Dr Meher Basit joined the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research in November 2010 and reports to the Postgraduate Programmes Manager. She is responsible for postgraduate students studying on taught programmes offered by the School, from recruitment to the completion of their studies.
Why did you want to work in higher education?
A few things really, one was I always think of an education institution as a place where ideas happen, and where there are interesting people and young people engaging in things, that's always been interesting to me. When I did my Masters I thought I should do something in academia but I was raising a young family so I didn’t have time at that point. So when my son was slightly older I thought the best place to work would be a university. I live in Ramsgate so University of Kent was a good place to apply to, and I was happy that the School of Social Policy offered me a place and I jumped at the opportunity.
What is the value of higher education and what made it possible for you to come into higher education?
I think personally everyone benefits, if someone increases his or her own knowledge I think everyone benefits. You try and improve things and it leads to better things for everybody, so I think higher education has a role to play in how society progresses. I think my own interest in education and the opportunities that came up made it possible for me.
How did you come to work at the University of Kent?
I was looking for work and looked at the both the vacancies and the school, and as my subject interest was social policy and sociology I was thrilled that there was an opportunity in the school, especially working with students which was fantastic to have that engagement with young people, and also the academics here. That was my interest, to be in an environment where I could actually engage with the subject myself.
Who has helped you the most in your journey to where you are now?
Loads of people, every person I’ve come across, all the teachers, every teacher I think has taught me so much throughout my education. In Karachi I was very lucky, I had fantastic teachers, and when I was doing my masters here I found brilliant teachers who I still stay in contact with, and then working here has been brilliant because there have been so many academics and students that have helped.
[Students] Keep an open mind, and harness that energy. Take things forward and break new ground.
What is your most memorable moment at the University of Kent?
The graduation ceremony! I attended last year which was the first time in 10 years, I volunteered (for it) and it is an inspiring event. It is nice to see the students taking their degrees and they are so happy and so are their families. It’s hard work but once you get there is that sense of achievement that you’ve finished and you’ll go on to do better things.
What have been your biggest challenges since you joined the University of Kent?
There is a lot of change coming in higher education and I do not know which way things will go. I think the tuition fee is an issue affecting students, which will affect the staff and then the whole higher education sector. I think the way things are moving in that direction will be the biggest challenge to higher education.
What has been one of your greatest achievements since being at the University of Kent?
I think it’s when students finish their degree, when they struggle but still finish, I’m so happy for them. When the students go through all that hard work over all the years they study, and there can be some low points because you think you know it but when you try put it down on paper its very hard. When they finish and get fantastic feedback and they just say thank you, I think that is the biggest achievement.
How do you see the future of the University of Kent? How could it strive to be a better place to work and study?
It’s a strange time at this point, young people are aware of the challenges and the funding of higher education so for the future things have to be looked at, decision makers have to look at why this is going on, higher education should have more focus given to it. A lot of students don’t go into higher education because they don’t see a point, which is a shame for everyone because then the whole system is affected, we all pay a price for it. So things should be improved, the government should look more into it as a priority and provide better options for studying, investing in it and investing in young people.
Do you have any tips that you would like to give to students?
Keep an open mind, and harness that energy and take things forward and break new ground.
