In the ever-evolving tech landscape, adaptability and continuous learning are crucial. Emma, a Le Wagon alumni, exemplifies this perfectly. After completing both Le Wagon’s Web Development and Data Science & AI bootcamps, Emma transitioned from a career in tourism to carving out a successful path in the field of AI. In this interview, Emma shares her journey, experiences at Le Wagon, and insights into the future of AI in the tech industry.
Emma’s journey: from tourism to tech
Emma’s journey into the tech world is nothing short of inspiring. With a background in tourism, she initially aimed to create a business that would help companies manage their budgets more efficiently. However, the absence of a technical co-founder led her to Le Wagon’s Web Development bootcamp in 2019.
“At that time, my business partners came from various backgrounds, but none had a tech background. Instead of recruiting someone to develop our software, I decided to upskill with Le Wagon’s Web Development course,” Emma recalls.
This decision proved transformative, as Emma not only led the development team but eventually took on the challenge herself, successfully building the software. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for her next roles, including Product Manager and later AI Team Lead.
Le Wagon’s methodology and Emma’s student experience
Le Wagon’s hands-on, immersive approach played a pivotal role in Emma’s success. Unlike traditional education, Le Wagon focuses on practical skills and real-world applications.
“Le Wagon didn’t just teach me how to code, but also how to be autonomous and efficient in my research. It gave me the confidence to tackle technical projects,” Emma explains.
This emphasis on autonomy and continuous learning empowered Emma to seamlessly transition between roles, ultimately leading her to Le Wagon’s Data Science & AI bootcamp. This further equipped her with the skills necessary to lead AI teams and engage with complex data science projects.
Transitioning roles: from Product Manager to AI freelancer
Emma’s career trajectory is a testament to the power of upskilling and adaptability. After successfully leading a software development project, she transitioned into a Product Manager role, where she encountered AI for the first time. This exposure sparked her interest in the field, eventually leading her to become an AI Team Lead and later a freelance AI Consultant.
“Working closely with Data Scientists, I realized the importance of understanding AI. Le Wagon’s Data Science & AI bootcamp gave me a comprehensive overview of AI, which was crucial when I began leading a data team,” she says.
Today, Emma works as a freelance AI Consultant, helping companies integrate AI into their operations. Her journey highlights the importance of being open to new opportunities and the value of continuous learning in the tech industry.
The role of AI in shaping the future of the tech industry
The rise of AI, particularly Generative AI (GenAI), is significantly reshaping the tech landscape. Emma believes that AI’s accessibility has dramatically increased, especially with the emergence of tools like ChatGPT, making it easier for a broader range of professionals to leverage these technologies.
“GenAI has made AI more accessible, allowing people to exploit these tools without needing a deep technical background. This opens up numerous possibilities for the workforce,” Emma notes.
According to Emma, the real value of GenAI isn’t just in automating repetitive tasks. It can help us rethink and transform the way we work and create.
“My current role involves using GenAI to assist teams by automating tedious tasks that don’t necessarily add value. This not only makes their work more efficient but also allows them to focus on the core aspects of their roles,” she explains.
However, Emma emphasizes that as the tech sector evolves, it’s crucial for developers to stay up to date with the latest advancements. The rapid pace of technological change requires a constant effort to keep learning and adapting. While AI can assist in automating certain tasks, it still depends on developers to innovate, maintain, and improve these systems, making continuous learning an essential part of the developer’s role.
Essential skills for aspiring AI professionals
For those looking to break into AI, Emma highlights the importance of a logical mindset and problem-solving skills.
“A resolution-first mindset, combined with a love for games, math, and logic, can make all the difference,” she advises.
Emma also stresses the importance of soft skills, particularly the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders—a skill she developed during her time at Le Wagon.
Advice for aspiring tech professionals
Emma’s advice for those considering a career in tech is simple: don’t hesitate.
“Even if it seems inaccessible, it’s not. I didn’t come from a technical background, but today I work in AI. Trust in the process, and you’ll get there,” she encourages.
Emma’s journey from a non-technical background to carving out a successful path in the field of AI underscores the transformative power of education and continuous learning. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset and resources, anyone can transition into tech and make a significant impact. Le Wagon played a crucial role in her journey, providing her with the skills and confidence to navigate the ever-changing tech landscape.
Explore Le Wagon’s Web Development bootcamp and discover how you can leverage AI and web development skills to shape the future of technology. Start your journey today and stay ahead in the dynamic world of tech innovation!
