Check what our alumni are up to around the world
Our alumni come from diverse backgrounds and hold positions in a wide range of companies, from large international corporations to start-ups. Their success showcases the talent that 42 brings to the field of computer science, helping shape the future of tech.
Meet our alumni
DISCOVER THEIR STORIES
Cedric Cervantes
Alumni - Cohort 2013 - Level 15
Co-Founder & CEO, Starton
His startup, Starton, was selected among STATION F’s Future 40, the ranking recognizing the 40 most promising companies on campus.
- For me, 42 has been… a life-changing experience. Following health issues that kept me out of school, 42 offered me an access to higher education without a high school diploma. It saved three years of my life and gave me the opportunity to put into practice all that I had learned on my own during the period I wasn’t in school. It’s also through 42 and its partnerships that I was able to really discover the world of entrepreneurship in a concrete and immersive way.
- Today, I am proud of… overcoming my health challenges to seize all the opportunities provided by 42. Four years ago, I started my own company, Starton. I work with talented and trustworthy collaborators and investors to offer a product that supports developers who need to integrate blockchain technology.
- If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be… to engage as much as possible with the school’s ecosystem: participate in partnerships, hackathons, conferences, and start building your network early on. This network will be super valuable for the rest of your life. And a special piece of advice for those willing to start their company: verify your product-market fit at an early stage. As developers, we often want to create the perfect product before being sure that people are actually willing to use it.
Chaimae El Oiriagli
Alumni - Cohort 2018 - Level 19
Full Stack Software Engineer at Morocco National Office of Railways (ONCF)
Chaimae successfully contributes to impactful projects in Morocco's transportation industry, while advocating for women in tech.
- For me, 42 means… an opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that values innovation and collaboration. It’s a place where I could pursue my passion for coding and technology without the constraints of traditional education systems. It represents a community that supports hands-on learning, creativity, and the development of real-world skills.
- Today, I am proud of… the progress I’ve made in my career as a software engineer. Working at ONCF and contributing to significant projects that enhance the transportation infrastructure in Morocco gives me a sense of accomplishment. I’m also proud of the resilience and determination I’ve shown in navigating and succeeding in the tech industry as a woman.
- If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be… to never stop believing in yourself and your abilities. Trust that you have what it takes to succeed, and use every opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace challenges as chances to improve, and don’t let self-doubt or negative feedback deter you from pursuing your goals. Your unique perspective is your strength, and the tech world needs diverse voices and talents.
Emil Wallner
Alumni - Cohort 2016 - Level 15
Founder & CEO, Palette
Emil’s work on automated colorization was spotted by Google while he was studying at 42.
- For me, 42 means… that individuals who don’t align with the traditional university route have an opportunity for a first-rate education. It’s a place where you can learn in a way that excites you and meet others who think like you.
- Today, I am proud of… having created a well-known project at Google and starting Palette, a growing AI company with 2.8 million users.
- If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be to… dive into the latest AI advancements, create unique demos, and write about your experiences. The skills and confidence you gain from 42 will empower you to innovate and explore new frontiers.
Clémentine Urquizar
Alumni - Cohort 2016 - Level 21
Head of Engineering, MeiliSearch
Head of Engineering at MeiliSearch, a successful search API founded by 42 students, which raised $15M in 2022.
- For me, 42 means… empowerment! It provided me with the skills and confidence to transition from a career in actuarial science to becoming a software engineer, and ultimately, Head of Engineering at Meilisearch, a successful search API founded by 42 students, which raised $15M in 2022.. The hands-on, project-based learning approach at 42 was a game-changer. It allowed me to develop practical skills and think creatively, which has been invaluable in my career shift.
-
Today, I am proud of… my professional achievements, beginning as an intern at Meilisearch, and now leading the engineering teams – it’s been an amazing journey. I’m particularly proud of the work we’ve done at Meilisearch, turning a complex technical product – a search engine – into an accessible tool for every developer, all while fostering the open-source community. Watching our product make a real impact is incredibly rewarding.
-
If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be… to take the time to discover what truly drives you every day. 42 is the perfect place to explore your passions and transform your career path, just like it did for me. Dive into every opportunity, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You might be surprised at what you find and how much you grow.
Robin Baraud
Alumni - Cohort 2017 - Level 17
CEO, Galadrim (Nantes office)
From lead developer to CEO of Galadrim (Nantes office)
- For me, 42 means… an equality of opportunities I hadn’t experienced elsewhere in the French education system. It means shared curiosity with peers, boldness, rigor, and dynamism. I have enjoyed every minute of my 42 journey.
- Today I am proud… to be working at Galadrim (cloud architecture, web and mobile app development) with talented software engineers from highly ranked French schools (Polytechnique, ENS, Centrale, 42, etc.). Galadrim is a web agency that upholds the same values I loved at 42.
- If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be… dare to follow what captivates you. I wanted to work on high-stake technical issues and be involved in both the business and product sides of projects. I’m happy I didn’t settle for an opportunity that would have left me unfulfilled in the long run.
