Are LinkedIn Courses Worth it?
In September 2016, LinkedIn launched LinkedIn Learning to further its agenda of better equipping its user base for economic opportunities in line with its core target of linking up the global workforce with opportunities.
Judging from both reviews and the LinkedIn Learning experience, it is not a stretch to say that it is a good product; but then again, not all good products are suitable for everybody. So, are LinkedIn courses worth it? The general answer is yes, but the better question would be whether LinkedIn courses are worth it for you and this is what this article will help you determine.
Convenient access to quality content
Renowned for its professional orientation and its helpful products, LinkedIn has an image to protect. It is not an image they would easily jeopardize by adding a subpar service to their menu. Consequently, every value proposition undergoes rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure it offers maximum value.
In light of this, quality-wise, LinkedIn courses are worth it. They are a great way to learn and equip yourself in a way that aligns with your career trajectory. LinkedIn makes the experience more interesting by personalizing course suggestions based on your activity and profile data. Moreover, the data backed nature of the learning allows you to see how others who have taken particular courses are faring.
Can you afford it
With the question of value and quality out of the way, the next logical consideration is whether you can afford it. Access to LinkedIn courses attracts a $30 monthly subscription fee which automatically upgrades your account into the premium tier activating other additional functionalities.
If the courses are all you are interested in, it is a steep price compared with other online education offerings. In fact, you can get better deals elsewhere even though you may have to forego the personalized suggestions and data backed nature of the LinkedIn Learning. However, if the features of a premium account will add significant value to your LinkedIn experience, then, the fee is worth it.
What are your learning habits?
You may come across a great course, that could propel your career forward, but if you do not have discipline and the desire to learn, a 2-hour course could take you weeks to complete and in such a case, you would not be getting your money’s worth.
In consideration of this, assess yourself pragmatically first. If you have a hard time finishing a book or two books a year, taking full advantage of LinkedIn courses will be challenge unless you cultivate the drive. Take advantage of personal improvement content on bitgale.com and other quality sites to achieve this. On the other hand, if you love learning, chances are that you will make the most of the service.
You already have a premium account
If you have a premium account, access to the courses is an added benefit. You do not even have to bother with other deliberations and all you should focus on is consuming as much of the content as you can to improve your professional standing. The same holds true if you are a heavy LinkedIn user subscribing to the higher packages.
What are your professional goals?
LinkedIn courses are great channel to bulk out and polish your skillset, and if the same is your goal, subscribing may be worth it. Define your professional targets first and you will get a clearer idea whether LinkedIn courses will be of benefit. If you are already at the pinnacle of your career, LinkedIn courses may not do as much for you as they would if you were trying to acquire skills necessary to get your next promotion, for instance.
You are willing to share the content
If you know other people who would benefit from particular courses, then, LinkedIn courses may be worth it. Keep in mind that this will mean sharing your credentials. Hence, it should be people you trust. In other words, you will be sharing your account to give others access to the courses. If you wish, you can strike a deal with two close friends with whom you share career interests, and share the subscription fee.
LinkedIn also has an organizations package which makes the courses more financially appealing. Under this arrangement, the minimum number of subscriptions are five. It is a great plan if you wish to train your employees on a particular issue cost effectively.
Stay ahead of the professional evolution curve
The highly sought skills of yesteryears, are not the trending skills of today. In fact, history shows that the majority of currently blooming professional categories were non-existent a mere five years ago. It is, therefore, important to keep evolving with the labor market to remain highly relevant. LinkedIn courses are cutting-edge and from such a perspective, they are worth it as they can help you maintain a vanguard position.
If you have the discipline to consume course material and you can afford it, do not hesitate to capitalize on LinkedIn courses especially if you are career oriented. LinkedIn does all the work for you, and all you have to do is learn.