When Jake Wiig enrolled in the iMBA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on Coursera, he was not just looking to add a credential to his resume. He was stepping into a new chapter while balancing a growing family, a full-time job, and a desire to lead at a higher level.
For Jake, the decision came down to credibility and flexibility. He wanted a program he could trust, delivered in a way that fit his life.
“I chose Coursera because of its partnership with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the iMBA program,” he says. “That gave me confidence I was getting a strong, credible education in a format that fits my life.”
With both Jake and his partner working full-time while raising a growing family, a traditional MBA did not fit their circumstances, the iMBA gave him a way to pursue his goals without disrupting responsibilities at home or at work.
Turning experience into opportunity
Jake had already built meaningful professional experience, but he reached a point where he needed more formal business training to keep progressing.
“My goal was to complete an MBA so I could continue advancing in my career,” he says. “But I also wanted to better understand strategy, finance, and leadership so I could apply them in a meaningful way.”
That combination of career growth and genuine curiosity made the program a natural fit.
Learning that translates into real impact
About a year into the program, Jake stepped into the CFO role at Seeding Success. The timing aligned closely with what he was learning.
“The iMBA strengthened my foundation in financial strategy and helped me think through complex decisions and long-term planning,” he explains.
He now applies what he learns in real time, whether that is evaluating tradeoffs, contributing to strategic decisions, or guiding conversations with leadership.
One example is a current non-profit initiative focused on shifting from philanthropic funding to earned revenue.
“The frameworks and tools from these courses have helped me think more clearly about cost structure, pricing, and how to evaluate different strategic options” he says.
Finding balance in a busy life
Balancing work, family, and study requires structure, consistency, and support. For Jake, building a routine has been key.
“Most of my coursework happens after we get the kids to bed on weeknights, along with a few dedicated hours on the weekends,” he shares.
Support from both his workplace and his family has helped him stay on track. Having flexibility at work and encouragement at home has made it possible to keep moving forward, even during busy seasons.
Habits that make learning stick
Jake credits a few simple habits with helping him succeed in the program. He treats study time like a scheduled commitment, stays organized at the start of each week, and gives himself space to learn at a realistic pace.
“Those habits have helped me stay consistent, manage my time well, and get the most out of the program” he says.
He also emphasizes the importance of mindset. Learning is not always straightforward, and progress takes time.
Build toward what is next
Jake first discovered Coursera through Google, but what started as curiosity has become a meaningful step forward in his career. Through the iMBA, learners combine flexible, asynchronous coursework delivered through Coursera MOOCs with engaging, applied learning experiences from Gies College of Business, creating a high-quality MBA experience that fits alongside work and family life.
For professionals balancing competing responsibilities, the iMBA offers a flexible and practical path to growth. As Jake says, “Real understanding takes time and effort.” His experience shows how consistent learning, paired with the right support and structure, can create meaningful career opportunities.
If you are ready to build your skills and move your career forward, this program can help you get there.
Explore the University of Illinois iMBA to gain in-demand leadership skills and accelerate your impact in today’s global business world.
