Unconventional Paths Lead to Interesting Places
In this episode of The Education Road, we sit down with Eric, whose career journey proves that a degree in history can lead just about anywhere, including into the world of AI, automation, and customer education.
Eric describes his path as serendipitous, and it’s hard to disagree. From studying History and Technology Studies to becoming an AI and Automation Transformation Lead at Zapier, his story is a masterclass in how curiosity, communication, and creativity can open unexpected doors.
After graduating, Eric dove into the tech world. But he soon realized he craved more creativity and human interaction and this led him back to academia as an academic technologist, helping universities design and implement digital learning experiences. From virtual reality projects to lightboard teaching tools, Eric brought innovation to classrooms on a shoestring budget, proving that constraint often fuels creativity.
Education remained at the heart of everything he did. As he transitioned into instructional design and later into customer education roles at Heap, SmartCat, and ultimately Zapier, Eric discovered a field where his passions for technology, teaching, and communication converged. He explains how customer education isn’t just about training. It’s about helping people truly understand and connect with the tools they use.
Mike and Eric also explore the evolution of online learning, especially after the pandemic. Eric advocates that online education, when done thoughtfully, can be more accessible, inclusive, and engaging than many assume. Drawing from his own Master’s in Educational Technology Leadership at George Washington University and an MBA in Leadership and Change, he reflects on what makes great online education.
Beyond the degrees and job titles, Eric’s story is ultimately about connection between people, disciplines, and ideas.
Whether you’re a student wondering how your degree will fit into the real world, an educator navigating technology’s rapid pace, or a professional exploring what’s next, Eric’s story reminds us that the most rewarding journeys are rarely linear.