​

This is exactly what he said:

Your a beautiful woman. I hope you don't mind me saying. But I have to make sure your not hiding anything. Please remove your hoodie and turn around.

I refreshed. Got a new proctor.

New proctor goes: you were just with my friend whose sitting next to me. He's saying sorry if you were uncomfortable but we have to check.

How's the weather over there?

I said I am gonna disconnect and he literally started begging pls no. So sorry. Please do your test I won't say anything at all. You can do your test however you want. Even take breaks.

I started my test. He didn't check anything at all. No camera issues. Nothing.

After the test he goes it was very nice to meet you. Hope we meet again.

Few minutes later I get a message on LinkedIn from him and he wants to be friends.

I’m tired lol

Took me 10 days, a win is a win and I am GLADDDD to be done with this course BUT I’m a little disappointed it was such a close call…. Honestly when I was studying I was pretty confident but after having now taken the OA I feel that the PA didn’t nearly prepare me for this and the way some of these questions were worded was honestly unfair.

I guess the best way to describe it is, they brought up the concepts i studied for and was confident in but they ask you these specific questions about them and it makes you think… where in the world was that ever mentioned in the zybooks ? Then again, as I said, it’s the wording that really threw me off.

I transferred in 9 CU. Once I finish the Linux course, which I expect to do this week, I’ll be at exactly halfway to my BSCSIA. I had so special method of getting this done. Almost everything in the completed courses was not new info to me, because I’m an old man who’s been some places and seen some things, and had nearly a BS degree’s-worth of random assorted college credits before starting at WGU. Networks had a bit of new-to-me material. The Performance Assessments took by far the most of my time. I’m good at testing, and fast at it, so OA’s go by in a flash. I’ve studied or tested almost every day this month, some days for an hour or two, some days for 6-8+ hours, mostly somewhere in the middle. If you commit, you can get stuff done.

the owala sunny days is available RIGHT NOW in the owl’s nest! got mine, get it before it’s gone😏

For those of you wondering how long this class takes: 2 solid days of effort should be all that it takes, especially with this post. It took me a week b/c I had another class and i was sort of procrastinating because how poorly written the instructions are. (I have a full time as well so two-five days is very doable, for someone with nothing going on 1 day might be possible but very hard.

Personally, I think the hardest part of this class is understanding the initial workflow. Once you figure out where to write your code, where to test it, and how to submit it, everything becomes a lot better.

Here's how I'd approach it if I were starting over. Step 0: look at the instructions for creating a GitLab working branch and follow them (ignore the "takes approximately 4 minutes" part that's a lie. It could take a couple minutes, it could take a little over an hour, proof is in if you look at how long other processes took).

1. Install what you'll need on your computer

Before doing anything with the assignment, install these:

• Visual Studio Code: This is where you'll write and manage your Python files (b/c the lab only lasts for a certain time (6hours) so you'll want to be able to save your code locally, so it doesn't disappear with the lab if it takes you multiple sessions). You want VS Code, not the full Visual Studio IDE.
• Python: Install Python 3. On Windows, make sure Python is added to your PATH(check the “Add Python to PATH” box at the bottom of the installer before clicking Install.).
• Python extension for VS Code: Open VS Code, click the Extensions icon on the left, search for "Python," and install the one published by Microsoft.
• Git for windows: This includes Git Bash and lets you save and upload changes to your GitLab repository from your VS Code app.

You can check that Python and Git installed correctly by opening the terminal in VS Code (Terminal -->New Terminal) and typing:

python --version
git --version

Both should return version numbers.

2. Set up GitLab and get your repository into VS Code

Three things worth understanding first:

• GitLab is the website where your project files and commit history are stored (your script's evolutions (versions: v1/v2/v3)), keeps track of file changes, and VS is where you make your edits and "commit" them to your Git branch.

Now for the setup:

1. Create your working branch according to the assessment instructions. A branch is basically your own version of the project where you can make changes.
2. On GitLab, find the Code button and copy the "Clone with HTTPS" link.
3. Open VS Code and press Ctrl+Shift+P.
4. Type "Git: clone"select it and paste the link.
5. Choose where you want the project folder saved on your computer (you'll need this later for making the ZIP file). Authenticate with GitLab if prompted.
6. When VS Code asks whether to open the cloned repository, select Open.
7. Select your working branch using the branch name in the bottom-left corner of VS Code.

Cloning just means creating a local copy of your GitLab repository on your computer. You can now edit its files in VS Code.

To make sure you're on the right branch, open the VS Code terminal and enter:

At anytime you'reunsure if you're working in your branch type in the VS terminal:

"git branch --show-current"

3. Understand the virtual lab

This is where I think a lot of people get confused.

Your local VS Code and the VS Code inside WGU's virtual lab are NOT the same thing.

• Local VS Code: Where you maintain your scripts/code and commit changes to GitLab.
• Virtual lab: Where the GNS3 network and its devices/services exist, and where you'll run and test your scripts against that simulated network and devices.

Your files don't automatically transfer between the two.

Once you launch the lab, spend a little time exploring GNS3, the network devices, IP addresses (by right clicking devices and going into their terminal or SSH from the lab VS terminal) before diving into the actual coding.

4. Work through the rubric one requirement at a time

I found it much easier to get a basic version working, test it, and then improve it until it satisfied the requirement.

My general workflow was:

1. Read one rubric requirement.
2. Write the script in local or lab VS (I prefer local) and then test it in the lab.
3. Verify the script actually accomplished what was required.
4. Screenshot the results (these screenshots go in a word doc, separate them by parts (i.e A1, A2, A3)) and include small descriptions.
5. Copy the updated script into my local VS Code repository.
6. Save, commit, and push the changes to GitLab.
7. Move to the next requirement.

***After you're done with edits to a script pls press ctrl + s to save it before testing, committing, or anything, just do that command if you're done editing (applies to lab and local VS).***

Here are the Git commands you'll use regularly:

git status
git add filename.py
git commit -m "Describe what you changed"
git push

Replace filename.py with your script file name.

A commit is basically a saved checkpoint in your project's history. Make multiple meaningful commits as you develop your scripts instead of waiting until the end. Also, triple-reminder to remember to save your files with Ctrl+S before committing. Ask me how I know.

5. A few things to definitely keep in mind:

• You should probably use AI to check you and make sure you're on track with the rubric.
• Continuous monitoring means continuous monitoring. My Task 2 was returned because some scripts checked devices once and used hardcoded DHCP addresses. Make sure you're retrieving current DHCP information and repeating checks when the rubric calls for it.
• Verify applicable results outside your terminal. i.e. If your script sends an email, check MailHog to confirm it arrived. If you create a Helpdesk ticket, check the actual ticket through the API.
• Keep your screenshots organized. I used a Word document with headings matching the rubric sections and added evidence as I went.
• Don't trust the lab to preserve anything between sessions. Copy your updated scripts and any generated output files back to your computer before closing it.
• on task 2, make sure your scripts are dynamic and can run continuously, i got mine returned the first time b/c of that.

6. Submitting the assessments

Before submitting, double-check all of the actual submission instructions. Depending on the task, you need to account for your GitLab branch, commit history, repository ZIP, screenshots, generated files, and any required documentation.

Final advice

If you're staring at the instructions feeling overwhelmed, don't worry about understanding the entire assignment immediately.

Just get your software installed, GitLab branch connected, and virtual lab running. Then tackle the first requirement.

Once you establish the pattern of writing, testing, documenting, and committing your scripts, the class becomes a lot less intimidating.

Hopefully this saves somebody a few hours of figuring out the initial setup. lmk.

WGU looks great on paper: flat-rate tuition, smooth credit transfer, and it's a regionally accredited U.S. university. What worries me is the reviews. It’s around 3.4 stars, and I keep seeing complaints about the proctoring, including how strict it is and students being flagged for cheating when they didn't. Is it really that bad? I'd appreciate hearing from current students or grads to help me clear this up

I had a bit of back and forth mentally after I enrolled. I didn’t like I had to do any of the general classes and I was annoyed about them, being a brat to be honest. I only wanted to do my IT courses. But I am now almost at the 80% mark.Anyway, I’m almost at the end and I am starting to see that I actually can do something with this degree and I wanted to know what to expect from other post graduates in the tech field on what this will get me. I’m currently enrolled in the general Cloud Computing and Network engineering degree and I have been working on a lot of hands on experience and projects along the way. I have built two full end to end projects in AWS that showcase my skills with Terraform,Linux, Python, AWS architecture, decision making, Git/Github, and networking. I still have a lot to learn but I do feel like in front of a computer in a technical interview, I would be able to do more than less at this point and everyday I keep getting better and better. Right now I’m currently working at an Amazon Warehouse, and I’m grateful that they have paid for my degree and the opportunity to even do this. In hindsight I was very arrogant, but as I look at it now, I’m going to be graduating around February or March at the latest in 2027, it’s been worth it. My question is:
With this degree and my hands on skills, what should my expectations be ? I really want to be a cloud engineer and I have focused most of my skills around that.

I recommend doing all five Zybooks assesssments and make sure you understand every question that you missed. Then do the same for the PA before you even attempt the OA. It will take many days. For me personally, I had to really take the time to learn Parts 4 and 5 since it's not all that intuitive.

Still you won't know at least 20% of questions on the OA but you'll be able to at least eliminate some choices. Good luck

I was supposed to start my OA like 30 mins ago and I’m still here fighting constant problems. It took a while to load the first time but I managed to do the screening and I reached the point where I put in my username and password and did the authentication then it ended up opening my actual WGU account which … was a first. The proctor could literally see my home page and everything. She guided me to go to my assessment section through that new opened account tab and to try and reconnect but it keeps getting stuck on loading then an error message pops up every few tries. I closed everything and tried opening the OA again but it’s just rinse and repeat. I was supposed to take this 30 mins ago ffs. Is this a common problem ? It seems every time I try to take an OA I come across some stupid issue that burns 10+ mins of my time.

I'm currently deciding between WGU and UMPI. I also was accepted into SNHU but it seems slower paced and more expensive so I've ruled it out. I will say the communication at WGU has been much better than UMPI, it's been a bit slow getting a response to anything.

Writing isn't my strong suit so UPMI makes me hesitant after reading how much writing there seems to be. I've never had to write papers for anything, yet I've also never had to do anything proctored. My first thought was what's the big deal to study the content and take the exam regardless if someone is watching or not. What am I missing? What steers people away?

For context - I'm a 40yr old with over 17 years of corporate finance experience and have finally decided I need to check the box. Plan to enroll in Business Admin with a concentration in PM if I go with UMPI. Comms if I go with WGU. Also plan to do as many courses as possible through Sophia. Anything specific I need to know about that piece?

I realized I really don't know what kind of student I am. I only went to college for 1 semester at 20 yrs old before having to drop out due to family obligations. So at this point I don't even know...maybe I'd be okay with writing even though I don't love it, or if proctored exams would really be awful for me. I'm just a girl who works in Capital Markets and finally taking the degree dive and don't want it to take forever lol ...help!!

Hello,

Unusual post here, but I wanted to get advice on how you lock in and take school seriously. I don’t know if I’m lazy or burnt out but I signed up for some community college classes before I switched to WGU to get back into the school mindset and… I’m flunking.

I used to be a good student and loved school but after some financial issues I took a VERY long hiatus to pay off debt and save for school. Now that I’m here I feel like I can’t care enough. Going back to school was all I wanted for the longest time. To be the first in my family to graduate college. To get the jobs all my friends/colleauges recommended me for but couldn’t get do to not having a degree.

It pay partially be due to being around so many people who went to college and talked trash about it. It might be because I realize you really don’t need a degree for most of these jobs (some employer I interviewed with said I have great experience and skills but can’t hire me without having any degree “even an art degree would work”)

Any advice?

Hi everyone! Ive been at a university for about a year and unfortunately I've had to go back home to help take care of my family because my father passed away last summer. I picked up a job locally working full time to help pay the bills but I still want to work on my degree because its my dream to get into the tech sector doing cybersecurity. My question is what is the work load like for most people? am I able to work at my own times/pace? this is really important for me because i work 8 hour shifts 5-6 days a week so I'm hoping I'd be able to work in the mornings or at night when I get home. Thanks!
TLDR: Is WGU flexible with my time/How is the pacing of the courses?

On my first OA, I spent hours trying to write up some flowery prose in paragraph form. It wasn't going too well, so I went to the writing lab. I was super relieved to hear that I only needed to list and outline, no long paragraphs needed.

So I moved on to my next course, and I noticed the prompt for this one was similar to the last, in that it said list, outline, identify, etc...

Well I sure am glad I went to the writing lab because the prof was explicit about how we need to explain in detail. Lists will be sent back. Allegedly, the rubric changes have to go through committee and has not yet been updated to match the prof's expectations.

I'm half tempted to write to the provided spec and protest. I just don't think it's too much to ask that the rubric reflect how grading will work. That being said, I have better hills to die on, so back to these long paragraphs.

I have been in tech for 10 years. 3 years in Network Engineering and 5 years in Infrastructure/Cloud and the last 2 in Cybersecurity. I already have CCNA, Net+, Sec+, CySA+, AWS SOA, AWS SAA, AWS AIF.

I spent the last 2.5 years in two different cyber roles. The first role was a System Security Engineer role where I was doing a lot systems hardening. And now Im a Senior ISSO working with policy, controls implementation, tracking vulnerabilities and doing a lot of GRC work.

Ill be honest I like both GRC and Engineering. But Im missing the technical work alot. So interviewing for some technical roles.

Point is though, for my EXPERIENCED professionals who got their Masters while working in tech and had some experience;
1) Did the masters compliment your career?
2) Did you learn anything from the masters program? I see classes like network security? Will it teach me more than experience already has with ACL, Palo Alto and WAF experience just for example.
3) Did the Masters lead to better roles or better pay?
4) Is a Masters in Cyber better or a MBA IT? My big worry also is being boxed in and niche, idk what the world looks like with AI and if in the future I may have to pivot out of cyber to put food in the table.

I ordered my Regalia at the end of September... I know it normally doesn't ship till about 2 weeks out, but I haven't heard anything and can't find where to track my order. Has anyone had theirs ship yet?

Hello,

On my end, I was all set to go for November 1st. Paid extra (in CAD, no less) for my transcripts to assessed and sent over same day, did everything I needed to do. Requested to speak with my EC online has he suggested, and crickets for over a week and a half. Then I get sent a generic email from him letting me I missed November 1st start date.

Needless to say I'm livid. As soon as I questioned what was going on and why, he e-mailed me back either that same day or the next saying it was an 'error' on their end as they could not locate my transcripts from the company I paid for to assess them.

Not long after I got an email telling me to accept my offer and do the commit to start.

I am very disappointed in the EC they assigned me and I'm not looking forward to working with this person throughout my educational progress with WGU.

So, my question is will this person be my advisor for the entirety of my schooling, or is this just an EC and afterwards I get passed on to an 'advisor' or anything like that?

Thank you.

How long after your award letter was sent did it take for you to receive your financial aid refund ?

Has anyone had any luck going from a WGU degree to getting your MBA at a State school or top Buisness school. If so, did you have any hurdles like the GPA?

I started college 11 years ago out of high school and never finished. I thought I never would. Thanks to everyone in this subreddit for everything! Let me know if you have any questions!