On December 20, 2020 (my birthday), I completed Nexford University (NXU) MBA program with a specialization in Managing Hyper Connectivity. Nexford University is an American online university offering programs in Business and digital technology, with students’ enrolment in approximately 70 countries.
I got enrolled into NXU MBA program by September 2020 and completed the 4 Foundation Courses in 1 month, a program normally completed in 4 months.
In October, I was automatically enrolled into the Core MBA program. In 3 months (October to December) I completed the 10 Core MBA courses plus 2 Electives, rounding up the entire MBA program in 4 months and breaking the University’s global record hitherto held by, Ahmed Elmasry, an Egyptian who completed his MBA in 5 months.
Upon the release of my certificate and academic record by Nexford University, my course mates from around the world and Nigeria, have been asking how I was able to do it. They asked that I should show them the tricks. I have had difficulty providing this answer to all, hence the reason for this piece.
Let me first start with my background:
I had a science and technology background right from secondary school. I had no foundation in business or accounting education. After my secondary school, I have obtained several computing qualifications: OND in Computer Data Engineering, HND in Computer Science, PGD in Information Technology, BSc (Hons) in Computer Science and MTech in Information Technology.
The afore-mentioned qualifications are not exhaustive, as I have acquired training in several other professional qualifications and IT certifications.
So, you can see, I have no prior Business or Accounting knowledge.
DON BOSCO UNIVERSITY, INDIA
Before my admission into NXU, I have had an MBA admission offer in 2016 from Don Bosco University (DBU), India. After payment of the first-year tuition deposit, DBU dispatched 10 textbooks covering 10 courses to me. Each of the textbooks was like a bible (in big volume). When I pondered over how I am going to be able to read the textbooks and prepare for exams. I got discouraged and discontinued the program, but I read some introductory chapters of the textbooks.
UNIVERSITY OF THE PEOPLE, USA
In 2018, while searching for an affordable, accredited online (e-learning) university offering MBA program, I stumbled upon the University of the People (UOPEOPLE). I applied, got admission, and started the program. At the end of the first term and about the time to take the terminal assessment, I got engaged as a Digital Media Consultant to a Governorship Candidate in my state and because it was an electioneering campaign period, I could not settle down to prepare for the UoPeople End of Term Assessment, I discontinued the program.
QUANTIC SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY, USA
In 2020, while still searching for another affordable online American university, I came across Quantic School of Business and Technology, USA. Quantic requested that I first enroll in their MBA Foundation courses to determine if I can proceed to do the full MBA. At the end of foundation courses, I passed and was offered admission to do their Executive MBA (EMBA). The cost of the EMBA was well above my reach, I couldn’t continue.
NEXFORD UNIVERSITY, WASHINGTON DC, USA
Because I wanted an affordable online university whose study program will not conflict with my other engagements, I started scouting the web again. This time around, I stumbled on Nexford University.
One striking thing that drew my attention to Nexford University was its strategic marketing campaign. This is a university that has invested heavily in digital marketing. Across all digital platforms, I kept seeing Nexford University ads. From Facebook to Instagram, to YouTube, to LinkedIn, to Twitter. It was at this point that I decided to research more about the school. I eventually discovered that the University is a newly established accredited American online university based in Washington DC and founded by Fadl Al Tarzi.
According to Fadl, he founded Nexford University with a vision to enable greater social and economic mobility through high-quality, affordable education.
Believe me, Nexford University is a next-generation university with a difference. Not only has it disrupted the learning system where learners were encouraged to memorize books for exams, it has leveraged IT to transform how students learn. Once you are able to pass the academic rigour of NXU, the knowledge acquired in the process is ingrained in your DNA and sticks like adhesive.
How did I pull the string?
Now, to answer the one million question of how I was able to ace the MBA in 4 months, in the introductory paragraph of this piece, I stated clearly that I have been a science and technology person with a very solid background in mathematics, I have had no accounting and business knowledge.
Following my several attempts to acquire an MBA degree, I have been exposed to the elementary aspect of business and accounting education in the process. I was able to tackle the accounting mathematics component of the course because of my practical knowledge of Microsoft Excel and the use of its formula to automate accounting calculations. I also have a rich history in computing, giving me a strong foundation to “think like a computer.”
STUDY TIPS
APA Referencing Style:
The very first challenge most learners have, is with the use of APA referencing style used in Nexford. I realised a lot of students have difficulty understanding it and, in some cases, it takes learners more than one month to understand it. To learn faster, I used an online APA auto-citation generator, that allows me to quickly reference sources.
Link: https://www.scribbr.com/apa-citation-generator/
Study Modules and tricks:
My reading starting point in any given course is the assignment requirements. Once I read the question and understood the requirement, I will then go on to the learning module for that particular assignment and read carefully, looking for where it answers the question. Otherwise, I will use external sources to understand how to tackle the questions.
I relied heavily on YouTube video tutorials, as it makes it easier for me to understand a topic faster. For instance, understanding and interpreting Financial Statements. Video explanation with examples will offer a faster insight into the understanding of a complex line item.
Computer Setup:
I always set up 2 computers for my research studies, while one will serve as my workstation, the other will serve as an alternative screen to enable me quickly cross reference study sources and materials and type out what I have extracted on the workstation.
If need be, I split the screen of the workstation into 2 working windows to quickly copy and paste contents.
How to split windows screen for multi-tasking:
Grammar Check:
I used a grammar-checking cloud-based application to check my grammar as I type, to eliminate unnecessary grammar error.
Link: https://www.grammarly.com/
Infographic Solution:
I used Microsoft Visio application to answer all assignments relating to drawing infographics, flow chart, and diagrams of any types.
Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-ww/microsoft-365/visio/flowchart-software
Time Management:
For the 4 months study period, I slept only 3 hours at night. On working days, I studied from 7 pm to 11 pm, slept from 12 midnight to 3 am. Spent another 2 hours from 3 am to 5 am and then on Saturdays and Sundays, I spent a total of 6 to 7 hours daily.
Studying on-the-go:
I installed the Neo LMS on all my mobile devices. If I am not within a computer system or not with my laptop, I used the NEO LMS to look up for assignment requirement and read from external sources on how to answer the assignment, making notes using Samsung Notepad.
Neo LMS Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edu20.NEOLMS&hl=en&gl=US
Success Advisors and Course Facilitators:
Nexford University has a rich pool of qualified professors and teaching faculties. Reach out to them immediately in any area you have difficulty understanding. As soon as you know your course professor, send him or her a personal email and introduce yourself. That way, you have established a good relationship and possibly commit your name to his memory, it helps.
Assignments Submission:
I ensured I submitted all my assignments for a course before the 20th of every month so I can be enrolled for another course before the 1st of another month.
I hope I have answered the question of how I was able to ace the Nexford MBA in 4 Months.
To the current learners, I wish us the best study experience.
Destiny Young
Writes from Port Harcourt
Can be reached at:
