About

I am a social science researcher specialising in the sociology of work.

In February 2023, I joined the International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS) as a Lecturer in Careers and Employability. My focus at iCeGS aligns with my broader research interests, emphasising careers education and guidance.

In this role, I contribute to qualitative and quantitative research initiatives, communicate findings with various stakeholder groups, and oversee the entirety of project processes. I've been involved with projects in collaboration with the Gatsby Foundation, the Institute of Student Employers, and WWF-UK.

Research interests

I'm particularly interested in the intersections between work and social justice, examining how contemporary work practices both influence and are influenced by wider societal values and issues of equity, fairness, and representation.

My focus extends to understanding the complexities of organisational culture, especially in the context of EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion). By integrating theoretical constructs from critical theory, I aim to explore the challenges and opportunities inherent in modern work.

My aspiration is to inform and impact policies that promote a more equitable and just work environment.

Recent publications

• Vahidi, G., Arnold, J., & Barnard, S. (2022). Examining career transition narratives through the lens of social justice: A critical study of the British press. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling. https://doi.org/10.1080/03069885.2022.2077305
• Furlotti, M., Vahidi, G., & Shipton, H. (2022) Innovative Behaviour, Emotional Competencies, and Experiential Learning. Academy of Management Proceedings, https://doi.org/10.5465/AMBPP.2022.143

Membership of professional bodies

• British Sociological Association
• European Association of Work and Organisational Psychology
• National Institute for Career Education and Counselling

Qualifications

• PhD in Career Studies - Loughborough University 
• MA (Hons) Global Communications Management - Cardiff University 
• BA (Hons) Media, Advertising & Public Relations - Middlesex University

Teaching responsibilities

In my previous roles, I employed an interdisciplinary approach to teaching, covering subjects such as Human Resource Management, Organisational Behaviour, Social Psychology, Qualitative Research Methods, and Quantitative Data Analysis.

I have also supervised postgraduate students undertaking their MBA and MA in Human Resource Management.