Viji Jayasundara
Meet Viji, who completed a PhD at Herts in 2023 and is now an Employer Liaison tutor at the University.
| Current job role | Employer Liaison Tutor (ELT) at the Hertfordshire Business School (HBS), University of Hertfordshire |
|---|---|
| Year of graduation | 2023 (PhD) and 2024 (PGCert) |
| Course of study | PhD, PGCert Learning and Teaching in HE |
Life at Herts
Viji began her journey at Herts in 2019, when she started her PhD focussing on cognitive compassion and its impact on communication. The Covid-19 pandemic bought unexpected challenges during her studies, forcing her to adapt her research to an online methodology. ‘There were many uncertainties, and learning to navigate new research avenues under such unprecedented circumstances tested my resilience. It was a tough transition, but it also taught me invaluable lessons about flexibility, perseverance, and the power of adaptation’.
Viji completed her PhD in 2023 and also achieved a Gold Go Herts Award. ‘The support from my supervisors and the flexibility to adapt my research focus, especially during challenging times like the pandemic, was a highlight of my experience.’
During her studies, she also worked as a careers coach and earned a PGCert in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, becoming a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
‘The practical focus of the programmes, coupled with opportunities for professional development and networking, made Herts the ideal place for me to pursue my PhD and grow both academically and personally. I’m truly grateful to our wonderful Teams, CLASS and the Carees and Employment team’
‘The university offered a supportive and dynamic environment, with access to excellent resources and faculty expertise that aligned with my research interests, particularly in compassionate communication. Herts also has a diverse and inclusive community, which was important to me, as it fosters a sense of belonging and collaboration.’
Her current career
Viji is now an Employer Liaison Tutor (ELT) as well as a visiting lecturer at the Hertfordshire Business School (HBS), where she contributes to both teaching and research. She also serves as the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) representative for the Department of Strategic Management at the Business School where her role includes organising key events for awareness campaigns like Black History Month. In addition, she was recently selected for the AURORA Women Leadership Programme which is a leadership development journey that inspires women to achieve their professional goals in higher education through individual, group learning, mentorship and networking. ‘This is an opportunity that marks another exciting chapter in my leadership development journey.’ Viji was also honoured with the University’s Areles Molleman Prize 2024 at the Teaching Excellence Award Ceremony. This recognition is a testament to Viji's commitment to enhancing the learning and teaching experiences and fostering academic excellence.
Going forward, her career ambitions are centred on fostering compassionate communication, advancing research, and contributing to inclusivity both within and beyond academia.
Viji’s advice
‘Whether you're navigating academic hurdles or facing personal obstacles, always remember that you can overcome them with determination and a compassionate mindset. Success is not just about achieving goals but also about how you rise above the obstacles in your path.
‘I have realised that setbacks and challenges can be transformative. Resilience, persistence, and compassion—both for yourself and others—are key ingredients for success. The ability to adapt and grow from difficult situations can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes.’
Viji also benefited from the Careers and Employment Service at Herts, particularly through CV consultations and training sessions that enhanced her employability skills, allowing her to refine her professional focus and secure her current role.