Abijah Mashava’s inspiring journey began in the vibrant community of Highfield, located in Harare, Zimbabwe. His path has taken him across various continents, leading him into boardrooms and diverse roles in software and systems engineering. Today, he stands as a tech entrepreneur and cloud consultant based in Central New York, proudly holding a degree from a prestigious online Master of Information Technology program.
Abijah’s narrative is one of determination, community engagement, and a firm belief in technology’s potential to empower individuals and uplift communities.
“The region I come from has a very young population facing significant challenges, namely a lack of resources,” Abijah 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 engineering and IT, Abijah recognized the need for continuous learning in a rapidly evolving field. He sought out educational opportunities that would not only enhance his skills but also align with his long-term vision of launching initiatives that would benefit the youth in his hometown.
“My passion for technology and information systems drove my choice of this program,” he explains. “Additionally, the flexibility of studying online was crucial. While working full-time at a financial institution in New York and later starting my own business, the ability to learn at my own pace was invaluable.”
The Master of Information Technology program provided Abijah with the opportunity to deepen his expertise while applying his knowledge in real-world scenarios. The curriculum encompassed everything from full-stack software development to the deployment of cloud-based applications, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
“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.”
The skills Abijah acquired through the program seamlessly translated into his professional endeavors.
“By the time I completed the program, I felt empowered to expand my business and take on high-level consulting roles,” he shares. “The structure of the program prepares you well for certifications, allowing for a smooth transition into advanced credentials. I was able to complete my certifications quickly because the foundational knowledge was thoroughly covered in the Master’s coursework.”
He attributes much of his success to the dedicated professors and support staff, particularly his enrollment representative, whom he affectionately refers to as his “success coach.”
“Initially, I was unsure about the role of a success coach,” Abijah admits. “However, my coach provided invaluable guidance on navigating course procedures and electives. Her encouragement and practical tips were instrumental in my success.”
Abijah completed his degree in just 14 months, graduating on May 17, 2025. He proudly notes that his degree was not the only achievement during this period; he also earned several additional certifications.
“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 pursuing 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 job opportunities for young people in Southern Africa. Ultimately, he envisions a shift towards philanthropy, aiming to provide education and opportunities to underserved communities.
Abijah candidly acknowledges the challenges of the program, emphasizing that while it is rigorous, the rewards are substantial.
“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 also highlights the significance of hands-on experience through labs. “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 to see more learners from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds gain access to similar educational programs.
“This program made me realize what’s possible. I wish more people with my background could experience that. The way this institution made this available to me…if they could extend this opportunity to more individuals, the impact would be incredible.”
The Master’s in Information Technology program is offered entirely online, equipping learners with practical, advanced skills in software development, systems architecture, and cloud computing. This makes it an ideal choice for working professionals looking to advance or pivot in their careers. The program also features performance-based admissions, flexible tuition options, and credit for prior learning through various certifications. To discover more about the Master of IT, feel free to reach out for additional information!