Walden University’s Tempo Learning Format Is a Flexible Way to Earn a Degree

Kandi Georges, a manager in the financial services industry, was ready to take on more professional responsibility. She’d progressed well in her career, but she knew that to go further, she’d need to earn a bachelor’s degree. Family is what matters most to Georges, and she wondered if she would be able to balance work, family, and earning a degree.

“I had leaders throughout my career who pushed me to go back to school, but the timing was never right,” she said.

But in January 2019, she decided it was time. She enrolled at a local community college but said she struggled with “the restraints and requirements of the traditional college.” In October, while researching other options, she found Walden University. It was just the right fit.

“I was nervous to try something different, but from my first interaction with Enrollment Specialist Christina Franchetti, I felt welcomed, cared for, and empowered,” Georges said.

Georges enrolled in the BS in Business Administration (BSBA) online degree program, choosing Tempo Learning ^® , Walden’s custom-paced learning format. With competency-based education, students set their own pace, moving ahead by demonstrating knowledge of a subject. Tuition is through an all-you-can learn subscription fee.

“Tempo Learning^® worked well for me, because of the flexibility and ability for me to work as quickly as possible,” she said. “I also liked that I wasn’t held to deadlines or held back by my peers or professors. I could work through the night if I needed to, or even on holidays. I also liked that I could add additional classes as my time permitted.”

Georges planned to complete her business degree in a year but with the format’s flexibility—and her determination and dedication—she fulfilled all the required courses in seven months. “I was able to move as quickly as possible and was only held to the expenses in my subscription period. There was no additional charge for books or membership fees.”

Students in all of Walden’s competency-based degree programs have a personal Academic Coach, which was another plus for Georges.

“One of the most important factors influencing my success was my Academic Coach, Jessica Byrum. She was always there for me and responded to my e-mails promptly. She always treated me as an individual and I never felt like I was just another face in the crowd. She took the time to get to know me and pushed me to be the best I could be. Jessica also cared about my success and always operated with integrity and professionalism. I can truly say I will miss her,” Georges said.

She also found faculty support when she needed it. Rip Stauffer, who teaches statistics, was just one of the faculty members “who made a lasting impact on me,” Georges said.

“His opening comments were something along the lines of ‘I’m here for you and I haven’t lost a student yet.’ Not only did this make me laugh, it gave me reassurance that I would be OK. He also spent over an hour on the phone with me one day helping me through some challenging situations and remained patient the entire time, even when I said, ‘No, I don’t get it.’”

She also praised Dr. Jennifer Mudek, “an important instructor to have for your initial course, Personal Leadership Development, because she holds you to high standards. She is also very responsive and motivating. She’s dedicated to students’ success and pushes you to work hard and gives you a great first impression of what your time at Walden will be like.”

Because earning her BSBA degree at Walden was such a positive experience, Georges has since referred two coworkers to the accredited university, using her leadership skills to meet with them virtually and walk them through the learning portal. “This put them at ease almost immediately,” she said. “Knowing they are both very motivated, driven, and high performers, I knew Walden would be a good fit for them as well.”

And for anyone thinking about earning a degree via Walden’s competency-based learning format, she offered this advice:

“I would recommend creating realistic goals and keeping a log of your progress. The Tempo Learning^® site is a great tool that inherently motivates you with the progress tracker and countdown, but you also need to take it one class and one assessment at a time,” she said.

“It’s very easy to get overwhelmed with the number of classes you need to graduate, but when you think about it differently, it will seem more manageable. For example, to complete the Personal Leadership Development course, there are three assessments needed to pass. If you think about it, that means you have three assignments and you’ve completed a class. Simply adjusting your mindset and thinking can make a daunting task far less overwhelming.”

Georges set a pace that met her personal goals. But no one size fits all, and she wants other working professionals to know that because of Tempo Learning’s flexibility, they can earn an online business degree, too.

“Anything is possible, but you have to be ready and in the right mindset. If you have an off day and can’t do homework, it’s OK. Just make sure you create good work habits and have a support network in place to keep you motivated. Also, give yourself a pat on the back and be proud of the work you’re accomplishing,” she said.

Get Started on Your BSBA Degree

If you’re a working professional ready to earn a BS in Business Administration, Walden’s competency-based format can help you manage your time so that you can work, study, and still enjoy time doing the things you love.

“The most important thing for me is family,” Georges said. “I enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and boating and, believe it or not, I had time for fun stuff and family while also going to school.”

In addition to the BSBA degree program, Walden offers a select number of online degree and certificate programs in the competency-based learning format. Options include an MBA, a Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Informatics, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in criminal justice, an MS in Psychology, a BS in Healthcare Management, and a BS in Early Childhood Studies.

Enhance your career with a BSBA degree—or another of Walden’s online degree options. You’ll strengthen your performance today, while building a base of knowledge and skills to carry with you into tomorrow.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering select online degree and certificate programs in the Tempo Learning^® format. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.