Mike Olson
About Mike Olson
Mike Olson is an Engineering Manager at AutoFi, where he leads the enterprise API development team. He has a diverse background in software development, teaching, and academic research, with experience in various programming languages and methodologies.
Work at AutoFi
Mike Olson currently serves as Engineering Manager at AutoFi, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he leads the enterprise API development team, focusing on enhancing API capabilities and integration. His responsibilities include overseeing engineering projects and ensuring the team meets its objectives. Prior to his current role, he worked at AutoFi as a Senior Software Engineer from 2019 to 2022, where he contributed to various software development initiatives.
Previous Experience
Before joining AutoFi, Mike Olson held several positions in software development and academia. He worked as a Senior Ruby on Rails Developer at GoDaddy from 2016 to 2019 and at Digsite Inc. from 2015 to 2016. His earlier roles include serving as a Content Editor at Rosetta Stone and as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Amsterdam and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also gained experience as a PhD student at Utrecht University from 2013 to 2015.
Education and Expertise
Mike Olson has a strong educational background with a focus on linguistics and software development. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Historical Sociolinguistics from Utrecht University, where he studied from 2013 to 2017. He also holds a Master's Degree in Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Bachelor's Degree in German and English Language and Literature from Georgia State University. His technical skills include programming in Java, Ruby, and Python, as well as expertise in database management with MySQL and PostgreSQL.
Technical Skills and Methodologies
Mike Olson possesses advanced technical skills in various programming environments and methodologies. He has extensive experience in eliciting functional requirements from end users and is proficient in both SDLC and Agile methodologies. His technical expertise includes using XML technologies such as eXist XML DB and XSLT, as well as natural language processing tools like FreeLing and NLTK. He has a strong background in academic research, particularly in storing and retrieving linguistic data using computer systems.
Language Proficiency and Cross-Cultural Experience
Mike Olson is fluent in Dutch and German, which enhances his cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills. His experience living abroad, particularly in the Netherlands, contributes to his ability to work effectively in diverse environments. This linguistic proficiency supports his work in both technical and academic settings, allowing him to engage with a broader range of stakeholders.