About

I am a social science researcher specialising in the sociology of contemporary work, with research interests in employability, social justice, diversity, and inclusion. Since joining the International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS) in February 2023, I have been involved in a variety of qualitative and quantitative research projects that explore the evolving intersections of work, equity, and career development.

My academic responsibilities include conducting research and managing projects with organisations such as the Gatsby Foundation, the Institute of Student Employers, and the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF). I also lead on iCeGS’ academic networks, which involves planning and organising the annual lectures, developing the associates network, and representing iCeGS as the research cluster lead across the Institute of Education. 

I also support visiting academics at our research centre, by creating opportunities for collaboration and ensuring their time at the institution is both academically valuable and contributes to our shared research priorities.

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., Barnard, S., & Arnold, J. (2024). Parallel representations: Career development in media and academic literature. Journal of the National Institute for Career Education and Counselling, 52, 1, 52-66. https://doi.org/10.20856/jnicec.5205
• Lai, T., Vahidi, G., & Hooley, T. (2024). Taking early careers global: Global employers’ insights report 2024. International Network of Employers and University Careers Services. https://gcssummit.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Taking-Early-Careers-Global-Global-Employers-Insights-Report-2024.pdf
• 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

In the media

• Understanding how salaries compare to inflation and trends is crucial to early talent attraction. (2023). ISE Research Insights. https://insights.ise.org.uk/research/blog-understanding-how-salaries-compare-to-inflation-and-trends-is-crucial-to-early-talent-attraction/.
• How hybrid working is impacting development programmes (2023). ISE Research Insights. https://insights.ise.org.uk/development/how-hybrid-working-is-impacting-development-programmes/

Teaching responsibilities

In previous roles, I taught Human Resource Management, Organisational Behaviour, Social Psychology, Qualitative Research Methods, and Quantitative Data Analysis. I also supervised postgraduate students completing MBA and MA programmes in Human Resource Management.