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Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

From UVic to the BC Public Service: How Computer Science Student Cyrus Parsons Turned Co-op Into AI Innovation and Award Recognition

Cyrus Parsons standing on a beach
Cyrus Parsons

For Victoria-raised Cyrus Parsons, choosing the University of Victoria for his graduate studies in Computer Science felt like a natural fit. A lifelong passion for computers guided him through Mount Douglas Secondary, and by the time he entered UVic’s Computer Science program, Parsons knew he was in the right place. Influential courses with professor Alex Thomo, along with personal encouragement from family, friends and faculty members, inspired Parsons to pursue a master’s degree at UVic.

That decision led him to one of the most defining experiences of his academic journey: a co-op placement with the BC Public Service.

Finding the Right Fit in Public Service

Parsons had held jobs at smaller, less structured organizations before, but he knew he thrived in environments with strong values, stability, and clear policies. The BC Public Service offered just that, along with a wide range of opportunities. “It meshed perfectly with my values,” he explains. “There’s so much support and so many opportunities here.” Despite other career prospects, Parsons chose public service because of its culture of stability and purpose.

The UVic Co-op Program played a pivotal role in connecting him to the opportunity. With tailored mentorship, resume guidance, and one-on-one support from his co-op coordinator, Parsons felt fully prepared to compete for the role. “That support made all the difference,” he says.

Growing Responsibilities and Early Impact

When Parsons joined the Unity Enterprise Grant Management System team, he wasn’t thrown in at the deep end. He began with testing and bug fixes, gradually building confidence before taking on larger projects such as designing a new dashboard. His supervisor, Christopher Carmack, quickly recognized Parsons’ passion for artificial intelligence and gave him every Friday to experiment with AI applications.

That trust paid off. Parsons’ first proof-of-concept, a report generator powered by AI, laid the foundation for a suite of new tools including an assessment helper, a summarizer, and an AI policy analyst. These innovations are now being showcased across government and are helping to establish a foundation for AI use across ministries.

“It’s been amazing,” Cyrus reflects. “The team, the leadership, and the mentorship have all been so positive and rewarding.”

Award Recognition for Professional Growth

Parsons’ contributions were formally recognized this summer with the BC Public Service Student Employee Award: Excellence in Professional Development, presented by the Public Service Agency. The award highlights co-op employees who embody organizational values and who demonstrate exceptional commitment to professional and personal growth.

As Carmack notes, “Cyrus’ technical expertise is matched by his communication skills, and his project activities have stemmed into leading foundational work on the Economy Sector Ministries.” The initiatives created by Parsons have already reached senior leaders across government, including presentations to more than 700 attendees at Unity Tech Talk n Tour, multiple forums, the CFO Council, the ADMs of Corporate Services, and most recently, to Minister Kahlon and his senior executive team.

Skills That Made the Difference

Parsons credits both hard and soft skills developed at UVic for preparing him to succeed. His courses gave him the rigorous technical foundation needed for end-to-end software development and networking architecture, while group projects taught him how to collaborate effectively. “It took programming from a hobby level to a scientific, rigorous level,” he explains.

Looking Ahead: AI in the Public Sector

Now, Parsons is excited about being part of the public service’s growing AI ecosystem, especially following the recent merger that brings together even more expertise. He values the chance to learn from colleagues with decades of experience while also contributing to projects that directly serve citizens.

“There’s a huge opportunity to build tools that help people interact with government more clearly,” he says. Equally important, he is deeply engaged in conversations about ethical, human-centered AI, guided by principles developed in partnership with organizations like Microsoft.

Advice for Future Co-op Students

For students considering co-op, Parsons has two pieces of advice: make the most of UVic’s co-op support services, and don’t be afraid to ask for help once you’re on the job. “Your co-workers want you to succeed,” he says. “Asking questions and leaning on their knowledge benefits everyone.”

A Launchpad for the Future

Ultimately, Parsons sees his co-op term as transformational, boosting his confidence, sharpening his skills, and giving him a seat at the table in one of the most exciting technological shifts of our time. “That’s what co-op is about,” he says. “Finding out that you can contribute in a professional situation, and realizing just how much you can grow.”