University of Windsor Rising Star Award recipient Vansh Jignesh Patel demonstrates the power of experiential learning through hands-on work in enterprise AI. (VICTOR ROMAO/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
Vansh Jignesh Patel is completing his final semester in the Master of Applied Computing program at the University of Windsor, and his work is already making a measurable impact in the enterprise software and artificial intelligence industry.
Through his co-op placement with the University's Co-operative Education and Workplace Partnerships program, Patel is contributing to production-level AI systems used in real-world voice and data workflows.
His work is improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of voice AI technology for business clients, demonstrating how applied research can translate into tangible results in the tech sector.
Q: Where are you completing your co-op placement and what is your role?
A: I am completing my co-op at Exeevo, a customer relationship management (CRM) solutions company, which is now part of Valsoft Corporation Inc. I am working as a data scientist intern from September 2025 to April 2026, contributing to production AI systems that support real business use cases.
Q: What are your main responsibilities during the placement?
A: My responsibilities include developing and improving AI-powered features, supporting enterprise AI workflows and contributing to voice AI capabilities. I work closely with the team to translate business requirements into practical technical solutions.
Q: Can you describe a key contribution you have made during your work term?
A: One of my most meaningful contributions was improving how the company’s voice system recognizes its activation phrase, known as the “wake word”—the word or phrase that tells a device to start listening. This had been a long‑standing challenge due to limited guidance and little prior work to build on. By carefully studying the system and testing different approaches, I developed a dependable solution that improved efficiency and reliability. As a result, the company now saves thousands of dollars each year in operating costs.
Q: What have you learned from applying AI in a real-world business environment?
A: The most valuable takeaway has been understanding how AI moves beyond theory into production. I have learned how technical ideas must scale, remain reliable and deliver value to users and organizations, not just function as prototypes.
Q: How have your studies at the University of Windsor prepared you for this role?
A: The Master of Applied Computing program has strengthened my foundation in software engineering, problem solving and research-based project work. It has also helped me become more comfortable working in teams and applying classroom knowledge to real industry problems.
Q: What has been the greatest area of personal or professional growth during your placement?
A: Developing confidence and ownership in ambiguous problem spaces has been the biggest area of growth. Many of the challenges have had no clear solution path, which requires independent research, validation of assumptions and clear communication with stakeholders.
Q: How has this experience shaped the way you approach your studies and future work?
A: I now approach coursework with a stronger focus on real-world applicability. Professionally, the experience has reinforced the importance of adaptability, continuous learning and proactive communication when working in technical environments.
For Patel, the co-op placement is demonstrating the value of learning in a professional setting, where theory is tested against real-world demands. The experience is allowing him to apply his academic training to significant projects, build confidence in tackling complex problems and understand how technical decisions affect both users and business outcomes.
Co-op opportunities like Patel's give students practical skills, industry insight and a clearer sense of career direction before they graduate.
New employers looking to learn more about hiring a co-op student can contact hire@uwindsor.ca.
This article is part of a series celebrating excellence in experiential learning. Co-operative Education and Workplace Partnerships selected Rising Star Award recipients whose stories will inspire future co-op students throughout the 2025/26 school year.