For Shawn Ang, the decision to pursue an MBA came at one of the busiest times in his life. As a data leader running a startup in Calgary while constantly traveling between cities, traditional classroom learning simply wasn’t an option. But the absence of a convenient educational path didn’t diminish his ambition to grow professionally and academically.
Athabasca University’s online MBA programme offered the flexibility he needed to study wherever his entrepreneurial journey took him. The experience equipped him with strategic thinking skills and opened unexpected doors like teaching the next generation of business leaders.
In this interview, Shawn reflects on overcoming financial obstacles, building a global network, and discovering how flexibility and academic rigour can coexist.
Shawn Ang (Master of Business Administration ’18) is a seasoned data leader, professional, and advocate who has spent most of his career in financial institutions solving process issues with data and leveraging data to tell insightful stories. He lives in Edmonton, Alta., with his wife and kid. He finds joy in participating in water sports, competitive swimming, and teaching scuba diving.
Why was online learning at Athabasca University (AU) the right fit for you?
I was running a start up in Calgary and the travel between Edmonton and Calgary was quite intense. With all the travelling I was doing, being in class to learn was just not feasible at that point in time. AU MBA’s programme enabled me to be in Calgary or Edmonton or on the Red Arrow bus.
How has studying at AU helped you achieve your goals (personal, professional, academic)?
Professionally, it provided a lot of strategies and actual opportunities to implement thoughts into action. The knowledge I acquired prepared me to take on new roles as they came along.
From a network perspective, AU’s MBA programme helped me grow into industries that I would not have otherwise ventured. The interactions between cohort mates and classmates allowed different perspectives and ideas to cross geographical boundaries.
How do you balance your studies with other responsibilities like work or family?
I had a schedule that I worked to stay on. Eventually the schedule became a habit, and habit became a practice. The plan allowed for family time and study time. One of the biggest successes was a result of asking for support for the time I need to study. Both my spouse and boss at work fully supported time away to study and complete the MBA!
Who is your biggest cheerleader that helps you stay focused on your goals?
My spouse and my parents were huge supporters of continuing my education. My spouse specifically encouraged me to do the MBA in the first place, then supported me with everything else that I needed along the way. I couldn’t have done it without her taking on more that she was able to handle.
Want to learn about Shawn’s favourite course and how his MBA opened doors to teaching opportunities? Discover how Athabasca University’s flexible yet rigorous approach differs from traditional programmes. Read the full interview on Athabasca University’s website to see how his MBA transformed his career.
