Archie Macfarlane 

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Tech Against Terrorism 

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Since leaving Exeter, I have been working at Tech Against Terrorism, first as an intern then in a permanent role as Junior Research Analyst. 

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I choose this career as I found the work of Tech Against Terrorism fascinating and was lucky enough to learn more about the online counterterrorism industry through my 6-month internship. What I enjoy most about the role is how dynamic and impact-driven it is, and working with a highly motivated and incredible team! 

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I played hockey as part of EUMHC.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I enjoyed the diversity of modules I could select, covering a broad range of issues from transitional justice to security in South East Asia. The biggest highlight was a Project Report on my research assistantship, which was on the use of humour by jihadi terrorist organisations.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

Learning from excellent lecturers and working in a great city. 

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

Because the CSD course offered a great mix of module choices as well as the opportunity for work experience built into the programme. 

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

The most important skills that I use in my career are the ability to write with analytical rigour, as well as thinking critically. Other important skills are organisation and time management, as well as debating through seminars. 

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Firstly, research and take all the opportunities given to you for career development by Exeter. This might be meeting careers staff, going to networking events, doing the career mentor scheme, or getting work placements as part of your course. Make sure you’re using LinkedIn and other job sites to help research different career paths. Reach out to people in those careers to ask to have a chat about what it’s like and the skills you need. Be open to different sectors and opportunities and don’t be closed off to your ‘perfect job.’ 

What are your plans for the future?

For now, staying at Tech Against Terrorism and working in the online counterterrorism space.