Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with Olivier, a seasoned tech professional currently leading OpenAI’s Platform Products. In an interview with Boris, CEO and Co-Founder of Le Wagon, they discussed Olivier’s journey from joining one of Le Wagon’s early Web Development cohorts in Paris to his current role as Head of Product, API at OpenAI. This blog post dives into Olivier’s career trajectory, his insights on AI’s impact on the tech industry, and his recommendations for aspiring AI professionals
About Olivier’s career
Olivier’s journey into tech began over a decade ago when he joined one of the first cohorts of Le Wagon’s Web Development bootcamp in Paris. “I was always interested in tech, but it was Le Wagon that gave me the hands-on skills I needed,” Olivier reflects. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found a startup in 2012, where he built his product from scratch, leveraging the skills he acquired at Le Wagon. Later, he honed his expertise in product development at Stripe, a FinTech company, before joining OpenAI as Head of Product, API.
At OpenAI, Olivier collaborates closely with research, engineering, and customer teams. “My role is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical product applications,” he explains. This involves refining AI models and integrating customer feedback into OpenAI’s products.
The impact of AI on the tech workforce and education
Discussing AI’s transformative impact, Olivier notes, “AI models can now generate code and automate routine tasks, but they won’t replace developers anytime soon.” He emphasizes the evolving role of software engineers, foreseeing a shift towards developers focusing more on higher-level tasks while AI handles the details. “Understanding the basics of AI will remain crucial for engineers,” he adds, highlighting AI’s role as a powerful assistant rather than a substitute.
Looking ahead, Olivier predicts AI’s future directions, especially in education and product development. “AI will revolutionize education by personalizing learning experiences,” he suggests. For aspiring AI product builders, he advises, “design for the next generation of AI models and anticipate technological advancements.”
Advice for aspiring AI professionals
When asked about entering the AI field, Olivier encourages hands-on experience. “Build something. Whether it’s a small project or a prototype, practical skills are very important,” he advises. He also suggests considering a technical background or a specialized AI bootcamp to gain foundational skills.
Olivier’s journey from a Le Wagon bootcamp graduate to a pivotal role at OpenAI highlights the dynamic and evolving opportunities within the tech industry. His insights and advice provide a roadmap for aspiring AI professionals looking to navigate and contribute to the future of tech.
Interested in watching the full interview? Access the replay here.
