IITU Powers Student Success: Sanzhar’s Journey to Build Job-Ready IT Skills with Coursera for Campus
Sanzhar Z., a fourth-year information systems major at IITU, shares how he uses Coursera for Campus to build technical skills, bolster his classroom learning, and prepare for an IT career.
Sanzhar Z., a fourth-year information systems major at the International Information Technology University (IITU) in Kazakhstan, is leveraging Coursera for Campus to accelerate his career preparation.
IITU strategically provides its more than 4,000 students in technical disciplines access to job-relevant, world-class Coursera content. This initiative ensures the university's academically rigorous curriculum is augmented with in-demand skills, preparing students for careers in high-growth IT fields.
For Sanzhar, this partnership offers the ideal blend of online and traditional learning.
“It made it easier for me to see how international online learning can enhance traditional classroom instruction and equip me for challenges in the real world,” he said.
In this interview, Sanzhar shares his experience with online learning in IT solutions, how it has complemented his classroom experience, broadened his technical skills, and helped him feel more prepared for a future career in the IT industry.
Tell us a little about your academic background.
I am a fourth-year information systems major at the International Information Technologies University (IITU). I have become very interested in technology, programming, and the ways that IT solutions can enhance various facets of contemporary life as a result of my studies. I am eager to continue developing a career in the IT industry as I get ready to graduate.
What was your experience with formal education before using Coursera?
Prior to Coursera, the majority of my education was obtained through conventional university courses and regional training initiatives. Although they offered a strong basis, their reach was frequently constrained. I've always wanted to learn from professionals around the world and get a more hands-on, practical understanding of my field, and Coursera made that possible.
What motivated you to start learning on Coursera?
My primary driving forces were curiosity and personal interest. I wanted to learn more about subjects outside of my university course of study and develop abilities that would help me in the job market in the future. I was motivated to begin by Coursera's provision of top universities and world-class instructors.
Thinking about your time on Coursera, what have you most enjoyed about your learning experience?
The accessibility and flexibility of learning were what I valued most. Because of the way the courses are structured, I can learn at my own speed and still feel connected to other students and teachers worldwide. I also value the caliber of instruction because a large number of the professors are graduates of prestigious universities, which makes the experience dependable and motivating.
I've always wanted to learn from professionals around the world and get a more hands-on, practical understanding of my field, and Coursera made that possible.
What skills have you strengthened?
I have improved my soft and technical skills thanks to Coursera. I now know more about system design, have better programming and data analysis skills, and can communicate more effectively in English. These abilities will be very helpful in my future profession and are directly related to my major.
Coursera and IITU focus on delivering content directly aligned with in-demand roles in the IT sector, like system design and data analysis, so students are job-ready upon completion.
How did you stay motivated?
Curiosity and the desire to advance both professionally and personally served as my main sources of motivation. I developed the practice of setting aside a certain amount of time every week for learning, approaching it as a serious commitment. I was motivated to keep going by the sense of accomplishment I got from seeing my progress and receiving certificates.
What challenges, if any, did you face during your learning journey?
Thankfully, I didn't encounter any significant difficulties. The platform is very user-friendly, and whenever I needed clarification, the Coursera learner community's support was helpful. The secret was to remain consistent and to have a positive outlook on lifelong learning.
What kind of impact has your Coursera learning had on your goals?
My perspective has greatly improved as a result of Coursera. It made it easier for me to see how international online learning can enhance traditional classroom instruction and better equip me for challenges in the real world. I'm more driven to keep picking up new skills and feel more secure about my future in IT.
I was motivated to keep going by the sense of accomplishment I got from seeing my progress and receiving certificates.
How have you been able to apply your learning?
My research and university projects have already benefited from the knowledge I acquired through Coursera, even though I am not yet employed in my field. My academic work has improved as a result of my ability to use new programming and analytical techniques in my coursework.
Were there any unexpected outcomes or lessons from your learning experience?
Yes, I did realize how fun and successful online education can be. I didn't completely understand the benefits of self-paced courses before, but Coursera made me see things differently. It demonstrated to me that education can be adaptable, interesting, and guided by motivating instructors from prestigious universities across the globe.
How do you want to keep growing professionally?
I want to work in the IT sector after receiving my degree, perhaps in data analysis or software development. In order to obtain professional certifications and keep abreast of emerging technologies, I also wish to pursue further education through Coursera. My long-term objective is to become an authority in my field and help create cutting-edge digital solutions that have a significant influence.
Coursera for Campus partnered with IITU to design programs that support continuous, lifelong learning for students as they transition from academia to high-growth IT careers.
Explore Coursera for your campus
Coursera for Campus empowers any university to offer job-relevant, credit-ready online education to students, faculty, and staff. With Coursera for Campus, you can promote student employability by teaching in-demand skills for high-growth fields and help students master job-ready skills with Guided Projects, programming assignments, and in-course assessments—online, offline, and via mobile. Enable faculty to create projects, assessments, and courses tailored to learner needs with Coursera for Campus.
*Individual experiences and outcomes can vary, and Coursera does not guarantee job interviews or job placements upon completion of its courses.
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.