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.
— Published on Oct 5th, 2026
Electrical engineering co-op student Luke Laforest received a Rising Star Award for his contributions during a work term at Ford Motor Company's Windsor Engine Plant. Through projects focused on predictive planning, assembly-line optimization and continuous improvement, he delivered solutions that helped improve efficiency, reduce costs and support frontline workers. (LUKE LAFOREST/University of Windsor)
At a modern engine plant, even a brief disruption can have significant consequences.
— Published on Sep 1st, 2026
Master of Science in Computer Science student Nishant Gowthaman received a Rising Star Award for his contributions during a co-op placement with CenterLine (Windsor) Limited. During his work term, he developed a machine learning-powered system that transformed years of estimating data into a searchable resource, supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. (SHIVANGI ROY/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
When Nishant Gowthaman arrived at CenterLine (Windsor) Limited for his co-op placement, he was presented with a challenge that extended far beyond writing code.
The company had years of estimating data stored across thousands of spreadsheets, containing valuable knowledge that engineers often struggled to find and reuse.
— Published on Aug 17th, 2026
Master of Applied Computing graduate Harshkumar Nayanbhai Patel earned a Rising Star Award for outstanding work during a Winter 2026 co-op placement at RBC, where he developed AI-powered solutions that improved efficiency and delivered business value. (SUBMITTED BY HARSHKUMAR NAYANBHAI PATEL/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
For Harshkumar Nayanbhai Patel (MAC '26), a co-op placement at RBC became more than a learning opportunity. By the end of his work term, he had helped develop AI-powered solutions that were saving thousands of engineering hours annually and earned a full-time software engineering position with the company.
— Published on Aug 17th, 2026
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)
