Shoukat Mehsud
Summary
Strategic and student-focused higher education professional with strong knowledge of the UK Higher Education system and the international student lifecycle from pre-arrival to graduation. Experienced in leading data-informed initiatives, influencing policy development, and collaborating across academic departments and professional services to enhance student engagement, retention, and overall experience. Proven ability to represent student voice at committee level, develop targeted interventions, build external partnerships, and deliver workshops and engagement initiatives that drive measurable institutional improvement
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
President
Birmingham City University Students' Union
2025.07 - Current
- Successfully lobbied the Vice-Chancellor and Board of Governors for dedicated student social spaces, securing approval for a £2.5 million modular Students’ Union building.
- Coordinated with the University Collections Team to implement the first flexible tuition payment plan for international and self-funded students, reducing financial barriers and contributing to a 43% reduction in advice team cases and a decrease in breaks in study.
- Successfully secured a 30-day grace period for withdrawing students, ensuring their access to systems and specialist support services.
- Collaborated with Student support centre, academic departments, and senior leadership (Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellors, Deans, Directors) to strategically resolve complex student issues, part of strategies and improve accessibility of University processes.
- Led awareness campaigns (e.g., fraud and scam prevention), recruiting volunteers and achieving measurable reductions in reported cases.
- Established partnerships with West Midlands Police, Combined Authority, and local organisations to improve student safety, integration, and culturally relevant support networks.
- Delivered induction talks, workshops, and engagement events to increase awareness of key milestones, university services, and academic expectations.
- Maintained accurate documentation, reports, and records for ongoing projects
Coordinated with cross-functional teams to track tasks, issues, and resolutions
- Completed professional training in student governance, finance, marketing, and mediation, strengthening strategic, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
Vice President Academic Experience
Birmingham City University Students' Union
2024.07 - 2025.06
- Presented formal Student Voice Reports at Board of Governors, Academic Board, and Learning, Teaching & Quality Assurance Committee, ensuring student priorities informed institutional decision-making.
- Participated in policy consultation and governance discussions, contributing to regulatory updates and quality enhancement processes to ensure compliance, continuous improvement, and student-centred decision-making
- Reviewed and evaluated university policies and academic regulations with the Quality Assurance team.
- Contributed to the development and implementation of the 10-day self-certification policy, improving accessibility and reducing financial barriers for students unfamiliar with the UK academic system.
- Coordinated the “Meet the SU” event to strengthen relationships between senior university leadership and students, fostering engagement and aligning with strategic objectives.
- Supported initiatives linking students with alumni and careers service to enhance employability outcomes.
- Provided high-quality student support and customer service, empowering students with clear guidance and timely resolutions to complex issues.
- Participated in Education, Student Experience, and EDI strategy workshop, contributing ideas aligned with the needs of international students.
International buddy
Birmingham City University
2023.01 - 2024.01
- Provided pastoral and emotional support to students facing homesickness, cultural adjustment challenges, and financial concerns, enhancing their overall university experience.
- Supported international students during pre-arrival and arrival stages, facilitating smoother transition into UK Higher Education and local community integration.
- Provided peer guidance on academic expectations, university systems, and available specialist support services (e.g., wellbeing, library, finance).
- Signposted students to employment opportunities, university services, and external support networks, fostering improved retention and engagement.
- Offered interpretation support and culturally sensitive communication for students facing language barriers..
Education
Bachelor of Law - LLB (Hon)
Birmingham City University
Birmingham, England 2022.09 -
Foundation Degree - LAW
Birmingham city university international college
Birmingham 2022.01 - 2022.09
Skills
- International student lifecycle expertise
- Policy development
- Data-driven interventions
- External partnerships
- Cross-university collaboration
- Communication and engagement strategies
- Committee representation and meetings
- Workshop facilitation
- Team collaboration
- Multitasking and priority management
- Problem-solving skills
- Influencing skills
- Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
Certification
Student Governor, Advance HE
Languages
Hindi
Fluent
Urdu
Fluent
Persian
Intermediate
Punjabi
Intermediate
English
Fluent
Affiliations
- Cricket
- Hiking
- Travelling
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
President
Birmingham City University Students' Union
2025.07 - Current
Vice President Academic Experience
Birmingham City University Students' Union
2024.07 - 2025.06
International buddy
Birmingham City University
2023.01 - 2024.01
Bachelor of Law - LLB (Hon)
Birmingham City University
2022.09 -
Foundation Degree - LAW
Birmingham city university international college
2022.01 - 2022.09