From student to lecturer: a journey of transformation at Coventry University

Mohammed's transition from student to Senior Teaching Fellow at Coventry University

My journey from student to Senior Teaching Fellow in Leadership and Management at Coventry University’s School of Management, College of Business and Law, spans nearly two decades, during which both the institution and I have transformed.

Coventry University and the city have embraced change, diversity and inclusion, reflected in the university's international success. The city’s designation as the UK City of Culture in 2021 highlights its openness and cultural richness. As Coventry has evolved, so have I - from a student whose experiences were overlooked to an empowered academic.

Today, I’m proud to contribute to a diverse College and a curriculum that reflects the backgrounds of our students.

Building resilience through adversity

As a Black student, the limited number of lecturers of colour, despite a diverse student body, affected my engagement with academia. Although my lecturers were knowledgeable, they often relied on Western examples, leaving little space for non-Western perspectives. These challenges were compounded by impostor syndrome - a common experience for underrepresented individuals - which meant I often felt out of place, despite my achievements.

As an academic, I’ve learned that balancing multiple identities as both a scholar and a person of colour adds complexity to my role. At times, I felt pressured to conform to the dominant academic culture, even when it clashed with my personal values. My research on the migration of highly skilled professionals from the Global South was sometimes undervalued in a Eurocentric environment. Yet, these obstacles strengthened my resilience, self-awareness and conviction in my work.

Becoming a lecturer at Coventry University, where I was once a student, has made me fully appreciate the importance of representation. My experience has taught me that diversity extends far beyond race and ethnicity. In my previous roles as an Employability Lecturer, Internationalisation Champion and currently as the Course Director for the BSc Project Management (Apprenticeship), I have gained deeper insights into the broader spectrum of diversity. Factors such as prior educational experiences, socialisation, socio-economic background, learning styles and personal interests play critical roles in shaping each student's academic journey.

Fostering diversity means embracing the uniqueness of each individual and understanding how their experiences influence their learning processes. For example, students from different socio-economic backgrounds may face challenges such as limited access to resources, while mature students might bring valuable life experience but require different forms of academic support. By recognising these distinctions, I can promote not only academic success but also personal and professional growth, empowering students to thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Mentoring the next generation

Looking ahead, I remain optimistic about the future of Black voices in academia. My time at Coventry University has demonstrated that institutional change is possible, and that inclusivity is not an ideal but a reality we can achieve. I see a future where Black scholars are not rare exceptions but vital contributors to academia and the broader cultural landscape.

As a lecturer, I am committed to creating spaces where Black students and those from other marginalised backgrounds can see themselves reflected in both the curriculum and the College. I strive to be the mentor I needed as a student, providing guidance and support to the next generation of Black scholars. By incorporating diverse perspectives into my teaching and research, I aim to challenge Eurocentric norms and foster an academic environment where all students feel seen, heard and valued.