does LinkedIn Learning cost for an individual?

The cost of LinkedIn Learning for an individual depends on the subscription option you choose. You have essentially two main paths:

• Monthly Subscription: This typically hovers around $39.99 per month. This is a flexible option, allowing you to pay as you go and cancel anytime.

• Annual Subscription: This option is priced around $349.99 per year. Opting for the annual subscription effectively reduces your monthly cost compared to the monthly plan, translating to approximately $29.17 per month. If you know you’ll be utilizing the platform consistently throughout the year, this is the more cost-effective route.

These prices are subject to change, and LinkedIn may offer discounts or promotions from time to time, so always check their website for the most up-to-date information.

Digging Deeper: Understanding the Value Proposition

While the price is important, it’s crucial to understand what you’re getting for your investment. LinkedIn Learning isn’t just about watching videos; it’s about acquiring skills, advancing your career, and staying competitive in today’s rapidly evolving job market.

It boasts a vast library of courses, covering everything from business skills and technology to creative fields and personal development. Taught by industry experts, these courses are designed to be practical, engaging, and immediately applicable to your work. Think of it as a personalized, on-demand learning platform, tailored to your specific needs and goals.

The platform also integrates seamlessly with your LinkedIn profile, allowing you to showcase the skills you’ve learned and the courses you’ve completed. This can significantly enhance your profile’s visibility and attract the attention of recruiters and potential employers.

Comparing Alternatives: Is LinkedIn Learning Right for You?

Before committing, it’s wise to compare LinkedIn Learning with other online learning platforms. Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare are all popular alternatives, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

• Coursera often focuses on more academic, university-level content, sometimes leading to certifications or degrees.

• Udemy offers a vast marketplace of courses, often at very affordable prices, but the quality can vary widely.

• Skillshare tends to cater to creative professionals, with a focus on practical skills and hands-on projects.

LinkedIn Learning distinguishes itself through its strong connection to the professional world. The courses are often directly relevant to job roles and industry trends, and the platform’s integration with LinkedIn is a major advantage for career-minded individuals.

The Free Trial: A Risk-Free Test Drive

One of the best ways to determine if LinkedIn Learning is right for you is to take advantage of their free trial. This usually lasts for one month, giving you ample time to explore the course library, try out different learning paths, and see if the platform meets your needs.

Remember to set a reminder to cancel your subscription before the trial period ends if you decide it’s not a good fit.

FAQs: All Your LinkedIn Learning Questions Answered

Let’s tackle some frequently asked questions to further clarify the cost, benefits, and features of LinkedIn Learning:

1. What is included in a LinkedIn Learning subscription?

A LinkedIn Learning subscription provides unlimited access to the entire course library, which includes thousands of courses covering a wide range of topics. You also get access to expert-led instructors, personalized recommendations, quizzes, and practice exercises. Moreover, the ability to earn certificates of completion that you can display on your LinkedIn profile is an added advantage.

2. Can I get LinkedIn Learning for free?

Yes, you can get LinkedIn Learning for free for a limited time through their free trial offer. Also, some LinkedIn Premium subscriptions include LinkedIn Learning access. Check the specific features of the LinkedIn Premium plan you’re interested in to see if it’s included.

3. Is LinkedIn Learning worth it for career advancement?

For many, the answer is a resounding yes. If you’re serious about career advancement, LinkedIn Learning can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to stay competitive and stand out from the crowd. The ability to showcase your newly acquired skills on your LinkedIn profile further enhances its value.

4. How do I cancel my LinkedIn Learning subscription?

Canceling your LinkedIn Learning subscription is straightforward. Simply go to your LinkedIn account settings, navigate to the subscription section, and follow the instructions to cancel. Remember to cancel before your billing cycle ends to avoid being charged.

5. Does LinkedIn Learning offer discounts?

LinkedIn Learning sometimes offers discounts, especially for annual subscriptions. Keep an eye out for promotional offers and discounts for students or specific organizations.

6. Can I access LinkedIn Learning on my mobile device?

Yes, LinkedIn Learning has a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to learn on the go. You can download courses for offline viewing, making it convenient to learn even without an internet connection.

7. What types of courses are available on LinkedIn Learning?

The course catalog is extensive, covering a wide range of subjects, including business, technology, and creative skills. You’ll find courses on topics such as leadership, marketing, software development, graphic design, and much more.

8. How often are new courses added to LinkedIn Learning?

LinkedIn Learning regularly adds new courses to its library, ensuring that the content remains up-to-date and relevant. This commitment to continuous improvement is a major selling point.

9. Is there a certificate of completion for LinkedIn Learning courses?

Yes, upon completion of a course on LinkedIn Learning, you receive a certificate of completion that you can add to your LinkedIn profile and resume. This helps you showcase your newly acquired skills to potential employers.

10. Can I use LinkedIn Learning for professional development?

Absolutely! LinkedIn Learning is an excellent resource for professional development. Whether you’re looking to enhance your existing skills or acquire new ones, the platform offers a wide range of courses to help you achieve your career goals.

11. What if I don’t like a course on LinkedIn Learning?

You can simply stop taking the course. LinkedIn Learning allows you to start and stop courses as you please. Because you pay a subscription fee, there is no extra fee to start another course.

12. Is LinkedIn Learning worth it compared to other online learning platforms?

This depends on your individual needs and preferences. LinkedIn Learning is particularly well-suited for career-minded individuals who want to acquire practical skills that are directly relevant to their jobs. The platform’s integration with LinkedIn is a unique advantage. If you are in a creative field, or want university-level education you may want to look at alternatives such as Skillshare, or Coursera.

Ultimately, the best way to determine if LinkedIn Learning is worth the investment is to take advantage of the free trial and explore the platform for yourself. You can then make an informed decision based on your own experience.