Flexibility puts online Bachelor of Management degree within reach
Transforming Lives: Learners of AU is an ongoing series where real students and alumni share how flexible online learning at Athabasca University made a difference in their lives and communities. Submit your story.
I have been a student at Athabasca University (AU) since June 2020. My life, like many others, was uprooted with the complications caused by the pandemic. In fact, because I work in the fitness industry, I got laid off a total of 5 times!
My original plan for life was to use my early 20s to travel but with the borders being closed, I decided to try higher education. I needed a platform that was flexible because when I was starting university I had no idea when I was going to be called back to work.
“I needed a platform that was flexible because when I was starting university I had no idea when I was going to be called back to work.”
– Hanna Habke, Bachelor of Management student
Pursuing learning despite health condition
After I completed my first course with remarkable success, that was when I decided to take post-secondary education more seriously. I chose AU for many reasons.
I have a health condition called POTS—postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome—and AU’s flexibility means I do not have to miss classes or tests when I have a flare-up.
This means that I can attend a post-secondary school that is accessible to me and meets my every need. It alleviates my anxiety knowing that I can easily catch up on coursework should I need a rest day.
My online degree in the Bachelor of Management program will advance my career options exponentially. AU’s flexibility also allows me to go to school while continuing to pursue my career in yoga instruction and gym management.
Career growth continues while studying
I am better off financially because I can work extra hours without sacrificing my school day. I use that extra money to invest in my future, rather than worrying about whether I will have enough money to move out when I obtain my degree.
If you had told me 6 years ago that I would be getting a business degree, I would have laughed in your face. I have never been overly excited about the world of economics, finance, and marketing. But one of the reasons why I chose the program was because of my passion for the planet.
While I love being in the fitness industry as a yoga instructor, I needed to build up my skills to achieve my ultimate dream: helping companies rework their supply chains to be more sustainable.
“I am better off financially because I can work extra hours without sacrificing my school day. I use that extra money to invest in my future.”
Pursuing passions
What I love about my Bachelor of Management degree is that I really get to curate my options. I can take environmental and health sciences while still developing my skills as a businessperson.
With so many options of courses to take I never feel like I am missing learning about my passion for the environment and fitness while achieving a higher education in business.
Transforming Lives: Learners of AU
Read more profiles of AU students and grads in our series Transforming Lives: Learners of AU.
