Pursuing my MBA has always been about more than just earning a degree. I want to develop the leadership, financial, and strategic skills that will allow me to make meaningful contributions in technology, cybersecurity, and business management. For me, this degree is a way to build the foundation I need to lead teams, make smart decisions, and help organizations navigate complex challenges as technology evolves.
When I started my MBA journey, I chose Western Governors University (WGU). I was drawn to WGU because of:
- Its competency-based model, which allowed me to move quickly through material I was already familiar with.
- The affordability, which made financial sense.
- The flexibility, which fit my schedule and personal responsibilities.
- The mentorship model that provided built-in guidance.
- The strong community through Discord, Reddit, and Facebook groups, where students support and connect with each other.
- I previously attended for my business undergrad and loved it!
For a while, WGU was a great fit. But as I progressed, the proctoring system became a major obstacle. Between technical issues, maintenance windows, and disruptions during exams, it started to interfere with my ability to finish at the pace I needed. I had originally planned to stick with it despite some frustrations, but the proctoring challenges led me to explore other options when it came down to having to pay for another term when I wouldn’t have had to prior to the issues.
That’s when I decided to switch to Columbia Southern University (CSU). In making my decision, I:
- Continued to prioritize flexibility and affordability.
- Saw many positive experiences shared by former students who had completed CSU’s MBA and were glad they chose it over other programs they had considered.
- Even spoke with a few graduates directly, and their feedback helped confirm that CSU offered what I was looking for: a solid program that supports students in reaching the finish line without unnecessary barriers.
Switching programs wasn’t something I took lightly, but it felt right. This change allows me to focus on finishing strong, gaining the knowledge and skills I need without unnecessary stress or technical hurdles. My MBA journey is about growth, leadership, and preparing to make a difference — and I’m excited to do that with Columbia Southern University.
With that said, I still love WGU and do plan to go back to finish out a masters of computer science in artificial intelligence and machine learning as soon as my schedule permits!