How the iMSM Empowered Korede Oludiran to Reimagine His Business and Redefine His Career

After over 15 years of leading IT projects across public and private sectors, Korede Oludiran knew process improvement and change management inside out. But when he launched his own management consulting firm, Echo Oscar Inc., in Ottawa, Canada, he realized something was missing. His technical expertise alone wouldn’t unlock the next level of growth. He needed a deeper understanding of strategy, marketing, and organizational collaboration.

That’s when Korede discovered the online iMSM (Master of Science in Management) from Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The program, he says, “helped me rethink everything about how I manage, how I serve clients, and how I grow my business.”

A career rooted in project and process management

Korede’s professional foundation was built on project management. Since earning his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in 2009, he’s led IT projects and process improvement initiatives across multiple industries. “I’ve always been focused on how teams work together (change management, process efficiency, and getting systems to align),” he explains.

In 2022, he turned that expertise into an entrepreneurial venture as he launched Echo Oscar Inc., a management consulting firm helping organizations improve processes, enhance collaboration, and implement change effectively. “We work with businesses to make things function better, from process improvement to change management to team collaboration to training,” he says.

But as he began growing Echo Oscar, Korede realized his company’s offerings could be more strategic and more attuned to clients’ needs. This is when he saw the opportunity to upskill, gain an additional credential, and enroll in the online iMSM with the University of Illinois.

Finding the missing link: Strategy and marketing

“I thought marketing was more about ‘go sell,’” Korede laughs. “But during my time at Illinois, I discovered how robust it really is. It’s not just about selling. It’s way more strategic than operational. It’s about deeply understanding your customers.”

Through iMSM courses like Creating Value: Developing a Marketing Mix for Growth – a part of Marketing Management BADM520, Korede learned how to think from the customer’s perspective. “That course was a turning point,” he recalls. “You need to ask the right questions and understand what your customers really need. That’s what helped me pivot my business.”

Armed with these insights, he launched a new user-focused survey at Echo Oscar to identify client pain points and streamline offerings. “I realized that team collaboration is the pivotal driver of process efficiency. If your team can’t collaborate, you won’t get the ROI of your process improvement,” he says.

The iMSM didn’t just confirm what he already knew from years about the importance of team collaboration; it gave him the frameworks and data-driven tools to act strategically in real time.

Korede’s path to Gies 

When Korede began looking for a master’s program, flexibility was key. “I explored universities in Canada like Queen’s and Ottawa,” he explains. “But I needed something I could do while still running my business. That’s when I found the University of Illinois through Coursera.”

He appreciated how accessible the process was: from applying online with his copy of transcript from Nigeria’s Obafemi Awolowo University, to participating in live lectures and office hours. 

And despite studying virtually, the connections were real. “At graduation, I met people I’d been talking to online for over a year. It was incredible to meet classmates and professors in person,” Korede recalls. “I even reconnected with my Operations Management and Marketing Management professors on LinkedIn afterward.”

From insight to action planning

Today, Echo Oscar Inc. is expanding its offerings with an 8-module training program on team collaboration, developed directly from what Korede learned in the iMSM program. “It was published this year,” he says proudly. “We created it because our survey results clearly showed that collaboration plays a key role in employee engagement and the overall success of the organization.”

He credits courses in operations management, organizational management and marketing management with reshaping how he runs his business: “Those courses made me realize where I was falling short. I wasn’t reaching the right people or serving them effectively. Now, our approach is more strategic and more data-driven.”

Why the iMSM was the right choice

“The MSM felt like an abridged MBA,” Korede explains. “We studied many of the same topics as MBA students — strategy, marketing, operations, leadership — but in a more streamlined format. It’s very solid and I loved the courses.”

He especially valued how Coursera allowed him to keep learning beyond graduation. “I’m still on Coursera now,” he says. “I had my graduation ceremony last year, my first time back in a classroom since 2008, but I want to keep learning.”

So why did he return to school after more than a decade? “I needed more mental energy — a challenge,” he admits. “And honestly, I wanted the credit. The Nigerian in me wanted the degree!” Korede laughs.

But beyond that, he says, “I wanted something to propel me forward for my career and for my business.”

Advice for others

Korede’s advice for aspiring learners is clear:

“Find what you want and make a decision about how you want it to affect your life and career. The University of Illinois is a big deal. It’s not a small university, and if you can have that collaboration with Coursera, don’t miss it.”

He also believes consistency is key to any success:

“Whatever you set your mind to achieve, you can do it. It might be tough, but consistency is the game. No matter how ‘not good enough’ your product is, you’ll sell, you’ll improve, if you stay consistent. Being the most consistent is often better than being the smartest.”

A career, redefined

From managing IT projects in Nigeria to running a consulting firm in Canada, Korede’s journey shows what’s possible when lifelong learning meets entrepreneurial ambition.

“The iMSM confirmed what I’d always known, but it also gave me the tools to turn that knowledge into strategy,” he says. “Now, everything we do at Echo Oscar has a clearer purpose: improving collaboration, efficiency, and impact. That’s the real ROI of my education.”  Learn more about the program →

Gies College of Business Wins the Coursera Trailblazer Award for Online Education: Voices of Learners at Gies

Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois has been honored with the Trailblazer Award at the September 2025 Coursera Connect conference, recognizing its bold leadership in reshaping online education. From launching the very first degree with Coursera to pioneering tools like Coursera Coach and AI avatars, Gies has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in accessible, high-quality business education. 

Today, learners around the world can pursue three Gies Business master’s degrees online in conjunction with Coursera: the Master of Business Administration (iMBA), Master of Science in Management (iMSM), and Master of Science in Accountancy (iMSA), as well as access stackable open content in AI, reflecting the school’s commitment to staying innovative and meeting students wherever they are. Yet the truest reflection of this trailblazing spirit comes from its global learners whose voices showcase the impact, community, and transformative nature that define the Gies Business.

Flexible Learning for Diverse Lifestyles

Chelsea Doman, a single mother of four, found the Gies iMBA to be the perfect fit for her busy life. “When I saw Illinois had an online MBA with Coursera, it was like the heavens opened,” she says. The program’s structure allowed her to balance family, work, and studies without the need for a GMAT score. Chelsea emphasizes the value of learning for personal growth, stating, “I did it for the joy of learning, a longtime goal, a holistic business understanding.”

Similarly, Tom Fail, who pursued the iMBA while working in EdTech, appreciated the program’s blend of online flexibility and in-person networking opportunities. He notes, “With this program, you get to blend the benefits of networking and having a hands-on experience that you’d get from an in-person program, with the flexibility of an online program.”

Global Community and Real-World Application

Ishpinder Kailey, an Australia-based learner, leveraged the iMBA to transition from a background in chemistry to a leadership role in business strategy. “This degree gave me the confidence to lead my business from the front.” She also highlights the program’s global reach and collaborative environment: “The professors are exceptional, and the peer learning from a global cohort is a tremendous asset.”

Joshua David Tarfa, a Nigeria-based senior product manager who recently graduated from the 12-month MS in Management (iMSM) degree program, found immediate applicability of his coursework to his professional role. He shares, “From the very beginning, I could apply what I was learning. I remember taking a strategic management course and using concepts from it immediately at work.”

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Connection

For many learners, the Gies experience extends far beyond graduation. Dennis Harlow describes how the iMSA program connected him to a global network: “Even though it’s online, I felt like I was part of a community. The connections I made with peers and instructors have been amazing.” Similarly, Patrick Surrett emphasizes the flexibility and ongoing engagement of the program: “I believe in lifelong learning and this program made it possible. It truly is online by design.” Together, their experiences reflect Gies’ dedication to fostering lifelong learning and a supportive global community.

Online with Gies Business: A Degree That Works for You

Congratulations to Gies College of Business on earning the esteemed Trailblazer Award. This recognition reflects not only the school’s pioneering approach to online education but also the achievements and experiences of its learners. From balancing family and careers to pursuing personal growth and professional impact, Gies students around the world continue to thrive in a flexible, rigorous, and supportive environment. Their stories are a testament to the community, innovation, and opportunity that define what it means to learn with Gies.

Interested in an online degree with the University of Illinois Gies College of Business? Check out the programs here→

Q&A with Joshua David Tarfa, Gies iMSM Graduate

Meet Joshua David Tarfa, a Nigeria-based senior product manager and recent graduate of the University of Illinois’ Gies College of Business Master of Science in Management (iMSM). In just one year, he completed his degree, secured two promotions at work, and managed his own freelance design business.  We sat down with Joshua to hear about his experience, what motivated him to pursue the degree, and how it’s already paying off.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I started out as an illustrator, animator, and graphic designer—completely on the creative side of things. I went to Nile University of Nigeria, where I studied business administration, but after graduation, I couldn’t get into the General Electric program I was aiming for. So I turned to freelance design, and surprisingly, that took off. I had clients from the U.S. and Europe, and it just made more sense financially to work for myself.

Eventually, I transitioned into product management after having been an Illustrator at the uLesson Group. I started the iMSM program soon after. While I was in school, I actually went from associate product manager to product manager and then senior product manager.

Why did you choose an online degree, and why Gies?

The flexibility was a huge factor. Given the tuition and economic crisis, it just made sense. I looked at other online programs, but many were new or didn’t have the level of accreditation I wanted.

Gies had flexibility, reputation, and it was on Coursera. And to be honest, I’m kind of the Coursera guy at my office. I have over 50 certificates—Google Project Management, UX Design, Software Project Management—that’s actually how I broke into product. Plus, Marc Andreessen went to Illinois, and I thought, “Well, that’s a good sign.”

Did you benefit from the degree? What gave you the most value?

Absolutely. From the very beginning, I could apply what I was learning. I remember taking a strategic management course and using concepts from it immediately at work. I mentioned “adverse selection” in a meeting and my boss looked at me, impressed, and was like, “Ahh this guy!” (laughs)

The coursework didn’t just give me confidence—it gave me capability. I could contribute at a higher level right away.

What did you like most about the program?

I loved the case studies because I could pick the companies and the industries. So, I picked my company’s market and the African market in general. There was one that we did on market Intelligence and Porter’s 5 Forces analysis. So I did that based on the market we operate in at Miva, a subsidiary of The uLesson Group. So my assignments would basically turn into content that I could use at work. The way the assignments are structured, they can be directly translated into the real working world.

Have you seen any big changes since graduating?

I feel [getting promoted] was a result of having that extra knowledge from the course. I was an associate for a while, so I felt like beginning to understand strategy and global markets…it enhanced the conversations I was having with stakeholders and how I was thinking about product as a whole.

What motivated you to keep going, especially through such a demanding year?

I’m shy, but I want to be the best in the world. Growing up in Nigeria, I always worried about how I would stack up internationally. Would being a product manager here compare to being one in the U.S.? The program helped with that. I feel much more confident in my skills now. The imposter syndrome has faded.

What advice would you give to someone considering the iMSM?

I always say to friends, “If not now, then when?” It’s an investment, and Gies has been around for over 100 years and Coursera has been around for a while, too. These are trusted institutions, and you won’t come out of the program unchanged. You’ll be more capable, more confident. You just have to commit.

How was your experience with online learning?

It was flexible. There were live lessons, but if I couldn’t attend, I could watch them later. That made things manageable.

For Nigerian learners, the cost is a key consideration. Seeing tuition fees listed in thousands of dollars can be overwhelming, after all, that’s about 20 million naira without a scholarship! But it’s important to note that the fees aren’t paid all at once. It’s a pay-as-you-go model, which makes it much more manageable and accessible.

Did you face any struggles during the program?

Getting promoted twice also meant way more work. Toward the end, I was like… “Oh noo.” (laughs) Some live sessions were at 2 AM Nigerian time, and I couldn’t always attend, also because my workload had increased. It was tough, especially as my role expanded, but I got through it.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Just that it’s definitely doable. I was still managing my own business on the side—not full scale, but still. And I finished in a year. As you can see, I’m still alive! (laughs) But seriously, even if you do it in two years, it’s completely achievable and worthwhile.

Coursera’s University Partners are Recognized Among Forbes Top 10 List of “New Ivies”

For a second year, Forbes has recognized a top ten list of “New Ivies.” These university graduates are said to be “outpacing most Ivy Leaguers in the eyes of employers” with similarly selective admissions processes and rigorous coursework. 

Among the 10 ranked public schools, Coursera proudly partners with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Michigan, and the University of Pittsburgh to host their degree programs, 100% online. In terms of the top 10 private universities, Coursera partner Georgetown University takes 3rd. 

Employer endorsement

In speaking with over 380 C-suite executives, Forbes deemed that employers might be reconsidering their prior affinity of Ivy League grads. The article notes that out of the executives surveyed, “Forty-two percent said public colleges were doing a better job at preparing entry-level job candidates than they were five years ago.” Egos, groupthink, and lack of job readiness were all cited as rationales for potentially pivoting the hiring pool away from what it might have once been. 

The growing credibility of online degrees

Expanded ways of thinking about talent acquisition don’t start and stop with which university a candidate graduated from. Non-traditional, online learning has also been increasingly accepted by employers, especially post-pandemic. 

Champlain College’s 2023 national survey of 2,000 U.S. adults reported that 84% believe employers are more accepting of online degrees today than before the pandemic and 72% of adults feel an online education is more reputable now than five years ago.

Proving this hypothesis is a 2024 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) which found 87.4% of employers had hired new graduates with an online degree and 100% of those employers paid online degree hires the same starting salary as traditional graduates​. This indicates near-parity in how online credentials are being treated, namely from universities that made the “New Ivies” list. 

Online degree programs built for Coursera

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Michigan, the University of Pittsburgh, and Georgetown University partner with Coursera to offer some of their rigorous and career-aligned degrees, 100% online. Though none of these institutions are traditional Ivy Leagues, these esteemed universities are producing graduates that top employers respect. By partnering with Coursera to deliver their online degrees, these universities are able to offer their students high-quality faculty-led instruction with the support of a platform that is working to upskill and reskills millions of learners across the globe. 

We applaud each of our university partners for the Forbes accolades and for continuing to innovate and lead with forward-thinking approaches to delivering their high-quality instruction, online. These opportunities have paved the way for learners around the globe to achieve a top education and turn their ambitions into real-world success.

Read the Forbes article here

Embracing Lifelong Learning: Steve’s Journey Leads to the University of Illinois

How taking one course paved the path toward a master’s degree

In today’s ever-changing world, the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey, and Steve Reeves’ educational path is proof. At 67 years old, Steve is an inspiration, showing that age is no barrier to learning. His story that culminates with the University of Illinois Gies College of Business highlights the transformative power of education and its profound impact on personal and professional growth.

Steve’s educational journey began decades ago at the University of Cincinnati, where he was just four classes shy of completing his degree. Life, however, had other plans, and it wasn’t until many years later that he decided to return to academia. “I regretted every single day. I was mad at myself,” Steve recalls, reflecting on the years he spent without a degree. Despite a successful career, the desire to complete his education lingered.

The turning point came when Steve discovered the flexibility of online learning through Coursera. “I got my bachelor’s degree through Coursera, and it was the coolest thing ever,” he shares. The ability to work around his schedule and the acceptance of his previous credits made the process seamless. With this flexibility, Steve could continue his education without sacrificing his professional responsibilities.

Steve’s path didn’t stop at a bachelor’s degree. He was inspired to pursue further education. “I started taking classes from the University of Illinois, and I was working toward my Graduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Management,” he explains. To Steve’s surprise, his work in the Certificate program could count as progress toward Illinois’ online master’s degrees in business. He decided to stack his credits into the Master of Science in Management and went on to graduate in May 2024. Thanks to the online format, he was able  to balance his studies while working full-time as a Director of IT, a position he has held for 19 years. 

The impact Steve has made on his career with his education has been significant. “I use what I learned almost every day in my work,” he states. Through courses in finance, marketing, and strategic leadership, Steve broadened his understanding and equipped himself with new skills. “I never took an accounting class. I never took a finance class. I never took a marketing class,” he admits, highlighting the gaps that he’s now filled. Today, he finds himself contributing to discussions and decisions in areas of his company where he once felt unqualified to participate.

Steve’s story is not just about personal achievement—it’s about inspiring others. He has become an ambassador for lifelong learning, encouraging colleagues and even his daughter to pursue their educational goals. “I help people,” he says simply, embodying a spirit of mentorship and support.

“You’re never too old to learn, and never stop learning,” he advises. After all, Steve’s experience with the University of Illinois on Coursera shows that with determination and the right resources, anyone can achieve their dreams.

Learn more about the Master of Science in Management.

Paving the way to a management career in one year through Gies

Photo credit: (Paul L. Newby, II /UW-Madison Wisconsin School of Business)

When it comes to earning an advanced degree like the Master of Science in Management (MSM) from Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), time is of the essence for many learners. This was the case for Karl Galko, as he was looking to grow his career by preparing for management positions.

Like a lot of working professionals, Karl hoped to maintain the momentum he had built in his career while still acquiring the new skills and credentials he needed to stand out. To do this, he had to have a program where he could learn effectively in a short amount of time. But was it possible to have an enriching student experience in a degree program on such an ambitious timeline? Karl was about to find out.

Karl was working in public relations as he was deciding how to approach a master’s program. “The short term commitment of the iMSM was attractive, as I didn’t have the time,” he recalls, adding, “The curriculum really fit into what I was looking for. I wanted management-based skills to help me in my career.” While feeling like he had found the degree for him, Karl had to be sure he’d enjoy the online learning he’d be doing. He says, “I wanted to take some courses to test the online learning environment. I took some courses from Gies, really liked them, and decided to apply for the degree.”

The courses Karl took before enrolling in the degree program would indeed be a preview of the enriching student experience that was to come with the iMSM. Karl specifically tells us, “Global business courses were great. Global projects were interesting and a highlight.” He also mentions, “Managerial accounting was one of my favorite courses. I personally struggled with accounting, but the course was structured in a good way.”

Beyond these noteworthy courses, Karl was pleasantly surprised by the unique encounters he had because he chose an online program from a globally revered university. With his peers in the program hailing from different parts of the world, Karl remembers, “The diverse group of students that brought in a varied perspective to projects was thought-provoking and made the projects more impactful.”

Although the iMSM from Gies is earned online, students in the program have optional in-person opportunities as well. Through the annual event known as iConverge, online learners can visit the UIUC campus, meet their fellow students, and attend a Fighting Illini football game. Online learners can participate in Gies immersion opportunities, too—including in-person and virtual experiences where you study regional business somewhere in the United States over a few days or global business somewhere in the world over a full week. Even graduating in person is a possibility, as online learners can proudly walk across the stage to receive their diploma just like on-campus students.

Karl tells others, “Try to make in-person events if possible.” He toured the campus, met the instructors, and went to graduation himself—and he wished he had been able to go on the immersion trip that was offered during his time at Gies.

Since completing the iMSM program in 2022, Karl has seen how continuing his education through Gies has progressed his career. He reports it brought him to his role as an advisor for the graduate programs for the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin. There, he’s been promoted from career coordinator to assistant director of employer relations. He shares, “In my role as the advisor to the graduate programs at the University of Wisconsin, I was able to connect with my former classmates to facilitate connections for my current students in their job searches.”

Karl’s example is one that can be emulated by all working professionals desiring to move into managerial roles. With his aggressive goals in mind, he earned the skills and credentials he needed, and the results speak for themselves. When you’ve reached the point that you want to prepare for such positions, you can learn effectively in a short amount of time with the Gies iMSM. Check it out today and consider the potential impact you can make on your own career.

Learn more about the Master of Science in Management (iMSM)