The journey from one career to another is often filled with unexpected challenges and rewarding milestones. FEYI ENIOLA‘s transition from accountant to an AI product manager exemplifies such a transformative experience.
With a background rooted in commerce and a passion for technology, Feyi’s story is one of determination, adaptability, and continuous learning. His remarkable career shift encompasses motivations, challenges, and insights that have defined his path from accounting to the cutting-edge world of AI product management.
Background and Early Career
Feyi Eniola’s journey began with a fascination for numbers and a knack for commerce. After graduating from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in 2016, Feyi’s academic excellence in commerce and accounting during secondary school laid a solid foundation for his career. His early days as an accountant at Fabeny Consulting Limited were marked by meticulous attention to detail, analytical prowess, and a keen ability to interpret data for business decisions.
Initial Draw to Accounting
Feyi’s initial attraction to accounting was driven by its structured nature and pivotal role in business decision-making. He thrived in an environment where precision and accuracy were paramount, gaining essential skills and experiences that would later prove invaluable in his transition to a new career path.
Transition to AI Product Management
Feyi Eniola’s decision to pivot from accounting to AI product management was a calculated move driven by a deep-seated passion for technology. As AI began revolutionizing industries, Feyi saw an opportunity to combine his analytical skills with cutting-edge technology.
Spark of Interest in AI and Technology
Feyi’s interest in technology wasn’t newfound; it dated back to 2007 when he dabbled in web design using Dreamweaver and Notepad. As technology evolved, so did his curiosity. The potential of AI to solve significant business problems captured his imagination, particularly with the advent of GPT models. This marked the beginning of his journey towards AI product management.
Deciding on the Career Shift
The tipping point came when Feyi recognized the transformative power of AI across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, finance, and SMEs. Determined to be at the forefront of this technological revolution, he pursued additional education and certifications. Courses in product management and AI, internships, and professional certifications, such as the AI Product Management course by Pendo and the Scrum Foundation Professional Certificate, equipped him with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Challenges and Learning
Every career transition comes with its set of challenges, and Feyi Eniola’s journey was no different. From acquiring new skills to gaining practical experience, he faced numerous hurdles.
Overcoming Initial Hurdles
Transitioning from accounting to AI product management was not without its challenges. Gaining hands-on experience was a significant hurdle. However, practical projects during his courses and an internship provided the real-world experience he needed. These opportunities helped him build confidence and develop essential skills for his new role.
Handling Moments of Doubt
Like any career shift, moments of doubt were inevitable. Finding projects and companies willing to provide the necessary experience was tough. Yet, Feyi’s persistence and commitment to improving his skills saw him through these challenging times.
Current Role and Responsibilities
Feyi Eniola exemplifies the fusion of technical expertise and managerial acumen. His day-to-day responsibilities span from product ideation to launch, requiring a delicate balance of various skills.
Life as an AI Product Manager
Today, Feyi Eniola serves as the Founder and AI Product Manager at Olukowe. His role encompasses managing the product lifecycle from ideation to launch, staying abreast of AI technologies and policies, handling product refinement and prioritization, coordinating cross-functional teams, and interfacing with stakeholders.
Balancing Technical Knowledge with Management Skills
A typical day for Feyi starts with prayers, followed by daily stand-ups, reviewing previous work, assigning tasks, monitoring work velocity, and conducting sprint reviews and retrospectives. Balancing technical knowledge with product management skills is crucial, and continuous learning helps him stay effective.
Industry Insights
Excitement about AI: The rapid pace of innovation in AI excites Feyi the most. The potential to solve complex problems and improve various industries keeps him motivated. He finds industry trends, such as the expectation for AI product managers to possess technical skills in database management and cloud architecture, particularly interesting.
Advice and Personal Growth: Feyi Eniola’s transition from accounting to AI product management offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to shift career paths. His journey underscores the importance of relevant education, practical experience, and continuous learning.
Guidance for Aspiring AI Product Managers
For those looking to transition from non-tech fields to AI product management, Feyi’s advice is clear: take relevant courses, secure internships, start as a Junior or Assistant PM, and embrace mistakes as learning opportunities. Continuous learning and practical experience are key to success.
Valuable Resources
Feyi credits Professional Scrum courses, Agile courses, Pendo’s courses, and the PMTK product management course and certification as instrumental in his transition. Mentorship and continuous development remain vital components of his growth.
Future Aspirations
Long-term Goals: Feyi’s long-term goal is to become a leading AI product manager globally and position Olukowe at the forefront of AI solution development. He plans to keep evolving with the rapid changes in AI technology through continuous learning, attending industry conferences, and participating in professional development programs.
Feyi Eniola’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, continuous learning, and the willingness to embrace change. From an accountant to an AI product manager, his journey is an inspiring example of how passion and dedication can lead to remarkable career transformations.
