LinkedIn is piloting a school to teach workers how to become their own bosses–no degree required

LinkedIn is launching an innovative program called the Academy of Economic Opportunity to teach workers how to become their own bosses without requiring a traditional degree. This free 14-week training initiative enrolled 30 LinkedIn employees in September, with sessions focusing on handling PR crises, making hiring decisions, and pitching investors.

As AI reshapes job demands and job security becomes uncertain, LinkedIn sees more workers seeking alternative paths to economic independence. The company's chief product officer, Hari Srinivasan, noted that the number of people listing "Founder" on their LinkedIn profiles increased by nearly 23% in the past year, signaling a growing interest in entrepreneurship.

A recent Intuit QuickBooks survey found that a third of American adults plan to start a business or side hustle this year, up from 17% a year ago. Gusto's survey of new business owners revealed that half (51%) started their businesses to build financial stability or create a future asset, up from 42% in 2024. LinkedIn hopes to expand the Academy internationally and make it accessible at an affordable price to workers across various industries.

The company has not yet announced public enrollment or pricing. While other institutions like Harvard Business School and Andreessen Horowitz offer alternative paths to entrepreneurship without degrees, LinkedIn's program takes a more practical approach, emphasizing real-world evidence of skills over traditional credentials. However, not all employers have abandoned degree requirements, as a 2024 study found that removing them increased hiring opportunities by only about 97,000 workers annually out of 77 million yearly hires.