This high school dropout now makes six figures at OpenAI—and he shares the strategy Gen Z can use to get hired in Silicon Valley, too
Introduction
Gabriel Petersson, a high school dropout, has achieved remarkable success at OpenAI, earning a six-figure salary without a college degree or even a high school diploma. His journey from a small town in Sweden to a prominent role in Silicon Valley offers valuable insights for Gen Z job seekers.
Early Life and Interests
Growing up in a small Swedish town of about 5,000 people, Petersson’s childhood was similar to many in Generation Z. He spent his early years collecting Pokémon cards and building worlds in Minecraft. However, by high school, his interests shifted from merely playing games to understanding how they functioned. This curiosity led him to explore startups, software, and artificial intelligence, which he recognized as the next major technological shift.
Taking the Leap: Dropping Out of High School
Rather than following the traditional path of completing high school and pursuing a degree in computer science, Petersson made a bold decision. During his senior year, at the age of 17, he dropped out of high school to co-found Depict.ai, an e-commerce data startup. His co-founders would later secure roles at notable companies such as Lovable and Lego.
Landing a Job in Silicon Valley
Five years later, at just 22 years old, Petersson secured a six-figure salary at OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT. His success story is not just about luck; it reflects a unique job-seeking strategy that deviates from traditional methods.
Proving Capability Over Credentials
To land a role at one of Silicon Valley’s most sought-after companies without a degree, Petersson adopted a strategy focused on proving his abilities rather than competing on credentials. After his time at Depict.ai, he joined Dataland, a Y Combinator-backed AI startup, and relocated to New York in 2021. Although he was making progress, a trip to San Francisco changed everything.
A Transformative Experience in San Francisco
Petersson described his first week in San Francisco as a mind-blowing experience. He was surrounded by individuals discussing programming and startups—topics he was passionate about. This trip recalibrated his ambitions and made him realize the challenge he faced as a high school dropout competing against candidates from prestigious universities.
Developing a Unique Job-Seeking Strategy
Instead of submitting traditional applications, Petersson created a direct outreach playbook. His approach involved:
- Briefly introducing himself.
- Expressing genuine enthusiasm for the company.
- Demonstrating his skills by building something specifically for the company.
For example, he would say, “I was so excited about your company that I’ve been working on a side project to build an actual website for what you guys are doing.” This strategy allowed him to showcase his abilities without competing against others.
Success with Midjourney
Petersson applied this strategy to land a role at Midjourney, an AI research lab in Silicon Valley. Despite facing rejections through traditional applications, he dedicated a week to building a custom website for Midjourney. He then sent a video demo showcasing his work. His efforts paid off, and he was hired as a software engineer in 2023.
Lessons Learned and the Importance of Resilience
Petersson’s journey taught him the importance of resilience. After being rejected by OpenAI the first time, he didn’t give up. Instead, he continued to improve his skills and eventually landed a role at the same company in December 2024. This experience reinforced his belief that opportunities can be regained if one is willing to put in the effort.
Advice for Generation Z
Petersson has become an advocate for young professionals navigating a credential-focused job market. He emphasizes that elite careers are not exclusive to a select few. His key messages for Generation Z include:
- Embrace opportunities to learn and grow, rather than focusing solely on job stability.
- Don’t be afraid to step outside traditional career paths.
- Utilize technology and showcase your skills through practical projects.
Conclusion
In a world where many young people worry about job security in the age of AI, Petersson believes there are ample opportunities for those willing to adapt and embrace new technologies. His story serves as an inspiration for others, demonstrating that success is attainable regardless of educational background.
Note: Gabriel Petersson’s journey illustrates the changing landscape of employment and the importance of creativity, resilience, and practical skills in achieving career success.
