Our WGU MBA Journey: A Married Couple's Perspective – Part 2

Read Part 1 here - https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/our-wgu-mba-journey-married-couples-perspective-part-1-kim-trent-i6fjc%3FtrackingId=wAl%252BZEkDZXdjP9a2EQ2CBw%253D%253D/?trackingId=wAl%2BZEkDZXdjP9a2EQ2CBw%3D%3D

Dual Degrees, One Roof: Navigating a Year of Learning & Life at WGU

MBA Coursework and Learning Model:

We ( Matt Trent ) quickly realized that our extensive experience in corporate environments and Matt's as a business owner was a significant asset in navigating WGU's competency-based learning model. This innovative approach, which focuses on mastering skills and knowledge rather than just clocking classroom hours, resonated deeply with our practical, real-world experiences. The model allowed us to apply our existing professional insights directly to our coursework, making the learning process both relevant and engaging. We found that our years of handling real business scenarios enabled us to grasp complex concepts more intuitively and to contribute meaningfully to discussions and projects. The model's emphasis on practical competence over theoretical knowledge was a perfect fit for our backgrounds, allowing us to not only progress efficiently through the MBA program but also to enrich our learning with a depth of professional perspective that we wouldn't have otherwise had.

For both of us, the online coursework and resources at WGU helped to shape our learning experience. We found the digital platform provided by WGU was a sufficiently interactive learning environment that supported our pre-work and our individual, unique study habits. The coursework was structured, integrating various multimedia elements.? Resources such as video lectures, interactive quizzes, and comprehensive digital libraries were at our fingertips, allowing us to research and study topics at our own pace. We both found methods in each course that catered to our unique learning styles. The convenience and flexibility of these online tools not only accommodated our busy schedules but also significantly enhanced our ability to absorb and apply the knowledge gained.

Kim's most enjoyable MBA course:

The Marketing course in the MBA curriculum was the most enjoyable for me, particularly the final paper. I found it so engaging because it allowed me to apply my creativity while also using my analytical skills. For the assignment, students were required to select a foreign market for product marketing, choose a fictional or existing business, and then develop products to be sold exclusively in that foreign market. I tasked myself with positioning a line of body and home care products for this market and immersed myself in a fascinating mix of culture, consumer behavior, and market dynamics. This project was a perfect blend of creativity and analytical thinking, enabling me to apply the outlined competencies, from analyzing global market opportunities to designing strategic marketing plans.

Kim's most challenging MBA course:

If someone had told me prior to starting my MBA that I'd start dreaming in numbers, formulas, and financial calculator sequences, I would've laughed. But then came my Financial Management course at WGU. This course was my Everest - challenging, daunting, and apparently, a ticket to nightly number-crunching dreams. Night after night, during my time period in this course, it was like my brain ran its own after-hours finance boot camp. I'd wake up mumbling about balance sheets and ROI, much to the amusement (and slight concern) of my family. I was relieved, to say the least, when I felt I had studied hard enough to take the practice test and pass the final exam. ?In the end, I emerged not just with a solid grasp on financial management but also with a funny story about the nightly invasion of numbers, symbols and financial terminology into my subconscious.

Matt's most enjoyable MBA course:

Matt's favorite MBA class was "Global Economics for Managers." The knowledge he gained in this course complemented his longstanding interest in economics. The course's focus on using economic tools and techniques to solve organizational problems explored topics that have always interested him. He most valued how the coursework observed the impact of economic and political forces on decision-making at an executive and managerial level. He also enjoyed further study of how changes in global economic factors affect production and consumption.

Matt's most challenging MBA course:

For Matt, the most challenging course in his MBA journey was Operations Management. Unlike his other classes, he found the material here somewhat dry, which contrasted with the more engaging content he had encountered in other areas. Adding to the challenge, this course was the last hurdle before his Capstone project and featured an exam that required intensive preparation. At this point in his studies, Matt had been progressing through the MBA curriculum at a remarkable pace, and the signs of burnout were showing. This course, while tough, served as a vital lesson in endurance and resilience, preparing him for the final stretch of his MBA program.

Balancing Studies with Other Commitments:

During our individual MBA journeys at WGU during 2021, Matt and I both created detailed planning calendars, meticulously allotting time for studying and writing papers on four out of five weeknights each week and set times on the weekends. This planning calendar is also an activity incorporated into the WGU Orientation for the MBA program.? We took these schedules seriously.? These schedules were not just about our academic pursuits; they incorporated our kids' activities, ensuring we remained connected and involved in their lives. We both also incorporated a weekly night off from MBA activities when possible, understanding the importance of downtime for our mental well-being. To stay on track, we set and adhered to specific deadlines for submitting papers and taking exams in each class. Sticking to these self-imposed deadlines was important, as it allowed us to progress through the program at a steady pace and reach our educational goals without compromising our family time or work responsibilities.

Support and Mentorship:

Throughout our MBA program at WGU, both Matt and I used the support and guidance offered by our Program Mentors and the MBA course instructors when we had challenges with some aspect of a course. The process of scheduling appointments with instructors was very easy, thanks to WGU's user-friendly online system. These sessions were invaluable; the instructors we met with individually were incredibly supportive, adeptly addressing whatever difficulties we were facing. I will also note that these course instructors are separate from those responsible for grading papers and exams, which added a layer of objectivity and comfort to our interactions.

Outcomes and Career Impact:

From my perspective, getting my MBA from WGU in an accelerated timeframe turned out to be a significant career milestone for me in the corporate position I had at that time. It wasn't just the achievement of the degree itself, but the visibility it granted me among the leadership in my organization. The in-depth understanding of business operations, strategies, and principles I gained from the course material provided a comprehensive perspective that was immediately applicable to my professional life. However, it was the courses on leadership and business communication that proved to be the most impactful for my career in both the corporate role I had, and my more recent entrepreneurial venture as co-founder of a professional training business. Those courses equipped me with essential skills in managing teams, effective communication, and strategic decision-making.?

For Matt, completing the MBA program at WGU has had a profoundly positive impact on his entrepreneurial journey, particularly in his role as a business owner in the professional career training arena. The depth of knowledge and strategic insights gained from the MBA curriculum have helped to enhance his business acumen, allowing him to offer more comprehensive and informed guidance to his clients. His increased skills in leadership, management, and effective communication have translated directly into his practice, enabling him to coach with greater efficacy and insight. This advanced education has not only bolstered his credibility as a career coach but has also expanded his ability to identify and capitalize on business opportunities in our industry.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our journey through WGU's MBA program was a rewarding experience. Balancing the demands of an accelerated curriculum with our personal and professional lives was challenging, yet immensely fulfilling. The flexibility of WGU's learning model, alongside the practical and comprehensive course content, not only deepened our business acumen but also improved our skills in leadership and communication. The excellent support from Program Mentors and the accessibility of instructors were crucial in our academic success. This endeavor significantly advanced our career paths and also strengthened our capabilities as entrepreneurs, equipping us with the insights and confidence to manage and grow our business. Reflecting on this educational pursuit, we are thankful for the personal and professional development we have achieved. We hope our experiences encourage those considering an MBA to embrace the journey, with all its challenges and rewards.