Dawood Khan

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Moonshot

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

I left Exeter in July 2025 and moved back to London where I finished my MA degree with the submission of my MA dissertation. From there I began applying to graduate schemes in various sectors for a variety of roles. This application process took around four months and around the mid-point I discovered the intelligence/corporate intelligence sector which really interested me as I felt that the degrees I completed at University lent itself to this work. This led me to apply to Moonshot in December 2025 and proceed through the application process until I was successful and began my role in January 2026.

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

I chose this career as my strengths in work at university lent itself to this role and sector. I enjoy that I am able to work in a role and company that aligns with my values and interests, namely the goal of reducing threats and violence online. Additionally, the work is stimulating and challenges me constantly which helps get over the monotony of a 9-5! The company I work for has a flat structure meaning that the workplace is casual and comfortable while still producing and delivering high quality work.

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

I was the Social Secretary of postgraduate society and helped out with organising and managing events for the Business and Finance society. Further, I was the captain of an IMS football team for three years of my university experience.

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

The most enjoyable aspect of my programme was the genuine enthusiasm and passion of my lecturers, this really bled through into the lessons meaning that learning was both engaging and enjoyable. My highlight was attaining a distinction in my MA dissertation as well as my MA as a whole as this was the culmination of a lot of hard work.

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

I enjoyed the campus aspect of Exeter, Streatham campus was a beautiful space to study and spend time in. Engaging with events and staff at the IAIS department was also a very enjoyable part of my time in Exeter.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I chose to study at Exeter due to the reputation of the IAIS department, I have always been passionate about studying the Middle East and the institute was the best place to do so!

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

There are quite a few transferrable skills from my degree to my career, the most notable being: attention to detail, working with large datasets, working under pressure, working to deadlines, communication, critical thinking and analysis.

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

Be able to accurately gauge your own strengths and weaknesses. Put yourself in uncomfortable and pressurised scenarios as this career can be extremely stressful when turning around work in a very short amount of time.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to progress in this field and grow to become a leader in the space, hopefully branching into more geopolitically focused work.