When Turkish native Nejla Gul-Saglam embarked on her adventure in Computer Programming at Sakarya University in Turkey back in 2007, she was unaware of how many times her aspirations would transform—and be challenged. Currently a full-time expert in engineering management, a parent, and a proud 2025 alumnus of the Master of Engineering in Engineering Management from CU Boulder, Nejla’s journey embodies perseverance, assistance, and adaptability in her unwavering quest to enhance her education.
A Shifted Affinity for Instruction
Nejla’s career commenced in technology, but her passion has always been towards education. Inspired by her grandparents, she initially obtained an associate degree in computer programming and subsequently pursued a bachelor’s degree in the hope of becoming an educator. While working towards her bachelor’s, she began to realize her dream by instructing at a nonprofit in Istanbul. Yet, she recognized that to advance, completing her degree was essential.
As she began her teaching career and shortly after marrying her spouse, Nejla discovered she was expecting, temporarily deferring her ambitions. Her husband’s job necessitated travel between the United States and Turkey, a situation that became increasingly challenging with a newborn. Thus, with only three courses left in her bachelor’s program, her circumstances began to evolve.
Restarting, One Class at a Time
“When we moved to the U.S., I understood that it would be difficult to gain admission, particularly as a woman from a completely different culture,” Nejla remembers. “But I never ceased to have faith. It’s always been my dream to study abroad, receive an outstanding education, experience new cultures, and create connections between diverse cultures.”
Driven to adjust and flourish, Nejla found new educational opportunities through Coursera. “I sought a place where I could contribute meaningfully, despite my rudimentary English skills.” With this aspiration in mind, Nejla improved her English on Coursera while also enrolling in classes in business and computer science. “I registered for numerous courses—perhaps more than 200!” she recalls.
What began as an effort to enhance her English swiftly transitioned into a comprehensive return to the technology sector, where her educational journey initially commenced. She pursued courses in software development, AI, product development, project management, and communication, securing certifications from reputable organizations like IBM and Google.
Nevertheless, financial constraints and the unfinished bachelor’s degree complicated formal education. Nejla remarks, “I had only three classes left before we needed to relocate to the United States.” Additionally, due to complications in obtaining her transcripts from Turkey, re-registering at a school became an even greater obstacle. While waiting, she completed over 40 certificate programs through Coursera Plus and other online platforms—an endeavor that notably advanced her career and allowed her to secure higher positions in technology.
“I was determined to combat stereotypes and turn my differences into a strength for leadership. I’ve always genuinely cared about those around me and have been motivated by a desire to help improve the world. My achievement of a respectable position in New York City and showing that success is attainable without being a native English speaker or studying in the U.S. inspired many women in our community to start believing in their own potential as well.”
A Crucial Moment: ChatGPT and a New Direction Ahead
In spite of her efforts with online certificates and countless nights spent studying over 20 management books she had ordered for self-study, Nejla felt discouraged in her pursuit for a degree. With her bachelor’s still unfinished and her transcripts seemingly halted, she began to doubt whether university was a feasible option. She subsequently asked ChatGPT a critical question: “Is there a university that provides a master’s degree without a bachelor’s?”
This inquiry led her to the University of Colorado Boulder’s Master of Engineering in Engineering Management and its Performance-Based Admissions (PBA) pathway. This marked a turning point. Nejla sent an inquiry and was reached out to by Coursera enrollment representative, Carolyn.
“I was on the edge of tears,” Nejla reflects. “Carolyn was amazing—she recognized my strong commitment to education and personal growth. She encouraged me, saying, ‘Nejla, you can achieve this.’ She believed in me because she could see the journey I had undertaken through Coursera and other education pathways.”
Enhancing Her Education
With her manager’s complete support, Nejla began the performance-based coursework that would determine her eligibility for the master’s program. She thrived, finishing multiple specializations in leadership and project management with top marks.
Even better, due to course stackability, Nejla could convert some of the coursework she had already completed on Coursera for credits toward her degree once she enrolled. After years of challenges, Nejla was thrilled to discover this option and at last had her efforts rewarded.
“It was precisely what I had been searching for — a flexible program enabling me to progress at my own pace. I was already rooted in the heart of the tech industry with verified experience, and I had completed esteemed certificate programs. I managed costs step by step, collaborated with my employer for support, and just kept advancing.”
Nejla emphasizes that one of her favorite components of the program was its self-paced format and adaptability. “It fit seamlessly with my productive mornings and my busy schedule as a corporate professional and a mother.”
A Proud Alumnus
As a 2025 graduate of the program, Nejla’s learning journey is by no means over. This year, she has gained admission into a doctoral program in Strategic Leadership at Liberty University.
“This is a significant achievement for me. Now, with a diploma recognized in the U.S., it feels like I’m finally being acknowledged. I’ve come a long way, and I’m proud of the path I’ve taken. I’ll continue to work hard to ensure those who supported me witness yet another achievement along this journey.”
Appreciation and Motivation
“I recognize that I couldn’t have accomplished this on my own,” she shares. “I will always be grateful for the individuals who supported me through it all. This may be my narrative, but their encouragement is interwoven throughout every aspect. Each of them has played a vital role as guiding lights along my journey.”
Nejla’s story is undeniably inspirational and illustrates that with perseverance, assistance, and the adaptability of online education, any personal objective can be realized.
A Note of Gratitude, from Nejla
Nejla attributes her achievements to an interplay of steadfast internal motivation, the advantages provided by online education, and the remarkable support of pivotal individuals in her life. Her husband Kemal stood by her as a true ally, managing home responsibilities so that she could concentrate on her goals. Zeynep, her daughter, displayed extraordinary patience, supporting her at every turn as she proved herself. She consistently offered encouragement that made all the difference. Her mentor, Mike, was the first person to genuinely believe in her promise upon her arrival in the U.S. He provided steadfast assistance, offering invaluable advice on how to cultivate a healthy work-life balance while developing her leadership journey. Her manager Eric was highly supportive, diligently following up on all correspondence to ensure her tuition assistance was approved and processed. Additionally, he fostered a supportive environment that allowed her to balance academic responsibilities without experiencing burnout at work. And Carolyn, from the Coursera enrollment team, not only introduced her to the program but also addressed each of her inquiries with warmth and consideration.
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