We are excited to announce that LinkedIn has expanded its partnership with VA and is now offering Servicemembers and Veterans one year of access to its professional development site, Lynda.com, at no cost.

This online learning company offers thousands of on-demand courses for users to build their business, software, technology, creative and other skills for achieving personal and professional goals. The partnership underscores the value of VA Secretary Bob McDonald’s emphasis on strategic partnerships, challenging the VA to expand its partnerships with the private sector to provide enhanced services to our Veterans at no cost to taxpayers.

Servicemembers and Veterans can use their unlimited subscription to take courses in web development, photography, 3-D animation, music production and more, covering all skill levels. Users learn directly from the country’s top teachers at their own pace by accessing courses when and where they want. Users choose from 4,258 video courses with the option of creating custom playlists to watch and share with friends or

In partnership with VA, LinkedIn also offers Servicemembers and Veterans job-search resources and a one-year premium job seeker account on its own site at no cost. Among other benefits, the account gives Veterans greater visibility and insight into the LinkedIn network, free InMails and the benefit of becoming a “featured applicant” when applying for a job.

LinkedIn also allows job seekers to import their profiles with a few simple clicks to create a public Veterans Employment Center™ (VEC) profile. This saves them time and also helps them ensure their professional identity is consistent across both profiles. The VEC hosts LinkedIn training materials tailored for Veteran job seekers. These materials provide transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans with tips and tricks to help them fully leverage LinkedIn’s unique job-seeking tools.

You can begin the process of creating a VEC profile by going to https://www.vets.gov/veterans-employment-center and selecting “job seekers.” The VEC connects transitioning Servicemembers, Veterans and their families with employers that have made a commitment to hire them.

To learn more and take advantage of all LinkedIn’s resources for Servicemembers and Veterans, visit https://veterans.linkedin.com.

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11 Comments

  1. Christina Watkins February 11, 2016 at 11:28

    If you have previously used the LinkedIn free veteran upgrade to premium, are you able to utilize the service or will it only be for new individuals requesting the upgrade? What if you used it and your year is expired? I work in employment and I have encouraged my vets to sign up for the service (and used it myself), so many of them are already in the middle of the free upgrade time or it has expired. Any information is appreciated. Thank you.

  2. Clashbot February 10, 2016 at 12:59

    my name is ramazan and i am a veteran that lives in Washington DC and i would like to Learn how to be a Computer Technician either on the job Training or at a Technical school or E.T.C. can someone teach me how to build a computer and fix a computer

  3. Scott February 5, 2016 at 23:25

    I served from 1976 to 1980 in the USN, I had the original GI Bill. It ran out. I want to go finish up on a degree. What help can I get from the VA? Any info is very appreciated, thank you.

  4. Joel Villazana February 5, 2016 at 12:32

    Almost Homeless and attempting to avoid being homeless veteran
    03/31/16 Lease is up and I have no job and unemployment benefits expire 02/26/16
    Wife and I looking for one bedroom apartment and I am disabled and not able to
    do physical work. I applied and requested assistance thru local VA Office
    And I have to waite until information is reviewed and hopefully get assistance of some sort
    to avoid becoming a homeless vet and spouse team
    I am willing relocate

    • Michelle hardy February 6, 2016 at 12:47

      Joel. The VA can help by getting you fast tracked on section 8 through the hud/VASH program. They will set you up with a social worker who will help you step by step. I know because they helped me. It kept a roof over my head and is helping me with any obstacles I’m having with being self sufficient.

  5. Charles E. Starks February 4, 2016 at 21:32

    As-a vet. Where do I sign up for Free courses?

  6. Jessi Woinarowicz February 3, 2016 at 12:47

    What a great partnership and service, but 5-7 business days to review the application and approve it? That in itself seems incredibly out-of-date.

  7. Leonard Eugene Campbell February 1, 2016 at 11:46

    I served in the US Naval Service, serial number XXXXXXX. I received December 2015, a summary of benefits

    from the Department of Veterans Affairs. In the letter it mentioned if there was any additional Military

    Information. i served in the Naval Reserves, serial # XXXXXXX. I would like the time served added to my records.

    I was give an Honorable Discharged for Medical Reasons. Years later, I was drafted to the US Army and served in

    South Vietnam.

  8. J.T Smith January 29, 2016 at 18:08

    LinkedIn continues to impress.This is fantastic information.

  9. Maurice L Welch January 29, 2016 at 16:29

    i want to learn how to build a computer and fix a computer i live in Washington DC my name is Maurice and i am a Marine Corps Veteran that wants a new career as a Computer Technician

  10. Maurice L Welch January 29, 2016 at 16:21

    my name is Maurice and i am a veteran that lives in Washington DC and i would like to Learn how to be a Computer Technician either on the job Training or at a Technical school or E.T.C. can someone teach me how to build a computer and fix a computer

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