Felix Goodman
Country:
United Kingdom
Sector:
Government
Job title:
Desk Officer Syria
Subject of study:
Arabic and Islamic Studies
Year of graduation:
2021
Type/Level of study:
Undergraduate
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Civil Service for two years as a Generalist Fast Streamer, now working for the FCDO on the Syria Desk as the Regional Political/Military Officer in London.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
Wanted to use my Arabic, have an international career and work in international relations.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
Arabic and Middle Eastern Society. Student Staff Liaison Committee.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
The arabic language year abroad and my cohort.
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
Arabic
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
For its two study abroad periods in the Middle East and its Sharjah Scholarship.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Arabic
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Don’t worry about being the best or having a degree directly related to the job you want to do, people from all kinds of degrees work alongside me (including Music, Theology and Engineering!).
What are your plans for the future?
Remain a diplomat.
