Unlock Free Access to Thousands of LinkedIn Learning Courses
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Understanding the Post-Pandemic Workforce
In the wake of the pandemic, the job market has undergone significant transformation. With job vacancies reaching unprecedented levels in January, employees are now finding themselves with greater bargaining power. This shift, often referred to as the “Great Reshuffle,” allows individuals to seek positions that better align with their skills and interests.
How can we seize this opportunity?
By acquiring valuable, sought-after skills. Now is an ideal moment to enhance your expertise or acquire new competencies.
While numerous digital training platforms exist, many come with hefty subscription fees. However, I recently learned that LinkedIn Learning, previously known as Lynda.com, is available for free to those who hold eligible library cards. Normally, a subscription costs $39.99 monthly, or $26.99 if billed annually.
LinkedIn Learning boasts over 16,000 self-paced courses delivered by industry experts. With its connection to LinkedIn, it continually refreshes its library with essential hard and soft skills.
Accessing LinkedIn Learning
To start, confirm that your library supports this service. Many educational institutions and employers also provide access to LinkedIn Learning courses. Reach out to your library, school, or workplace to find out what professional development resources are available to you.
If your local library does not offer a subscription, consider obtaining a library card from a nearby town or city. For instance, I previously lived in Boston and maintained my Boston Public Library membership due to my permanent residency in Massachusetts.
Where to Begin?
Next, you will need to input your library’s ID on LinkedIn Learning’s library patron portal. Your librarian or administrator can assist you with this information. I accessed my library’s invitation link via the Boston Public Library’s “Online Courses” webpage.
LinkedIn Learning will prompt you to enter your library’s ID. After entering this information, you’ll be redirected to a login page, where you’ll need your library card number and PIN to gain access.
Exploring Course Options
LinkedIn Learning encompasses three primary sectors: creative, business, and technology. Within each category, there is an extensive array of subtopics and courses. You can select from over 16,000 digital training options.
Consider these areas of interest:
- Creative: Animation and Illustration (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop), Audio and Music (digital audio workstations, live performance), Photography (HDR, travel photography), Web Design (mobile design), User Experience (UX design).
- Business: Sales (Salesforce), Finance (Quickbooks, personal finance), Marketing (Google Ads), Human Resources (talent management).
- Technology: Mobile Development (iOS, Android), Software Development (programming languages), Data Science (business intelligence), IT Help Desk (software support).
Choosing Your Courses
Ultimately, the choice is yours. LinkedIn Learning’s courses are self-directed, allowing you to take as many as you wish. Some users prefer to deepen their existing knowledge, while others may wish to explore entirely new subjects.
If you aim to build career-related skills, consider pursuing “learning paths.” LinkedIn Learning defines these as:
… curated playlists of related video courses on a particular topic or career path, featuring multiple instructors who cover various skills and insights.
Upon completion of courses and learning paths, you will receive certificates that document your professional development. This not only enhances your résumé but also equips you with skills that impress potential employers.
Course Structure and Features
Courses are organized into clear chapters and sections, and you can easily navigate or bookmark any part. Each pre-recorded course is guided by industry professionals at a manageable pace, allowing you to adjust playback speed and use rewind or fast forward as needed.
All videos come with captions, and most include written transcripts that are clickable and searchable. You can jump to specific sections by clicking on any word in the transcript.
Additionally, a useful notebook tool allows you to take notes that are organized chronologically and timestamped, providing context for your learning. Many courses also offer downloadable exercise files, which include both assignment materials and useful resources.
Academic Credit Opportunities
LinkedIn Learning collaborates with universities worldwide, offering academic credits for completing eligible learning paths. You can earn these credits upon successful assessment and enrollment in university programs.
Moreover, the platform provides options to earn continuing education units (CEUs), which count towards requirements for maintaining professional licenses.
If you're pursuing professional certifications, LinkedIn Learning also features preparation courses that delve into concepts and objectives tested in certification exams from companies like Adobe, Google, and Salesforce.
Conclusion
In my opinion, LinkedIn Learning presents a remarkable opportunity for professional development. Although mastering new skills requires dedication, it doesn’t always have to come with a financial burden.
I firmly believe that career limitations are self-imposed. We are free to explore diverse paths; we simply need the right tools to navigate them.
What do you think about LinkedIn Learning? Will you consider trying it out? Feel free to share which courses or learning paths pique your interest!
Michelle’s Background
Michelle grew up in East Boston, MA, and earned a BA in Creative Writing with a Minor in Psychology from Lesley University. She has experience as an Editorial Intern at DigBoston Magazine and as an Editorial Mentor Intern at The Marble Collection. Previously, she managed over 50 editorial projects at Elsevier in Cambridge, MA.
She has volunteered at 826 Boston as a college essay writing tutor and participated as a panelist for aspiring teen writers at the Boston Public Library. Michelle’s poetry has been published in several literary magazines, and she is a strong advocate for socioeconomic equality and animal rights.
Learn how to access LinkedIn Learning for free through your library card.
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