Felicity Goldsmith
Current Employer/Organisation Name
I am currently a Researcher at Efeca, an organisation that provides advice and support on the sustainable and legal sourcing of natural resources, with a focus on agricultural and forest commodities.
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
I graduated from my BA Geography degree at the Penryn campus in 2022.
I continued with further studies at the University of Helsinki, where I studied an MSc in ‘Environmental Change and Global Sustainability’ (2022-24). During that time I also held a part-time research assistant job in the ‘International Forest Policy Research group’, and also became heavily involved in ‘Friends of the Earth Helsinki’.
After graduating from my Master’s I ‘WWOOFed’ (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) on an organic farm in southern Germany for 3 months. Alongside developing my German language skills, during my free time I wrote a research paper with my co-authors from Helsinki. This paper is currently under revision at the journal Forest Policy and Economics, and I hope to resubmit with my co-authors in March 2026.
Since April 2025 I have been working as a Researcher at Efeca. Alongside various administrative and communications tasks, I research forest-risk commodities and supply chains (including soy, palm oil, coffee, cocoa) that are contributing towards global-scale deforestation, land conversion and environmental degradation.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I have always been passionate about environmental and social justice. I fell into the research assistant role at the University of Helsinki, through my interests in global inequalities and in particular understanding indigenous knowledge and processes of decolonisation. These processes happened to be situated within the ‘forest’ context and so I have entered the forest policy and governance sector. I enjoy observing how small grassroot projects can really make a difference in terms of social and environmental justice.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
Sea Swimming Society: Social Secretary (2020-22)
Green Living Society: Vice President (2020-21) & Social Media Coordinator (2021-22)
I also periodically got involved in GeogSoc, FalSurf and Ultimate Frisbee as a general member.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
The fieldtrips were amazing – Isles of Scilly, West Penwith, Wales. And also dtudying with people who were also passionate about Geography.
What did you most enjoy about studying here?
The location! I was studying during the COVID-19 pandemic, however being based in Falmouth was amazing – sea swims, coastal runs, surfing, cliff jumping, beach fires etc!
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
I wanted to study down in Cornwall, and the Penryn Campus Geography course was my favourite. The structure of the course meant I didn’t need to decide if I wanted to study BSc or BA Geography until my final year, so I had the time to explore different topic areas.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Possessing an overall grounding in Geography has given me both hard and soft skills that are transferrable to the workplace. Geography is a great all-round degree.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Enjoy your degree and the time to study – I miss having the opportunity to learn and really think critically. Take the chance to volunteer or gain extra experience through internships, further education etc – it really helps you stand out in the job sector.
What are your plans for the future?
Perhaps live and work abroad – I’d love to learn more from different cultures.
Maybe a PhD?
