‘We chose to invest in me and in AU’

Learners Like No Other is a new series where real students and alumni share how online learning at AU is like no other university experience. Submit your story.

Wesley Weber
Graduate Diploma in Management ’25
📍Edmonton, Alta.

Why was online learning at Athabasca University the right fit for you?

It was the right time in my life to go back to school. I’m an older student, at the tail end of my career, with kids who are grown and on their own. With a demanding job at CNRL—one of the largest oil and gas companies in Canada—my time was still limited. AU gave me the flexibility to study online, allowing me to continue to work at my own pace.

How has studying at AU helped you achieve your goals (personal, professional, academic)?

Studying at AU was the culmination of unrealized post-secondary pursuits over the last 38 years of my adult career. My goal was to gain a diploma/degree in a management program, allowing me to show CNRL that I was worthy of the leadership position they gave me, with the hopes of further advancement.

Academically, I proved to myself that I was intelligent enough to not only go back to school, but to hold my own with students 10 to 20 years younger or more than me. I maintained high marks, with a final GPA of 3.66/4.0.

What obstacles have you had to overcome to pursue your education? How did you overcome them?

Initially, it was the fact that my last long-term post-secondary education was back in 1988, albeit with some university and college courses along the way. Remembering how to write correctly, let alone for graduate-level papers, was huge.

With the help of my wife Krista, those worries melted away, and the marks soared. Earlier in my life, finances were daunting especially with five kids, but now at a later stage in my life, this was not an issue. It was a conscious decision between my wife and I to reallocate funds to complete my degree. We chose to invest in me and in AU; I am so glad we made the decision, which has changed my life.

I wanted to show my five children and three grandchildren that it is never too late to reach for the stars and achieve your goals.

How do you balance your studies with other responsibilities like work or family?

This was tough, although at CNRL I would be in the oilsands region from Monday to Thursday every week. Being up north alone gave me quiet time to study and complete my papers.

I was up until midnight many times over the 1.5 years of the first phase of my Graduate Diploma in Management / MBA journey. I would also have Fridays off while my wife worked, so I could put in a full day of study. CNRL supported me in my studies and encouraged me all the way, which helped tremendously. As mentioned by this year's Honorary Doctorate in Science recipient, Joy Romero, the culture at CNRL is like no other, with continuous improvement for the company and employees a priority. This truly helped inspire me. We would allocate Saturdays as family time, with Sunday morning—before my wife woke up—as school time. I have always been a good multitasker (I have owned two larger businesses), so I knew how to squeeze every minute out of the day to achieve my goals.

Who is your biggest cheerleader that helps you stay focused on your goals?

Hands down it would be my wife Krista, my family, and my kids. They cheered with me all the way and celebrated at convocation. I am taking a slight break but will be continuing the second phase of my MBA next spring. Members of my cohort were so helpful—and amazing cheerleaders. While I am sad I will not walk the stage with them next year, they know I will follow in 2027!

What's your favourite course?

Strategic Management and Operations Management. (I loved them equally!)

What are you plans for the future, after completing your AU program?

I am excited to complete my MBA. Once I’m done, I will continue working at CNRL until I retire within the next five years. Then I will move to a full-time consulting role with my wife in our consulting company in the field I love.

How is your AU education different than what you've experienced previously? (a.k.a. How is AU like no other?)

I have studied online with Arizona State University, University of Phoenix, and NAIT, all of which were great, but I really felt like AU was a better program with much more advanced platforms. Additionally, my cohorts were world class and helped really make the process fun and rewarding.