LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform that offers over 16,000 courses in business, technology, and creative skills. Many schools and universities provide students with access to LinkedIn Learning as part of their enrollment. Using LinkedIn Learning with a school account provides students with a wealth of learning resources to support their education.
Getting Access
The first step is to find out if your school offers access to LinkedIn Learning. Many schools provide access instructions on their website, often through the library or IT departments. You may need to search your school’s website or ask an administrator to learn if access is offered and how to get set up.
Typically, schools provision access through single sign-on using existing school login credentials. This allows students to access LinkedIn Learning by logging in with their regular student usernames and passwords. Schools manage access on the back-end through an integration with LinkedIn Learning.
Some institutions may provide a special access code that students must use when signing up for a LinkedIn Learning account. Others may require students to login through a portal or special URL for the school’s private version of LinkedIn Learning. Your school should provide instructions on how to login and access courses.
Activating Your Account
Once you’ve obtained access credentials from your school, navigate to the LinkedIn Learning website at www.linkedin.com/learning. Look for options to sign-in or register using your school account. You may need to select that you are a student joining through your school.
Enter the school-provided credentials when prompted. This may include your regular student login details, a special access code, or directions to login through a school portal. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate your LinkedIn Learning account.
If successful, you should be redirected to the LinkedIn Learning dashboard with full access to courses. Be sure to use the same login method moving forward to access the courses and features enabled by your school.
Navigating the Student Experience
As a student, you receive full access to all 16,000+ courses on LinkedIn Learning. You can browse topics that interest you and take courses at your own pace. Here are some tips for navigating the student learning experience:
- Browse recommended courses on the homepage curated for students.
- Search for courses using the search bar or browse by category.
- Add courses to your playlist using the “Save” button.
- View course details like duration, skill level, and description before enrolling.
- Track course progress in your Learning dashboard and mark courses complete.
- Access course materials like practice files to supplement video instruction.
As you take more courses, LinkedIn Learning will recommend related follow-up courses to expand your skills. Student accounts do not offer certificates of completion, but you can add courses to your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills.
Accessing Learning Pathways
LinkedIn Learning offers curated learning pathways designed to build skills in key disciplines like design, business analysis, IT, leadership, marketing, and more. Learning pathways provide an organized sequence of courses to help you master foundational and specialized skills.
To view recommended learning pathways:
- Go to the Learning dashboard
- Scroll down to the Learning Pathways section
- Browse pathway recommendations or search for a specific subject
- Select “View” on a pathway to see the sequence of courses
- Start the pathway and take included courses in order
Learning pathways allow you to focus your learning on structured skill development in areas relevant to your studies and career goals.
Using Course Playlists
Playlists allow you to organize and track courses in a personalized learning plan. Build playlists around interests, goals, subjects, and required skills. To use playlists:
- Find a course you want to take and select “Save”
- Choose “Add to new playlist” and title the playlist
- Find other relevant courses to add to the same playlist
- Access your playlist on the Learning dashboard
- Mark courses complete as you finish them to update your progress
Playlists provide a convenient way to group related courses and view your overall progress on skill development. You can create unlimited playlists tailored to your needs as a student.
Tracking Your Skills
LinkedIn Learning offers a Skills feature that allows you to assess and track your proficiency across various skillsets related to your courses. To use Skills:
- Go to the Skills section of your Learning dashboard
- Browse the predefined skills and select ones to add
- Rate your initial proficiency level from beginner to expert
- Take relevant courses mapped to each skill
- Return and rate your improved skill level after completing courses
The Skills section provides visibility into skill gaps and your strengthening expertise over time. Prioritize upskilling in areas tagged to your courses and learning pathways.
Receiving Recommendations
LinkedIn Learning offers personalized course recommendations based on your learning activity and interests. The more courses you take, the better the recommendations become. Ways to access recommendations include:
- Checking the Recommended Courses section on your homepage
- Viewing suggestions on a course page after you enroll
- Enabling weekly recommendation emails in your account settings
- Looking for the next course prompt after completing a course
Recommendations help direct your ongoing learning with relevant courses to build your skills. Be sure to review suggestions regularly to discover your next course.
Learning on Mobile
The LinkedIn Learning mobile apps for iOS and Android allow you to continue your learning anytime, anywhere. Mobile access includes features like:
- Streaming courses online and offline
- Downloading courses for offline viewing
- Bookmarking specific sections for future reference
- Completing practice exercises on mobile
- Receiving notifications when new courses are available
Search for “LinkedIn Learning” in the app stores to install on your devices. Sync your learning across all platforms for maximum flexibility and convenience.
Getting Help and Support
If you ever need assistance with LinkedIn Learning as a student, explore these help options:
- Access LinkedIn Learning support through the Help Center link
- Start a chat session for live help from the support team
- Check if your school provides dedicated IT support for LinkedIn Learning
- Ask professors and administrators how students commonly get assistance
Support varies by school, but LinkedIn Learning offers robust official help resources online. Reach out if you have any issues accessing your student account or courses.
Making the Most of Your Access
With over 16,000 courses, LinkedIn Learning offers tremendous opportunities to complement your education. Here are some best practices for putting your access to good use:
- Explore pathways and courses in your major or degree field
- Use elective course time to expand your skillset
- Develop general skills like writing, communication, and presentation skills
- Take courses that support internship and career readiness
- Discover new interests and topics you’re curious about
- Supplement gaps in your knowledge from classes
- Resume or expand learning during school breaks
Keep an open mind, and don’t be afraid to go beyond your core academics. LinkedIn Learning enables lifelong learning habits that serve you during and beyond your school years.
Using LinkedIn Learning After Graduation
The learning doesn’t stop just because you graduated. As you begin your career, independent learning through platforms like LinkedIn Learning is essential for staying competitive and advancing professionally. Ways to continue learning include:
- Maintaining your student account if access remains active post-graduation
- Exploring discounted paid options like individual or team plans
- Viewing alumni benefits or sponsored access through your alma mater
- Seeking employer-provided access as a workplace learning benefit
- Using a free one-month trial of LinkedIn Premium to access Learning
- Considering a personal Learning subscription if highly valuable
Continue accessing Learning content through low or no-cost options. The investment in career-long learning pays dividends across your professional journey.
Conclusion
Student access provides a precious opportunity to expand your education using LinkedIn Learning’s comprehensive and high-quality resources. Follow your school’s provided instructions to activate your account and begin exploring. Structure your learning using playlists and pathways aligned to academic and career goals. Finally, develop habits and discipline as a learner to support your continuing growth and success.