For Zilal Eiz AlDin, building a career in artificial intelligence wasn’t something she waited for the “right time” to pursue. Based in Kuwait and now working in an AI-focused software role, she made the decision to move forward while raising her children, managing daily responsibilities, and navigating one of life’s busiest seasons.
Her journey through the Master of Computer Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reflects what can happen when ambition meets structure, flexibility, and persistence.
Turning exploration into a clear path
Before committing to a full degree, Zilal was already learning. She worked part-time as a full stack developer and regularly completed Coursera’s courses to expand her skills. But over time, she wanted something more cohesive.
“I was jumping from course to course,” she explains. “Then I decided I wanted an official accredited diploma instead of just courses.”
That shift from exploring to committing led her to enroll in a degree on Coursera.
Why the University of Illinois stood out
Zilal began the program in 2023, drawn to the flexibility it offered. With up to five years to complete the degree, she had the option to pace her studies around her commitments if needed. Instead, she graduated in August 2025, finishing in just two years.
Several aspects of the program stood out to Zilal from the start.
“First of all, the curriculum,” she says. “They offered a master’s degree with practical courses in artificial intelligence and deep learning.”
The university’s reputation also played an important role in her decision.
“The University of Illinois brand is very well known here. It is a very prestigious university and people trust it.” For Zilal, this combination of hands-on learning and global recognition made the experience feel both relevant and worthwhile.
Studying Through Real Life
For Zilal, earning her degree was never separate from her day-to-day responsibilities. It happened alongside them. As a mother raising young children, her time and attention were already in high demand, and the reality of balancing both roles became clear from the very beginning.
From the very start, her studies coincided with one of the most significant moments in her life. While beginning her first course, she was delivering her baby, all while continuing to care for her other children at home. This early challenge shaped how she approached the rest of the program, learning to adapt and make steady progress even when life was at its busiest.
“It was incredibly challenging because I am a mum and I have kids to take care of,” she says.
To keep moving forward, Zilal built a routine that worked around her life. She started assignments as soon as they were released, broke projects into smaller tasks, and used any available time to make incremental progress. That approach helped her stay consistent, even when her schedule was unpredictable and her energy was limited.
Her experience is a reminder that learning does not always happen in perfect conditions. Sometimes, it happens in between everything else.
Finding Motivation in Community
Zilal made a conscious choice to stay connected with others. Through group projects, she collaborated with learners from diverse professional backgrounds, including teammates working at global companies like Amazon and Google.
“You have a choice to work alone,” she says. “But I didn’t choose that.”
Working with others made the experience more engaging and more motivating.
“It’s better to share challenges with your partners. You feel like you’re in the same boat, so you can keep going.”
From learning to career growth
Today, Zilal is applying her skills in an AI-focused role, continuing to build toward her goal of using technology in the healthcare field.
“I wanted to dig deeper in the world of AI and use it in the healthcare field,” she says.
Her experience in the program also led to meaningful professional connections. By staying engaged with her instructors, she built relationships that extended beyond the virtual classroom.
A step worth taking
Zilal’s journey reflects a reality many learners face. There is rarely a perfect time to start something new, and with work, family, and daily responsibilities, waiting can often feel like the easier choice. Her experience shows that progress does not come from ideal conditions, but from taking that first step and continuing forward in a way that fits your life.
For Zilal, that decision was grounded in confidence in the platform she chose. “I trust Coursera,” she says. “You know trust is one of the main reasons for anyone to join something.”
With the flexibility of the Coursera platform and the structure of a globally recognized degree, it is possible to build new skills and open new opportunities without putting everything else on hold. For those considering a similar path, her story is a reminder that even in the busiest moments, it is still possible to move forward.
Explore the University of Illinois Master of Computer Science to strengthen your technical expertise and drive innovation in computing and AI.
