How to Get Free Courses on Linkedin Learning?
How to Get Free Courses on LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is a robust platform that offers thousands of courses on a wide range of topics—from business and technology to creative skills. While it’s a subscription-based service, there are multiple strategies you can employ to access its valuable content for free. This guide will cover everything from free trials to leveraging institutional resources.
1. Start with the Free Trial
The simplest and most common way to get free courses on LinkedIn Learning is by signing up for their free trial. Here’s what you need to know:
- Free Trial Duration:
LinkedIn Learning typically offers a free trial period—often lasting for one month—during which you can access the entire course library without restrictions. This gives you ample time to complete several courses or at least sample many of them. - How to Sign Up:
- Visit the LinkedIn Learning website.
- Click on “Start free trial” or a similar button.
- You will be prompted to log in with your LinkedIn account or create a new one if you don’t already have one.
- Provide the necessary details and, if required, a credit card. Remember to cancel before the trial expires if you don’t want to be charged.
- Maximizing Your Trial:
- Plan Your Learning: Before you begin your trial, make a list of the courses you want to take. Prioritize the ones that are most relevant to your career or interests.
- Set a Schedule: Dedicate a specific amount of time each day or week to work through the courses. This will help you maximize the free period.
- Download Videos: Some courses allow you to download videos for offline viewing (if the option is available), which can be handy if you want to review the content later.
2. Utilize Library and Institutional Access
Many public libraries and academic institutions provide free access to LinkedIn Learning as a service for their members or students. Here’s how you can take advantage of this:
- Public Libraries:
- Many local libraries have partnerships with LinkedIn Learning. Check your library’s website or contact them to see if they offer free access.
- Typically, you can sign in with your library card credentials to access the courses. This is particularly useful if you’re looking for professional development courses or technical training.
- Universities and Colleges:
- If you are a student, faculty, or even sometimes an alumnus, your institution might have a subscription to LinkedIn Learning.
- Visit your university’s library website or student portal to see if LinkedIn Learning is listed as a resource.
- Institutional access not only gives you free access to courses but may also provide additional resources like workshops and study guides.
- Workplace or Professional Associations:
- Many organizations and professional associations partner with LinkedIn Learning to offer their employees or members free access. Check with your HR department or professional society to see if such benefits are available.
3. Employer-Provided Access
If you are employed, there’s a good chance that your company might already have a subscription to LinkedIn Learning as part of its employee development program. Here’s how to tap into this benefit:
- Internal Training Programs:
- Ask your supervisor or human resources department if your company provides access to LinkedIn Learning.
- Many companies include LinkedIn Learning as part of their learning and development programs to help employees enhance their skills.
- Professional Development Budgets:
- Some companies allocate a budget for professional development that can be used for online courses.
- Even if your company doesn’t provide a direct subscription, they might be willing to reimburse you for a LinkedIn Learning subscription or encourage you to use it during work hours.
- Internal Communication:
- Keep an eye on internal newsletters or intranet postings; companies often announce when they’re rolling out new training platforms or resources.
4. Look for Special Promotions and Partnerships
LinkedIn Learning occasionally offers special promotions that grant free access to specific courses or even the entire library for a limited time. Here are some ways to stay informed:
- LinkedIn Announcements:
- Follow LinkedIn Learning’s official blog or social media channels where they announce promotions, free courses, or limited-time offers.
- Seasonal Offers:
- During certain times of the year—such as back-to-school periods, holidays, or industry events—LinkedIn Learning may offer promotions that allow free access.
- Email Newsletters:
- Sign up for newsletters from LinkedIn Learning or related professional development sites to receive updates on free trial extensions or special offers.
- Partnerships:
- Occasionally, LinkedIn Learning partners with other organizations or websites, offering free access as part of a larger initiative. Keep an eye out for such opportunities through industry news or forums.
5. Explore Free Alternatives
While LinkedIn Learning is a premium resource, there are several free alternatives that offer high-quality courses. You can consider these if you’re looking for additional resources or if you want to supplement your learning:
- Coursera and edX:
- These platforms offer many free courses from top universities. Although some courses require payment for certification, auditing them is usually free.
- Khan Academy:
- Khan Academy offers free educational videos and practice exercises on a variety of subjects, which can be a good supplement to your learning on LinkedIn Learning.
- YouTube Educational Channels:
- Many educators and professionals share their knowledge on YouTube. Channels like CrashCourse, MIT OpenCourseWare, and others can provide valuable insights and tutorials.
6. Tips for Maximizing Free Learning Opportunities
- Set Clear Goals:
- Define what you want to achieve from your learning experience. Whether it’s mastering a new software, improving your business skills, or advancing in your career, having clear objectives will help you choose the right courses.
- Create a Learning Schedule:
- With limited free access, time management is key. Plan your study sessions in advance to cover as much content as possible during the free period.
- Engage Actively:
- Take notes, complete exercises, and participate in any available discussions. Active engagement improves retention and helps you make the most of the courses.
- Share with Others:
- Discuss what you’ve learned with peers or join online forums. Sharing insights not only reinforces your understanding but might also alert you to additional free resources.
- Keep Track of Expiry Dates:
- If you’re using a free trial, set a reminder to cancel the subscription if you do not wish to continue. This helps avoid unexpected charges.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to use a free trial, leverage institutional access, benefit from employer-provided subscriptions, or take advantage of special promotions, there are multiple ways to access LinkedIn Learning courses for free. The key is to stay informed, plan your learning journey, and maximize the resources available. By taking a proactive approach, you can gain valuable skills and knowledge without incurring additional costs, making professional development more accessible and cost-effective.
Remember, continuous learning is an investment in your future, and with a bit of research and planning, you can tap into a wealth of educational content at no cost. Enjoy your learning journey on LinkedIn Learning and beyond!
Let me know if you need further details or have any questions about accessing free courses on LinkedIn Learning.