A Journey of Resilience and Achievement: Nejla Gul-Saglam’s Inspiring Path in Engineering Management
In 2007, a young woman named Nejla Gul-Saglam embarked on a journey that would challenge her resilience, adaptability, and determination. Starting her academic pursuit in Computer Programming at Sakarya University in Turkey, she could hardly have anticipated the twists and turns her career and personal life would take. Today, Nejla stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, having successfully completed the Master of Engineering in Engineering Management program at CU Boulder in 2025, all while balancing the roles of a full-time engineering management professional and a devoted mother.
A Shift from Tech to Teaching
Nejla’s career commenced in the realm of technology, but her heart was always inclined towards teaching, inspired by her grandparents’ influence. Initially, she pursued an associate degree in computer programming and later transitioned to a bachelor’s degree program with the aspiration of becoming a teacher. While pursuing her degree, she fulfilled her teaching ambitions at a nonprofit organization in Istanbul. However, life had other plans for her. With her husband’s job requiring relocation between the United States and Turkey, and shortly after discovering her pregnancy, Nejla had to temporarily put her academic dreams on hold, with just three courses left to complete her bachelor’s degree.
Adapting to a New Environment
Upon arriving in the U.S., Nejla faced the daunting task of adapting to a new culture and environment. As she recalls, “I realized it wouldn’t be easy to gain acceptance, particularly as a woman from a different cultural background. But I never stopped believing. It was always my dream to study abroad, experience world-class education, and build cultural bridges.” With a firm determination to succeed, Nejla explored learning opportunities on Coursera, a platform that allowed her to refine her English skills while simultaneously taking courses in business and computer science. Despite her initial language barriers, she enrolled in over 200 classes, marking a significant step back into the tech world.
Overcoming Educational Hurdles
Although Nejla was eager to continue her formal education, economic constraints and her incomplete bachelor’s degree posed significant challenges. She explains, “I had only three courses remaining before we had to move to the U.S.” Further complications arose as she waited for her transcripts from Turkey, delaying her re-enrollment in school. Nevertheless, she took this time to complete more than 40 certificate programs through Coursera Plus and other platforms, an effort that not only enhanced her career prospects but also inspired other women in her community to recognize their own potential.
A Turning Point: Discovering a New Path
Despite her diligence in pursuing online certificates and studying numerous managerial books independently, Nejla initially felt discouraged about her prospects of achieving a degree. It was during this period of uncertainty that she turned to ChatGPT with a pivotal question: “Is there a university that offers 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 program and its Performance-Based Admissions (PBA) pathway. The discovery marked a turning point in her journey.
Upon reaching out to the program, Nejla was met with encouragement from Coursera enrollment representative Carolyn, who recognized her commitment to education and personal growth. With Carolyn’s support and Nejla’s unwavering determination, she embarked on the performance-based coursework that would determine her eligibility for the master’s program.
Excelling in the Program
Nejla thrived in the performance-based coursework, excelling in leadership and project management specializations with top grades. The program’s flexible and self-paced format aligned with her busy schedule as a corporate professional and mother, allowing her to manage her responsibilities effectively. The course stackability feature enabled her to convert some of her Coursera coursework into credits towards her degree, a development that further validated her hard work and dedication.
Reflecting on her experience, Nejla shares, “It was exactly what I had been looking for — a flexible program that let me move at my own pace. Coming from the heart of the tech industry with proven experience, I had completed prestigious certificate programs. I managed the costs step by step, partnered with my employer for support, and just kept moving forward.”
A New Chapter in Strategic Leadership
As a proud 2025 graduate of the program, Nejla’s academic journey continues as she has been accepted into a doctoral program in Strategic Leadership at Liberty University. This achievement marks a significant milestone in her career, with her efforts now recognized with a U.S.-accredited diploma. “This is a huge milestone for me,” she says. “Now, with a diploma recognized in the U.S., it feels like I’m finally being seen. I’ll keep working hard to make those who stood by me witness yet another milestone along the way.”
Acknowledging Support and Inspiration
Throughout her journey, Nejla acknowledges the unwavering support and encouragement she received from key individuals. Her husband, Kemal, played a crucial role by managing household responsibilities, allowing her to focus on her goals. Her daughter, Zeynep, and her mentor, Mike, provided invaluable encouragement and support, while her manager, Eric, ensured her work responsibilities were balanced with her academic pursuits. Carolyn, from Coursera’s enrollment team, played a pivotal role in guiding her through the program.
Nejla’s story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with determination, support, and the flexibility offered by online learning platforms, personal goals can indeed be achieved. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of support systems in achieving one’s dreams.
For further information on the Master of Engineering in Engineering Management program at CU Boulder, visit Coursera.
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