When it comes to learning new skills, there are a lot of options out there. One popular choice is LinkedIn Learning, where you can find a wide array of courses to help with professional growth.
You might have heard about these courses and wondered if they come with a certified badge of approval. It’s common to get a bit mixed up with all the talk about certification and accreditation.
LinkedIn Learning is a handy resource for anyone looking to boost their skills and advance their career. Although the certificates you get from the platform are not the same as degrees from accredited institutions, they still hold a lot of value in the professional world.
In this article, I’ll explain what LinkedIn Learning is, how its courses work, whether they are certified, and if they can truly help you in your career.
Hang tight as we explore the value of these certificates and how they are viewed in the professional world.
Let’s dive in and learn more about the world of online learning with LinkedIn.
Key Takeaways
- LinkedIn Learning provides a broad range of courses for professional development, taught by industry experts.
- LinkedIn Learning certificates show completion of a course but are not the same as accredited degrees from traditional educational institutions.
- Certificates from LinkedIn Learning can be added to your LinkedIn profile, which may positively influence your professional online presence.
- While not accredited, LinkedIn Learning certificates can still add value to your resume by demonstrating commitment to learning and improving skills relevant to your career.
- Employers may value LinkedIn Learning certificates differently, but showcasing them on your LinkedIn profile is useful for highlighting your dedication to professional growth.
Understanding LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is an online platform that offers a wide range of video courses. These courses are designed to help people pick up new skills or improve the ones they already have. The focus is mainly on professional development, which means they cover topics that can help you do better in your job or find a new one. The platform provides courses in business, creative fields like graphic design or photography, and technology, including programming and data analysis.
Whatever stage you’re at in your career, there’s probably a course that fits your needs. And the best part is that these courses are created by people who know what they’re talking about. These are industry experts who’ve been in the field and have some great insights to share. Whether you’re just starting out, or you’re a seasoned pro looking to stay sharp, LinkedIn Learning has a lot to offer.
Certification vs. Accreditation
In the world of education and professional development, terms like certification and accreditation can get thrown around a lot, so it’s important to know what they mean. A certification is a document that says you’ve completed a course or series of courses and have learned something new. It’s like a virtual pat on the back for finishing the race.
On the other side, accreditation is a kind of stamp of approval from an official group. When a school or program is accredited, it means they’ve been checked out and meet certain standards. Think of it as a seal of quality control. It’s pretty important for traditional degrees because it tells employers and other schools that the education you got meets the standards they expect.
So, when it comes to LinkedIn Learning, you get certifications, not accreditation. It means you can show off that you’ve finished courses and gained knowledge, but it doesn’t carry the same weight as, say, a degree from an accredited university. It’s more about showing your commitment to learning rather than passing a tough standard set by outsiders.
Value of LinkedIn Learning Certificates
The certificates you get from LinkedIn Learning carry their own unique value. They’re a clear signal that you care about professional development. By completing courses, you’re showing that you want to keep getting better at what you do. This is good news for employers because it means you’re likely to be someone who takes initiative and is always improving.
Adding these certificates to your LinkedIn profile can give your online presence a boost. It shows people who check out your profile that you’re committed to your professional growth. What’s more, LinkedIn makes it easy to add these certificates to your profile, and once they’re up there, people in your network can see what you’ve achieved.
This isn’t just about bragging rights – it’s about showing that you’ve put in the time and effort to learn something new and relevant, which is always a good look in the professional world.
How Employers View LinkedIn Learning Certificates
Now, you might be wondering what employers think when they see LinkedIn Learning certificates on your profile or resume. Well, it can depend a lot on the type of job and industry. Some employers think these certificates are great. They show that a person likes to learn and is always looking to get better. This can be really appealing because it means you’re not just sitting still – you’re actively working to improve your skills.
But it’s also good to know that not all employers see these certificates the same way. For some jobs, especially ones that need specific degrees or licenses, a LinkedIn Learning certificate might not mean as much. Still, having these certificates is hardly ever a bad thing. If nothing else, they can be a way to start a conversation during an interview.
If you want to get the most out of your LinkedIn Learning certificates, you should talk about them in the right way. Instead of just listing them, explain what you learned and how it’s helped you in your work. By linking these courses to actual skills or projects, you can make a stronger case for why they matter. This is about showing how your learning applies to the real world, and that can catch an employer’s attention.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, LinkedIn Learning is a handy resource for anyone looking to boost their skills and advance their career. Although the certificates you get from the platform are not the same as degrees from accredited institutions, they still hold a lot of value in the professional world.
By completing courses on LinkedIn Learning, you’re showing a genuine interest in your own development, which can make a great impression on your LinkedIn network and potential employers.
Remember, the key is to highlight not just that you’ve completed the courses, but also how they’ve helped you grow professionally. Whether it’s on your LinkedIn profile or in a job interview, make sure to connect your learning to real-world applications.
In doing this, you’ll demonstrate that you’re not just collecting certificates – you’re gathering knowledge that makes a difference in your work. Keep learning, keep growing, and use every opportunity to show that you’re committed to being your best professional self.
Here are five frequently asked questions about LinkedIn Learning and their certificates:
- Can LinkedIn Learning certificates be used as college credits? LinkedIn Learning certificates generally cannot be used as college credits since they are not accredited by educational institutions. They are meant to supplement your existing education and professional experience.
- Will completing LinkedIn Learning courses help me get a job? While there’s no guarantee, these courses can help you gain new skills and knowledge that might make you more attractive to employers. They also show that you are proactive about your professional development, which can work in your favor.
- How should I display LinkedIn Learning certificates on my resume? You can include a ‘Professional Development’ or ‘Continuing Education’ section in your resume where you list the relevant courses you’ve completed. Be sure to focus on the courses that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- Does LinkedIn Learning offer courses by recognized experts in the field? Yes, many LinkedIn Learning courses are taught by experts who are well-known and respected in their respective industries. This ensures that the content is high-quality and relevant.
- Are LinkedIn Learning courses worth the investment? If you’re looking to enhance your skills for professional development purposes, then yes, LinkedIn Learning can be a worthwhile investment. The platform offers a wide range of topics and the flexibility to learn at your own pace.
