Who we are
Virginia Williams
Role: Professional Liaison Director
Specialist areas: Work-based learning, the management of placements and postgraduate project-based internships, personal development planning (PDP) and industry/HE knowledge exchange.
Virginia qualified as an accountant in the private sector, designed computing systems, and completed an MSc in Business Systems Analysis and Design before joining City. She has combined lecturing on a range of topics with extensive academic development work in work-based learning and PDP. She holds a fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and is currently working on her dissertation for an MA in Academic Practice.
She is a chartered member of and Higher Education Assessor for, the British Computer Society, and occupies that increasingly important space for City - experience of successful academic development and teaching, with a strong professional focus.
Email: ginny@city.ac.uk ; Tel: 07973 518 467
Alex Elkins
Role: Professional Liaison Unit Manager
Specialist areas: Work-based learning, employer liaison and business development
Alex graduated with an MCHEM from the University of Exeter. He then moved into the pharmaceutical industry where he was employed as an industrial chemist. He has since moved into careers and skills development within higher education. Alex has previously worked at the University of Hertfordshire and the London School of Economics spending time focussing on internships, placements and business development.
Alex's priority areas include: integrating placements across the Schools of Engineering & Mathematical Sciences and Informatics, and implementing strategy to enhance student employability at City.
Email: alex.elkins.1@city.ac.uk ; Tel: +44 (0)207 7040 8561
Laura Blatchford
Role: Work-based Learning Advisor
Specialist area: Undergraduate placements across the SEMS programmes
Laura has been involved in the delivery of work-based learning modules since 2003. Most recently as a Work Placement Coordinator at the University of Exeter for the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
With experience of both the US and British education systems, and a range of industries, she now facilitates placement opportunities for students in the School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. In her spare time she is studying for the PG Dip in Careers Education, Information, and Guidance.
The most rewarding part of her job is seeing how much more confident and capable students are when they return back to university after having spent some time in industry.
Email: Laura.Blatchford.1@city.ac.uk
Donna Davie
Role: Work-based Learning Advisor
Specialist areas: Professional Development Planning and employability curriculum design & delivery
Donna studied Business & IT for her first degree and has since specialised in the management of student work experience through the University of Warwick. She has extensive experience of working in education through course administration, widening participation and across the spectrum of work-related learning. Her experience also includes teaching computing to students with learning difficulties and to adult beginners, and has now progressed on to curriculum management and delivery for SoI's Professional Development in IT module. Donna is a strong supporter of vocational learning and is passionate about enhancing the employability of students to enhance and enrich their lives.
Email: donna.davie.1@soi.city.ac.uk ; Tel: +44 (0)20 7040 8408
Alastair Locke
Role: Work-based Learning Advisor
Specialist areas: Undegraduate placements and employability across SoI and SEMS
Alastair began his career at City University as a Courses Officer in 2009 before joining the PLU in January 2012. After graduating from the University of Nottingham with a degree in History and Russian Alastair embarked on an environmental education research project through Russia, working with schools to develop and lead ecology and conservation projects in Siberia. Alastair went on to teach English in Japan as part of the JET Programme for 2 years, working with teaching professionals to enhance the student experience. Currently Alastair is investigating opportunities to increase student - employer interaction and delivers employability workshops for the Professional Development in IT module.
Email: alastair.locke.1@soi.city.ac.uk ; Tel: +44 (0)20 7040 8409
Mohson Khan
Role: Work-based Learning Advisor
Specialist areas: Professional Pathway and employer liaison
Mohson graduated from City University London with a degree in Bsc (Hons) Business Computing Systems and has also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Online Tutoring. Mohson was initially employed by the university as a systems developer, specialising in web applications. In September 2006 he was offered the opportunity to coordinate the School of Informatics Professional Skills and Personal Development programme, and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Mohson currently coordinates City University's unique Professional Pathway programme and oversees our efforts in employer liaison.
Email: mohson@soi.city.ac.uk ; Tel: +44 (0)20 7040 4055
Peter Kogan
Role: Work-based Learning Advisor
Specialist areas: Postgraduate internships in SoI; design of information for PLU activities
Peter joined the Professional Liaison Unit in 2004 having spent the previous fifteen years in teaching and educational management roles in the UK and Spain. He studied Economics at Queen Mary College, University of London, and then spent a year at BT. After completing an RSA Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, he spent seven years teaching English in Spain. On his return to the UK, Peter lectured in Communication Skills at the European Business School before becoming Programmes Director for a US study abroad programme in London. Peter is currently completing an MSc in Electronic Publishing part-time at City University London.
Email: pkogan@soi.city.ac.uk ; Tel: +44 (0)20 7040 0200