Fendral's WGU - Security challenge/experiences
Some of you have already seen my previous posts in the other WGU threads, but I decided that I might as well make my own, as it will help motivate me and get ideas/feedback from other people that have been through the program.
First off, a little about me: I have been in the IT field for about 5 years, had done some college in the past, but sitting in class for 5 months learning things I already knew was not for me, so I entered the job market. My most recent position was that of IT manager for a mid-sized multistate recycling company, but was laid off in November due to the economy. After searching around for a new position, decided to take the time I had and look into finishing a degree, as it would help get past the HR wall at most places.
Enter WGU- The first place I had heard of WGU was here, when I was looking up things about taking my CCNA. At first I dismissed it as another ITT tech or UoP knockoff, but upon actually looking into it decided that not only was it much more, its competency approach would be perfect with my prior knowledge and ease of picking up new things.
After applying my registration process went very smoothly, I did not have any of the hiccups that some other TE members have experienced with their enrollment councilors. I was always called on time, and she had good information whenever I asked questions, so it appears that the enrollment process can be very hit-or-miss depending on who you get assigned.
My transfer evaluation came out just about how I expected it to. WGU accepted 39 credits (18 of which were CCNA, CCNA security, and A+, the rest being general ed) leaving me with 83 credits to complete.
My initial plans were to try and complete the degree in two terms. I am now hoping to be able to do it in a single term but will not be very disappointed if it does indeed take the two.
My 'orientation mentor' for the first two months is great, I wish that I could keep him for the duration. He so far has let me decide when I am ready for an exam, and hasn't pushed back at all on the speed in which I want to go.
I started May 1st (last Tuesday) and have so far already passed CLC1 and KET1. I do not yet have my webcam, but there is a testing site for the WGU exams less than 5 miles from my house (If only they did the IT certs, my testing center for those is about 1:15 away. I have also already scheduled the exams for WFV1 (IT Fundamentals I) and CTV1 (Security+) for this Monday.
If all goes as planned (and with scoring in the 800's on all uCertify practices for Sec+ I don't expect problems) that will be 14 CU's, and my entire first terms worth of work done before the first complete week of my term.
I have passed the preassessments for all of the other WGU objective classes I have to take, and am now just trying to decide what to work on next.
