Abijah Mashava’s odyssey originated in Highfield, a modest locale in Harare, Zimbabwe, and has taken him worldwide, into corporate offices, and through diverse positions in software and systems engineering. At present, he stands as a tech entrepreneur and cloud advisor located in Central New York, and he proudly reflects on his accomplishment as a graduate of the online Master of Information Technology program from the esteemed Illinois Tech, which he completed through Coursera.
Abijah’s narrative is one of aspiration, community, and faith in technology’s ability to empower others.
“The area I hail from has a notably youthful demographic confronting major obstacles, primarily a shortage of resources,” Abijah remarks. “They are the ones who nurtured me. I consider myself fortunate to be in the United States, gaining access to a place like Illinois Tech, and now I aim to give back.”
Acquiring Skills to Create Solutions
With his engineering experience and considerable IT expertise, Abijah had cultivated a robust foundational skill set. However, recognizing the constant evolution within IT, he sought additional educational avenues. This ultimately led him to Illinois Tech, where he encountered a flexible, practical learning environment allowing for professional growth while propelling his long-term ambitions, which aimed to establish initiatives that would serve the youth in his hometown.
“My enthusiasm lies in technology and information systems,” he states. “That’s one reason I opted for this program. The other is the flexibility of study. I was employed full-time at a financial organization in New York and subsequently launched my own startup. The ability to study at my own pace facilitated this achievement.”
The Master of IT program at Illinois Tech, recognized as Chicago’s preeminent tech-focused institution, granted Abijah the opportunity to enhance his skill set while implementing what he learned in real-time. From comprehensive software development to the deployment of cloud applications, the curriculum encompassed a wide array of topics.
“This program commences with fundamentals and escalates from there. You learn to construct an application from the ground up: hardware to deployment. It profoundly filled my knowledge voids, particularly concerning cloud computing. Nowadays, cloud is integral to my consulting practice.”
Self-Assurance, Certifications, and Career Advancement
The competencies Abijah acquired through the program transcended the classroom; they directly influenced his professional endeavors.
“By the time I concluded, I felt assured enough to expand my enterprise and engage in high-level consulting,” he clarifies. “The program is so well-structured that upon completion, you’re adequately prepared to obtain certifications like AWS Cloud Architect. I managed to finish the certifications swiftly because the foundational technology concepts were thoroughly covered in the advanced Master’s coursework.”
He attributes his success to the faculty and support staff, particularly his Coursera enrollment representative whom he refers to as a “success coach,” India Viera.
“Initially, I didn’t grasp how a success coach functioned,” Abijah confesses. “But India demonstrated its immense value. She offered pivotal advice for navigating coursework and electives. She motivated me and shared essential tips for success, which made a significant difference. She was incredibly reliable.”
Persevering and Contributing
Abijah completed his degree in a mere 14 months, graduating on May 17, 2025, and he proudly noted that his diploma wasn’t the only credential he achieved during this period. Alongside his degree, Abijah earned certificates online via Coursera:
“It involved burning the midnight oil,” he jokes. “I dedicated a month solely to focus on my final projects and my AWS Certification. But I felt confident enough to finish my degree while pursuing the certification. This degree program is structured in such a way that completing it makes acquiring additional certifications seamless. Thus, it was a natural path for me.”
Looking forward, Abijah intends to further grow his consulting business and develop his startup, which concentrates on creating job opportunities for young people in Southern Africa. In the long run, he aspires to shift towards philanthropy, providing education and opportunities to underserved communities.
Guidance for Aspiring Learners
Abijah does not downplay the experience—it’s demanding. Nevertheless, he believes the rewards are worthwhile.
“Ultimately: if you possess the enthusiasm and drive to pursue it, nothing can hinder you. Yet, it requires effort and dedication. This program is no casual stroll. You must plan, manage your time effectively, and maintain realistic expectations regarding your course load.”
He also emphasizes the significance of the practical labs and hands-on projects. “The lectures complement the labs. Stay closely aligned with your professors. Complete every lab. The final two courses integrate all learning, providing a practical focus.”
Above all, Abijah hopes that more learners from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds gain access to programs like this one.
“This program opened my eyes to possibilities. I wish more individuals from my background could experience this. The way Illinois Tech extended this opportunity to me…if they could broaden access for more people, the impact would be remarkable.”
About the Program:
The Illinois Tech Master’s in Information Technology is entirely online through Coursera. The program equips students with practical, advanced skills in software development, systems architecture, and cloud computing, making it perfect for working professionals aiming to enhance or pivot their careers. The program also presents performance-based admissions, pay-as-you-go tuition, and credit for prior learning opportunities through certificates like the one Abijah mentioned in his narrative. To discover more about the Master of IT, feel free to reach out below!
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