One strategy companies have utilized is giving their employees access to learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning and encouraging upskilling. In fact, over 60% of Fortune 100 companies provide their employees with access to LinkedIn Learning, according to the platform.

With more than 26,000 courses in its catalog, LinkedIn concedes volume alone does not win the education skills game—solutions do—and their platform is embracing AI technology to do so. Today, LinkedIn Learning rolled out new features to enable human skills, like delivering a performance review or providing feedback, to be improved through AI-powered coaching.

The addition pairs with its AI-powered chatbot that has sought to address a problem in the education world: finding coursework that is relevant and worth the commitment. As an example, when searching for “AI” as a skill to skill on LinkedIn Learning, hundreds of results populate, and thousands more exist for other subjects.

“AI is helping people navigate our large library so they can ultimately get the skills they need,” says Dan Brodnitz, head of global content for LinkedIn Learning. “So, that’s one of those cases where AI is the solution to the challenge of needing this vast coverage.”

Using AT to teach AI—and other subjects

Users of LinkedIn Learners today will experience a far different experience than just a few years ago. AI-powered tools are now paramount to the experience. They can be used to set skills goals, provide career advice, and most notably, suggest relevant LinkedIn Learning courses. The newest AI-powering coaching, via text or voice, puts learning in conversation, says Jill Raines, senior director of product management at LinkedIn.

“We approach learning as a problem,” she says.

“Every learner, every client, needs the course or courses they need to solve their problem or to develop their skills. And so a lot of what we’re developing starts with an understanding of the challenge of the moment,” adds Brodnitz.

For example, when writing to the AI, “I want to become a Fortune 500 CEO. How can I get there?” It may recommend a course about the evolution of the CEO and ask a follow question about if skills like leadership, strategic thinking, or communication are being used in one’s current role.

Once inside a course, the AI is able to scan the course transcript and outside key takeaways—something can be tremendously helpful for learners. Plus, it’ll let you know if, and how, the course can be a good fit for career goals.

This can be considered good news for workers, who themselves are on the hunt for effective ways to learn more about how they can apply generative AI to their own tasks. In fact, a survey of 30,000 workers found that over half want their companies to do better at providing the necessary training to obtain AI skills.

It is also notable that LinkedIn’s AI is powered by the data collected on the platform, which may cause some data privacy people to sneeze, but anyone can opt out of their data being used for generative AI improvement in LinkedIn’s settings. The current edition is not perfect, either, as sometimes even asking it something about a course, like how long it lasts, is deemed too challenging of a question. However, like any LLMs, the product gets better over time. 

“AI makes it possible for us to spend more time on our tasks that are uniquely human, that are really like our superpowers,” Raines says.

According to LinkedIn, 69% of U.S. executives plan to prioritize hiring candidates with soft skills. It also deemed communication, customer service, leadership, and project management as the most in-demand skills for 2024.

Most popular AI courses on LinkedIn Learning

“What is generative AI?”

• Length: 63 minutes
• Instructor: Pinar Seyhan Demirdag, a “AI director.”
• Learners: More than 1.49 million

“Introduction to Prompt Engineering for Generative AI (2023)”

• Length: 44 minutes
• Instructor: Ronnie Sheer, a “full-stack software developer.”
• Learners: More than 731k

“Introduction to Artificial Intelligence”

• Length: 94 minutes
• Instructor: Doug Rose, an “organizational coach.”
• Learners: More than 641k

Note: Learner numbers as of late October 2024.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of ways to learn about AI and related skills on LinkedIn Learning, but the most important thing to do is to find out which are best for your objectives. In your head, answer questions like:

• How much do I know—or do I think I know—about AI?
• How could I apply to my current role?
• What skills do I need to improve upon, and how can I become more relevant?

Luckily, LinkedIn’s own AI can help you answer some of these questions and analyze the key takeaways. Also, don’t forget about the power of soft skills, as they are becoming increasingly valuable to employers as others are more easily automated. 

“We’re trying to break through and help people find a way to make time for themselves, to invest in themselves, to drive what we think is this existential need,” Raines adds.

According to LinkedIn, the company has insights of 1 billion members, 68 million companies, and 41,000 skills. “There is no platform in skill development platform in the world that is built on the world’s largest set of professional knowledge, that is LinkedIn,” Raines says.

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Frequently asked questions

What is LinkedIn Learning?

LinkedIn Learning is the skills and career development learning platform of LinkedIn. It has over 26,000 courses and certificate programs on highly-sought after topics in areas of business and technology. 

Is LinkedIn Learning free?

No, LinkedIn Learning is not free and will cost at least $19.99 a month. Individuals may be able to get full access free for one month, and certain courses are unlocked for the general public for free periodically. Many companies and higher education institutions also provide free access for their cohorts. 

Are any LinkedIn Learning courses worth it?

Yes, LinkedIn Learning courses can be worth it because many can be paired directly to your existing skills as well as future career goals. Many courses are taught by industry leaders and can be completed in just a few hours.

Is a LinkedIn certificate worth it?

Yes, a LinkedIn certificate can be worth it because the training is industry-recognized, can be posted directly to your LinkedIn profile, and may be included in LinkedIn Learning access.