IU Libraries has added LinkedIn Learning to its listing of subscription-based databases available to the IU community. Providing videos and articles on a wide range of topics, LinkedIn Learning allows students, staff, and faculty to aquire technology skills, enhance creativity, and explore strategies for working in the professional world. The tutorials are crafted by experts in their fields: professors, TED speakers, business specialists, and creative thinkers. Students can learn skills to enhance their classroom experience or focus on gaining strategies for life after college. Many of the learning paths result in a digital certificate of completion.
LinkedIn Learning is available via an agreement with IU Human Resources until the end of June 2021. The versatile library offers access to more than 15,000 online courses. Learning at your own pace is attractive to many during this time of remote school and work. According to Jennifer Chaffin, director of IU Libraries Human Resources, “Whether you are just beginning your college career or you are preparing for the workforce, there are LinkedIn Leaning courses for you.”
*Note: The LinkedIn Learning links below will only work if you sign up for an account through IU's LinkedIn Learning.
Using LinkedIn Learning to Amplify Coursework
Utilize LinkedIn Learning to enhance the college learning experience. You can find courses on research, writing, analysis, and managing your time. Deepen your understanding of software programs such as Zoom, Excel, Adobe, or Canvas. Supplement coursework with tutorials on Python, Java, and other web tools. Sharpen your skills concerning data modeling or e-commerce. There’s everything from accounting to customer service, from the music business to diversity training.
Chaffin recommends the following videos to “hone skills that will be your foundation for higher learning:”
- Learning study skills
- Building Self Confidence
- Effective Listening
- Communication Foundations
- Building Resilience
LinkedIn Learning for Career Building Skills
The educational website can be a central partner in career development. There are LinkedIn Learning courses to help you create a dynamic resume and understand the interview process with its intricacies and nuance. The platform even has videos like “What to Do in the First 90 Days of Your New Job” that address how to thrive in a new work culture. Chaffin also suggests the following to help launch a career search:
- Creating Your Personal Brand
- Learning Personal Branding
- Creating Great First Impressions
- Interview Master Class
Soft Skills
LinkedIn Learning analyzed data “from their network of over 660+ million professionals and 20+ million jobs to reveal the 15 top skills in-demand for 2020.” Known as “soft skills,” these are a person’s ability to not only master their current work, but to anticipate and cultivate workplace opportunities. For this year, the top LinkedIn Learning soft skills are creativity, collaboration, adaptability, persuasion, and emotional intelligence. Such proficiencies demonstrate aptitude in team-work and managing ideas. Below are suggestions for each of the top five soft skills from Chaffin:
1) Creativity - Banish Your Inner Critic to Unleash Creativity with Denise Jacobs
2) Persuasion - Persuading Others with Dorie Clark
3) Collaboration - Being an Effective Team Member with Daisy Lovelace
4) Adaptability - Managing Stress for Positive Change with Heidi Hanna
5) Emotional Intelligence - Developing Emotional Intelligence with Gemma Roberts
LinkedIn Learning and LinkedIn Complement One Another
The Center for Career Development and the thirteen other career offices on the IU Bloomington campus recognize the parent organization LinkedIn itself as one of the most useful career resources available. LinkedIn facilitates the networking culture that allows students to actively find internships, jobs, and make necessary connections for professional growth. The Indiana University Alumni Association career department utilizes LinkedIn IU Bloomington to connect alumni and help job seekers network. It is your personal choice to connect your LinkedIn profile with your IU LinkedIn Learning account. If you wish to join the two accounts, the courses and certifications earned from LinkedIn Learning will appear on your LinkedIn profile. Another advantage of connecting the two is that the learning platform will generate courses based on your career interests and experience. To find out more details about accessing and connecting to your LinkedIn account see the FAQ page from IUHR. The Help link at the bottom of the actual LinkedIn Learning page is also full of tips and instructions.
LinkedIn Learning provides students with learning that aligns with personal interests, values, and goals, strengthening their portfoilo and enriching their lives.