The Inspiring Journey of Abijah Mashava: From Zimbabwe to Tech Entrepreneur
Abijah Mashava’s transformative journey from Highfield, a humble town in Harare, Zimbabwe, to becoming a tech entrepreneur in Central New York is a testament to ambition, perseverance, and the empowering potential of technology. His story is not only about personal growth but also about giving back to his roots and inspiring others to follow a similar path. As a graduate of the prestigious online Master of Information Technology program from Illinois Tech, facilitated by Coursera, Abijah exemplifies how access to education can fuel success and innovation.
Embracing Technology to Overcome Challenges
Growing up in a community with limited resources, Abijah recognized early on the impact that technology could have in transforming lives. "The region I come from has a very young population facing significant challenges, namely a lack of resources," he reflects. "They’re the ones that raised me. I’ve been fortunate to be here in the United States, with access to an institution like Illinois Tech, and now I want to give back."
With a solid foundation in software and systems engineering, Abijah sought a program that would enable him to stay ahead in the dynamic field of Information Technology. The Master of IT program at Illinois Tech offered the flexibility and comprehensive curriculum he needed to further his professional development while aligning with his long-term vision of empowering the youth in Zimbabwe.
Developing Skills for Real-World Solutions
Abijah’s passion for technology and information systems drove him to choose the Illinois Tech program. "I have a passion for technology and information systems. That’s one reason I chose this program. The other is the study convenience. I was working full-time at a financial institution in New York, and later launched my own startup. Being able to study on my terms made this possible."
The program provided him with the opportunity to delve deeper into areas such as full-stack software development and cloud computing, which are crucial for modern IT landscapes. "This program starts from the basics and builds up. You learn to develop an application from scratch: hardware to deployment. It absolutely filled in my knowledge gaps, especially around cloud computing. Today, cloud is central to my consulting work."
Confidence, Certifications, and Career Growth
The skills Abijah acquired during his studies quickly translated into his professional work, allowing him to grow his business and engage in high-level consulting. "By the time I finished, I had the confidence to grow my business and take on high-level consulting," he explains. The program’s structure also prepared him for valuable certifications such as the AWS Cloud Architect, which he completed with ease thanks to his advanced Master’s coursework.
Abijah credits his success to the dedicated professors and support staff, particularly his "success coach," India Viera. "At first, I didn’t understand how a success coach worked," Abijah admits. "But India proved to me how valuable it was. She made key suggestions for navigating course procedures and electives. She encouraged me and gave crucial tips for success, which made the difference. She was rock solid."
Pushing Through and Giving Back
Completing the degree in just 14 months, Abijah demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience. "It meant burning the midnight oil," he laughs. "I took a month off just to focus on my final projects and my AWS Certification. But I felt confident enough to finish my degree while doing the certificate. This degree program is designed in such a way that if you complete it, it’s very easy for you to get those additional certifications. So it was a natural progression for me."
Looking to the future, Abijah aims to expand his consulting practice and grow his startup, which focuses on creating employment opportunities for young people in Southern Africa. His long-term vision includes moving into philanthropy and bringing education and opportunity to underserved communities.
Advice for Future Learners
Abijah candidly shares that the program is rigorous but immensely rewarding. "The bottom line is: if you have the passion and the hunger to do it, nothing can stop you. But it takes effort and commitment. This program is no walk in the park. You have to plan, manage your time, and be realistic about your course load."
He emphasizes the importance of hands-on work and labs, which are integral to the learning experience. "The lectures build on the labs. Follow your professors closely. Do every lab. The last two courses bring everything together and they’re practically oriented."
Above all, Abijah hopes that more learners from underrepresented and disadvantaged communities can access programs like Illinois Tech’s. "This program made me realize what’s possible. I wish more people with my background could experience that. The way Illinois Tech made this available to me…if they could make it available to more people, the impact would be incredible."
About the Program
The Illinois Tech Master’s in Information Technology, offered entirely online through Coursera, equips learners with advanced, practical skills in software development, systems architecture, and cloud computing. It is designed for working professionals eager to advance or pivot in their careers. The program offers performance-based admissions, pay-as-you-go tuition, and credit for prior learning options, making it accessible to a diverse range of students.
For more information about the Master of IT program, visit the official course page on Coursera.
Abijah Mashava’s journey is a powerful reminder of how education and technology can serve as catalysts for personal and community growth. His story inspires us to pursue our passions, overcome challenges, and contribute meaningfully to the world around us.
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