Ashley Deslippe, a University of Windsor Odette School of Business alumna and human resources coordinator at AAR, says co-op placements, international learning experiences and campus leadership opportunities helped prepare her for a career in human resources. (SUBMITTED BY ASHLEY DESLIPPE/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
A co-op placement is often viewed as a bridge between the classroom and the workplace.
For some students, it can also become the first step toward a long-term career.
The opportunity to gain practical experience, build professional relationships and apply classroom knowledge can open doors well beyond graduation.
That was the case for Ashley Deslippe (BComm ’25).
During her final semester at the Odette School of Business, she joined AAR, a global aerospace and defence aftermarket service provider, as a human resources co-op student. After graduation, she transitioned into a full-time role and now works as a human resources coordinator with the company.
For Deslippe, human resources offered an opportunity to combine two interests: people and business. Through her academic and professional experiences, she developed an appreciation for the role HR plays in supporting employees while helping organizations achieve their goals.
“What initially attracted me to a career in human resources was the alignment between people and business,” she says. “HR plays a unique role in helping organizations succeed while also supporting team members’ growth, engagement and development.”
Today, her responsibilities include supporting recruitment efforts, assisting with HR projects and leading employee engagement initiatives. She also serves as chair of AAR’s Engagement & Recognition Committee, working closely with colleagues to strengthen workplace culture.
“The variety and pace of the role make each day unique and provide continuous opportunities for growth and learning,” she says.
Deslippe credits much of her professional development to the experiences she pursued during her time at the University of Windsor, including opportunities that broadened her perspective on business and leadership.
An exchange program in Sweden introduced her to new perspectives on entrepreneurship and international business while immersing her in a different culture. She also participated in study-abroad courses in Brazil and Oxford, England, where she applied classroom concepts to real-world challenges and gained confidence working in unfamiliar environments.
Practical learning experiences also played an important role in shaping her career path. Through co-op placements with Blue HR, ENWIN Utilities and AAR, Deslippe gained exposure to different industries, workplace cultures and approaches to human resources. The placements allowed her to develop practical skills while learning from mentors across multiple sectors.
Beyond academics, she embraced leadership roles across campus. She served as vice-president of human resources for the Odette Commerce Society and represented undergraduate students on Faculty Council and the EDIBR Committee. These experiences strengthened her communication, collaboration and leadership skills while exposing her to diverse perspectives.
“My education at the University of Windsor provided me with a strong foundation in both business and human resources concepts,” she says. “Between my co-op placements and experiential projects, my education helped bridge the gap between student life and the professional world.”
One lesson from her time at Odette continues to guide her work today: stay curious.
“One of the most valuable lessons I learned during my time at Odette was the importance of staying curious and never being afraid to ask questions,” she says.
She also points to adaptability as an essential skill, noting that success often depends on a willingness to navigate uncertainty and embrace new challenges.
That mindset shapes the advice she offers current students.
“Push yourself outside of your comfort zone and get comfortable being uncomfortable,” she says. “Some of the most valuable opportunities and experiences in my academic and professional journey came from taking on challenges that initially felt intimidating.”
“Growth rarely happens when we remain in our comfort zone. By being willing to take risks, embrace new experiences and continue moving forward, you open yourself up to opportunities that can shape both your career and personal development.”