by Kathy Bernard
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com), LinkedIn’s online learning platform, let’s you identify the skills you need to further your career and complete courses to gain required knowledge. You can learn about classes with a free account but to take courses, you must pay for a LinkedIn premium account which start at $39.99 for Premium Career (the first month is free).
To get started through LinkedIn, click the “For Business” icon and then select “Learning.” Scroll to “Identify the skills you need to advance your career.” Type in your dream job title, such as “Marketing Vice President.” A list of course buckets will appear, such as “Strategic Marketing” and “Trade Marketing.” Click “Explore” to learn about courses within each bucket. Sort your options to choose your learning level and other filters.
The platform offers more than 9,000 English-language courses created by industry experts with specific learning goals customized to your interests and relevant to the current job market. Many courses provide certificates of completion which you can add to your profile to show current and potential employers you are proactive about your professional development. There are no limits on the number of classes you can take and courses can be taken at your own pace.
Some organizations like your public library or educational institutions may offer access to LinkedIn Learning for free or at a discounted rate for their employees or students, so explore your options and then access LinkedIn Learning to get the training you need to succeed in your career.
Kathy Bernard (kathy@wiseru.com), CEO of WiserU.com, is a St. Louis-based LinkedIn consultant/trainer who equips businesses to maximize LinkedIn for sales, marketing, or fundraising.