University of Windsor alumnus Eric Parker, credits the University's co-op program with helping him discover a career path that combined engineering expertise with relationship-building. Today, he serves as Director of Sales at Vista Solutions. (SUBMITTED BY ERIC PARKER/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
Sometimes the most valuable lesson from a co-op placement is discovering what you do not want to do.
For many students, experiential learning helps confirm career ambitions. For others, it opens the door to opportunities they may not have known existed.
Exploring different industries, roles and workplace environments can provide valuable insight into personal strengths, interests and long-term goals.
University of Windsor alumnus Eric Parker (BASc Hons. ’18) experienced that firsthand.
Through four co-op work terms, the electrical engineering graduate turned a clear career plan into a broader exploration of possibilities, ultimately finding a profession that combined his technical expertise with a passion for working with people.
Today, Parker serves as director of sales at Vista Solutions, overseeing global sales operations for the company he joined shortly after graduation.
When he began his studies in 2014, Parker was determined to make the most of co-op and entered his first placement convinced he knew exactly what kind of work he wanted to pursue.
His first work term at a local automotive manufacturing facility proved to be an important turning point.
"While it was an amazing learning experience, one I still take lessons from and one that closely resembles the work I do today, I determined during that term that it wasn't for me," Parker said. "That was a great discovery."
Rather than pursuing similar opportunities, Parker used his remaining co-op placements to broaden his horizons. He sought exposure to different industries, technologies and workplace environments, exploring hardware- and software-focused work as well as roles involving technical problem-solving, project management and collaboration.
After completing all four work terms, he took time to reflect on what he had learned.
"I listed out the job elements I liked from each one and the elements I didn't like," Parker said. "From that, I had essentially built a job description for my perfect job."
Comparing that list with available careers pointed him toward technical sales, a field that offered the opportunity to combine engineering expertise with relationship-building and solution development.
That insight eventually led to a chance encounter at a University of Windsor job fair, where Parker met Vista Solutions co-owner Mike Sirizzotti. Although the company was not hiring for a sales role at the time, Parker stayed in contact, secured an interview and joined the organization as a technical sales engineer just weeks after graduation.
Four years later, he was promoted to director of sales, where he now oversees sales operations around the world.
Looking back, Parker credits co-op with helping him discover a fulfilling career path while building the experience and confidence he needed after graduation.
"That is what makes co-op unique," he said. "You make real contributions to big companies and learn real skills, but your commitment is finite. You get to do the job, do it well and, most importantly, learn whether it's the right fit for you."
Beyond career exploration, co-op also provided lessons that continue to influence Parker's approach to professional growth. He still follows advice he received from his first co-op supervisor, Moe Noutsi.
"He told me, 'Eric, the moment that something makes you uncomfortable, you have to do it, because that is the only way you can grow,'" Parker recalled.
The advice helped him overcome early discomfort with presentations and sales calls and continues to guide him as a leader.
Today, Parker encourages students to stay curious and keep an open mind about where their careers might lead.
"There are so many jobs out there, including ones you would never know exist," he said. "Your dream job may be one of them, so keep an open mind."
For Parker, co-op was more than an opportunity to gain work experience. It was a chance to test different possibilities, discover what motivated him and build a career that brings together his technical strengths and passion for working with people.