Hafiza Rasool

My business and commercial acumen was initially shaped through active involvement in my family’s travel agency and part-time employment at Marks & Spencer within the retail sector. I commenced my academic journey with a Higher National Diploma in Public Administration, subsequently earning a Combined Honours degree in Employee Relations and Management from the University of Central Lancashire. This academic foundation was complemented by practical experience in human resources through a role within Lancashire County Council’s Education Department.

I later joined Birmingham City University’s Postgraduate Admissions Department, which marked a pivotal transition into Higher Education administration. Upon graduating, I secured a full-time position as Examinations Officer at the Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies (now University College Birmingham), which laid the groundwork for my progression into academia. Over the past two decades as a Lecturer at UCB, I have undertaken continuous professional development, including multiple teaching qualifications, IT certifications, and postgraduate study relevant to the Higher Education sector. Most recently, I completed the nationally recognised AdvanceHE Aurora Leadership Development Programme and formal training for the role of External Examiner.

Alongside my academic responsibilities, I maintain a strong interest in global multicultural dynamics, social media engagement, and emerging international markets, regularly participating in webinars and online forums to remain current. My involvement in UCBs 'Industry Exchange' initiative has further enabled integration of key industry practice and knowledge into my teaching pedagogy as well as keep my links updated for the changing graduate employability landscape on Sustainability and technological advancement.

My core responsibilities encompass academic and pastoral support as a Lecturer and Year Manager for undergraduate Airport/Aviation, Hospitality & Tourism programmes. This involves supervision of student research projects, and participation in internal audit / moderation processes. I also contributed to the selection panel for the 22,000-strong volunteer cohort for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, an experience that has further enriched my teaching through enhanced engagement with real-world employability and legacy planning.

I currently teach on both Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes, primarily Human Resources for Hospitality Managers, Research Practice, Managing Activities & People, Research Projects, Employability & Professional Development, Managing Across Cultures, Sustainability Leadership, Sustainability & Ethics in Events and Cross Cultural Management for Global Managers as well as Dynamic Aviation Environment.

I am currently engaged in a collaborative hub with the University of Oxford to deepen my understanding of the application of artificial intelligence within the Higher Education sector, particularly in response to the evolving technological demands across academia and industry.

Having completed a postgraduate programme in Education, I was awarded a Master’s degree with Merit. My ongoing research interests focus on developments within the Hospitality, Events, and Food industries, particularly in relation to management practices within globalised contexts. I intend to pursue doctoral-level study to build upon my academic and professional achievements, with the aim of attaining AdvanceHE Senior Fellowship status.

In alignment with my commitment to sustainability-focused pedagogy, I have recently obtained the Digital Tourism Think Tank’s *Leadership in Sustainability* certificate. I actively incorporate sustainability principles into my teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. My current academic interests include the intersection of artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and sustainability development, particularly how these elements are reshaping industry operations and educational practices.

I was part of the Volunteer recruitment team for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 known as the Commonwealth Collective. This involved linking with the local community and processing applications, as well as interviewing potential candidates for 15,000 key roles assigned during the Commonwealth Games. I also supported both the Opening & Closing ceremonies at the games which has been well received for my teaching on Events Modules.

Online webinars with associated subject specialisms and related areas.