When Sebastian Villalobos enrolled in the University of Colorado Boulder’s Master of Science in Computer Science program on Coursera, he was looking to deepen the knowledge behind the work he had been doing for years. After eight years in software development and a bachelor’s degree in International Trade, he saw an opportunity to connect his professional experience with a formal academic path.
For Sebastian, flexibility made that opportunity possible.
“I decided to pursue this opportunity due to the flexibility of the admission programs,” he says. “I hold a bachelor’s degree in International Trade, but for the past eight years, I have worked in software development. This degree allowed me to demonstrate my experience in the field and helped me certify that experience through my academic qualifications.“
Pursuing a degree without putting life on pause
After years of hands-on work in software development, Sebastian wanted to strengthen the theory behind his day-to-day work.
“After 8 years in software development, I felt I had a lot of practical experience but was missing some of the deeper foundations,” he says. “I wanted to make sense of things I had been doing intuitively for years.“
The University of Colorado Boulder MCS program offered a way to do exactly that. Designed for working professionals, the program combines the flexibility of online learning with the academic excellence of a University of Colorado Boulder education. The curriculum gave Sebastian the opportunity to build a strong foundation in computer science while tailoring his studies through interdisciplinary electives aligned with his interests.
That flexibility has been especially important as he balances graduate study alongside a demanding career and family life. Like many working professionals, Sebastian has had to navigate periods when work takes priority, while also making time for life at home with his young family.
“Being able to go at my own pace and access content on demand has been a lifesaver. It fits into my life rather than forcing my life to fit around it.“
The unexpected course that changed everything
Sebastian entered the program hoping to strengthen his knowledge of software architecture and machine learning systems.
Through the curriculum, he deepened his understanding of advanced computer science topics such as artificial intelligence, systems, networking, and software engineering. The program also gave him opportunities to apply what he was learning through hands-on projects and coursework designed to connect theory with real-world challenges.
While those areas aligned closely with his professional goals, one part of the program surprised him.
“What surprised me the most was how much I fell in love with the robotics courses,” he says. “Building physical robots had always been something I dreamed about, and getting to actually do it was one of those unexpected highlights.”
The experience broadened his perspective on computer science and highlighted the breadth of the program, which allows learners to explore a range of specialized areas while building expertise aligned with their career goals.
Turning knowledge into confidence
The impact of the program has extended beyond the classroom and into Sebastian’s professional life. Throughout the duration of the degree, he has gained a stronger foundation in the technical concepts behind his work, giving him greater confidence in discussions around architecture and technical strategy.
The experience has also helped him connect years of professional experience with a formal academic qualification.
“Professionally, it’s helped me close a gap that always quietly bothered me: having built a career in software without a degree in the field. This program has made me feel like my experience is truly validated.“
Building toward what comes next
Sebastian first heard about Coursera through social media, but his learning journey has become much more than an educational opportunity. As he continues working toward graduation, he is building on years of professional experience while balancing the responsibilities of career and family.
The image that keeps him moving forward is a simple one: walking across the graduation stage with his family there to celebrate alongside him. For Sebastian, that moment represents not only an academic achievement, but the culmination of years of experience, growth, and persistence.
Explore the University of Colorado Boulder Master of Science in Computer Science and build the technical expertise to advance your career in today’s fast-evolving technology landscape.
