Thoughts on University (WGU)
Thoughts about Western Governors University
So its been a week since I started University and, well its going pretty well (knock on wood here.!
But first - what am I reading and playing and…studying?
Reading
Currently I am continuing to read the Dungeon Crawler Carl series and are on book 6 of 7 (currently) The Eye of the Bedlam Bride.
As soon I’m done with book 6 and 7 I am instantly diving into one of my favorite series (Dungeon Crawler is definitely in Top 3 with this series) Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive - Wind And Truth. Super excited to dive into this and discuss and theory craft with my friends.
Playing
So, in my last post I mentioned how I finished Dragon Age Veilguard, mentioning it being a perfect RPG @ 8/10 but after some thinking and reflecting I think I want to put it on 7/10 - still a great RPG but not a Dragon Age game.
Currently I’m making my way through Atlus Metaphor: ReFantazio aka Fantasy Persona. The Persona Games are some of my favorite JRPGs (non-tactical) and I feel Metaphor: ReFantazio are taking a lot of the gameplay to the next level.
…but then Grinding Gear Games (GGG) decided to release Path of Exile 2 in early access. So now I’m currently running with a Frost Monk and chilling my way through the game.
So far, it’s amazing - but then again, I’m very early on in the game and the talent tree is still scaring me to death
Learning
Alright, let’s get started with the main content-
In my first week I managed at Western Governors University (WGU) I actually managed to knock out 3 out of 4 classes I was assigned for this term. After I finish all four classes, I will get one class at the time, allowing me to accelerate my progress and potentially finish my degree in one term (6 months)
My current standing with the program are at 66% (42 CUs remaining) and this is because I transferred in a lot of classes/credits from Sophia.org and Study.com
WGU Term 1 - Completed Classes and my advice:
The classes I have managed to complete this far are:
- C841 - Legal Issues in Information Security
- here you learn about various regulations
- My advice on the tasks: Follow the template. I am not kidding, that is all. You will pass.
- C844 - Emerging Technologies in Cybersecurity
- In this course, we learn about tools (NMAP and Wireshark) and how to use them.
- My advice on the tasks: Think KISS - Keep It Stupid Simple - follow the advice by the instructor and use the following command for NMAP:
- nmap -SV -T4 -A -v –script vulners.nse <IP Address/24>
- Watch the recordings, they will guide you through everything
- Again, KISS - in both the tasks, do not overthink or overdo, only do what they ask in the assignment.
D372 - Introduction to Systems Thinking
- System thinking, is very similar to change management in my opinion > and can be utilized in many ways (Business, Finance, Technology etc.)
- My advice on the tasks: Watch the videos provided
- Use the material provided, and draw out the archetypes
- highlight the information in the word document, what stands out to you.
- Use ChatGPT for clarification. You already do it for work, just keep it ethnical and do not copy paste, you will be marked on it.
- Run your task through Grammarly - it might be sent back otherwise.
D325 - Networks
This class is currently in progress, and I have not completed it, but >here are my resources I plan on using:
Study resources I am planning on using (and are provided by WGU):
How to Pass Your CompTIA N10-009 Network+ Exam - Professor Messer [free!]
- CompTIA Network+ N10-009 Full Course, Labs, Course Notes with Andrew Ramdayal - Use your WGU Account if you are enrolled.
- CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) Full Course & Practice Exam with Jason Dion - Use your WGU Account if you are enrolled.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a say in what order the classes are being assigned to me, but I am confident I can do this.
Some of the classes are also including certifications:
- D325 - Networks - CompTIA N10-009
- C845 - Information Systems Security - ISC(2) SSCP
- D320 - Managing Cloud Security - ISC(2) CCSP
- D332 - Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Analysis - CompTIA Pentest+ and a bunch of CompTIA Certs that end up being stacked, so once you complete some of them, you will get the stacked “certifications” automatically.
Final thoughts so far?
I think, and this is with my very early on experience with WGU - that I would recommend it.
The application (free) and enrollment with the free transfer assessment and me changing my start date (and degree, as I originally were going for a IT Management – B.S. Business Administration Degree, which was 60% completed with my transfer credits, but ended up changing as I find the Cybersecurity degree much more interesting) have been a smooth experience.
The enrollment councilor had no problems with me moving my start date or no objection when I came back a week before my initial start date I wanted to change degree and move the start date forward multiple times in fact) and they were very supportive with introducing me to the new councilor.
I know they are using a highly subpar browser Guardian, however, I have not had any experience with it - but I have installed the Google Chrome extension for it, in my Microsoft Edge Browser (Chromium) and hope I won’t have too many technical issues. More on that another time, I’m sure I’ll write up a rant post at some point.
TL;DR - I recommend WGU. Make sure you do certifications and classes through 3rd party services (for example Study.com & Sophia.org) and use your educational reimbursement if you can. Getting a degree for under $5000 is amazing!
Oh and one last thing. Happy to share that I (a while back) completed the Microsoft Cloud Attack & Defense Bootcamp by PwnedLabs and I would highly recommend the bootcamp and their overall training, they offer a lot of amazing training at a great price!
That’s it for now - until next time, tata~