Meet Nicky Iqbal, Programme Leader for BSc Business and Management, as well as Lecturer in People Management, here at the University of Salford.
Nicky first started her career as a fashion consultant for her small business, where she learned the foundations of working as an entrepreneur. Her passion for teaching was instilled during her endeavours in hospitality, which saw her training people in product development, and later inspiring 16 to 18-year-old college students to get into the hospitality sector.
Here at Salford, Nicky is determined to create an encouraging and welcoming environment for students, particularly mature learners and international students looking to expand their business knowledge.
In this blog, Nicky reflects on her career journey, key milestones and how she became the academic she is today.
How did you get into academia?
Before starting a career in academia, I previously ran my own small business at 20-years-old, working as a fashion consultant and designer for five years.
I then studied hospitality and catering management and went on to run several restaurants and bars. Following this, I was a fresh food retail manager for 10 years, where I trained staff on service, hygiene and product development. This led to me retraining again, almost 15 years ago at the University of Huddersfield, where I completed my teacher training and taught 16 to 18-year-old college students in hospitality, travel and business, as well as community users specialising in garment production.
My last role was as a Lecturer and Programme/Partnership Lead at a university centre in Salford, for undergraduate Business Management, Events, Hospitality and Marketing, ironically partnered with the University.
Following this, it felt like it was a natural move to apply for a position at the University of Salford three years ago. I now teach as part of the Human Resource Management subject group and I’m also programme lead for the chartered degree apprentices and a link tutor for our partner, SIRM College.
Why did you choose to work at the University of Salford?
From my previous role, I’d always had close working relationships with colleagues at the University. I liked how the programme was set up and loved teaching on the modules. I’ve always felt quite passionate about working in Salford as the area is very mixed with investment and development.
In my last role, I saw a lot of returner learners studying for a degree who missed the opportunity the first time they left school, and I wanted to support them and make a change to people’s lives. Salford has similar outlooks and beliefs to those of my own, and it felt like a very natural and lateral move.
What’s the best thing about being an academic at Salford?
The best thing about being an academic at Salford is working in a supportive environment where my voice and ideas are heard and respected. The University always supports people with new practices or as a newcomer, makes you feel a part of a large family. I wouldn’t change a thing.
As a Lecturer, the best moments are watching learners succeed, not only in grades, but seeing their development over the years and their increase in confidence in their abilities.
It’s also a great thing to see a learner finally understand why and how theories and frameworks can be applied into everyday workplace situations. Those life changing moments for others make it all worthwhile.
Can you tell us any of your career highlights to-date?
In my previous undergraduate role, several learners came through an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) route or were mature learners returning to study after a significant gap in learning. I had a few occasions of guiding and teaching learners who progressed all the way up to their master’s degree. Seeing them graduate was a very proud moment.
In the last month, I’ve had emails from two alumni students who had returned to Salford to further their studies. Those are the moments that I got into teaching for.
What’s your current research focused on?
My research focuses on enhancing digital capability in online and blended learning to inform level six curriculum design. Alongside two other colleagues, we aim to review the current digital competencies for an online cohort to help inform us in their level six curriculum design and through a scheme of work.
In my non-university role, I’m also the Director of a football club that is at the heart of my community. I’ve just started research around the social capital and belonging of volunteering in your local community.
Do you have any published papers we can read?
I’m currently working on research with two colleagues which will be added to my Worktribe profile in due course.
And finally, the all important question, where in Manchester or Salford is best to grab a coffee?
I don’t drink tea, coffee or milk, so anywhere that sells caffeine free Pepsi Max!