When I decided to pursue an MBA to level up my career in product management, I quickly realized traditional universities weren’t going to work for me. I looked at options in Canada, Athabasca University, the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, but they all came with the same deal breakers: $100K price tags and rigid two-year, full-time commitments. Taking that much time off would’ve meant sacrificing not just money, but critical years of hands-on experience in my field.
That’s when I discovered Western Governors University (WGU). Its online, competency-based model offered the flexibility and affordability I needed. Most importantly, it let me move at my own pace which turned out to be fast. I completed my entire MBA in just one term.
Treating School Like a Full-Time Job
I approached my WGU journey like a 9-to-5 job. Every day, I dedicated four focused hours to coursework, aiming to finish one course every two weeks. I communicated this schedule clearly to my family, especially my wife, so they knew when I needed uninterrupted time. That structure was key. Without set hours and boundaries, it would’ve been easy to let momentum slip.
The Power of the Competency-Based Model
WGU’s model rewards what you already know and lets you accelerate through material you master quickly. My first course took about a month, mostly because I was still figuring out how the system worked. But once I tapped into WGU’s hidden playbook, study guides, Reddit threads, and YouTube channels like WGU Cameron, I realized every assessment was highly predictable if you knew where to look.
I preferred Performance Assessments (PAs) over Objective Assessments (OAs). PAs gave me clear rubrics and direct prompts, while OAs sometimes felt vague. My advice? Always, always read the rubric and assignment instructions word for word, they tell you exactly what you need to do.
The Hardest and Most Rewarding Courses
The toughest course by far was MMT2 (Management Communication). Four OAs, dense material, and a heavy emphasis on creativity (not my strong suit) made it a slog. But on the flip side, Accounting for Decision Makers became my favorite. I’d always struggled with balance sheets and income statements, but this course gave me real confidence in financial analysis, a skill I now use daily in product management.
My Top 3 Tips for Future WGU Students
- Use the study guides. They highlight the exact chapters, concepts, and topics you need nothing extra.
- Join the WGU subreddit. The community shares invaluable tips, templates, and moral support.
- Email course instructors early. Don’t wait until you’re stuck. They’re there to help, and a quick question can save you hours.
The Best Decision I Almost Didn’t Make
I spent three months on the fence, wondering if I should enroll. Looking back, that hesitation was my only regret. Once I committed, everything clicked. And the payoff? I landed a new job soon after graduation my interviewer was genuinely impressed that I’d earned an MBA so quickly and efficiently.
Crossing that finish line brought a deep sense of pride. Not just because I earned a degree, but because I proved to myself that with discipline, focus, and the right support system, I could achieve a big goal without putting my life on hold.
Would I recommend WGU? Absolutely, especially if you’re a working professional ready to take ownership of your education. It’s not easy, but it’s designed for people like us: self-starters who want to grow without hitting pause on their careers.
Just start. You’ll be glad you did.