Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ

You might be surprised to learn that we offer a range of development programmes for people right from the start of their careers. These structured programmes offer a mix of dedicated training and on-the-job learning, as well as plenty of support. One example is MI5’s Technology Graduate Development Programme (TGDP). If you’re passionate about tech and studying for a degree in a STEM subject, this could be for you. Over two years, you’ll work with a range of friendly teams, contribute to real tech projects, and develop your skills while helping us keep the UK safe. Phoebe joined the TGDP in Manchester last year and told us about her experience of the programme. Did you have any nerves about joining? “I remember how shocked I felt when I saw the job posting on my university careers page, because it wasn’t something that I thought I could just apply for. I was worried before I started, partly because of the classic woman-in-STEM fears: not knowing if I’d be the only one or how much I needed to prove myself. But also fears about where I’d grown up or my accent. I was expecting the workforce to be exclusively upper-class white men, a stereotype that was immediately shattered on my first day.” What’s your cohort like? “We’re definitely a varied bunch. We’ve got a range of degrees and experiences, which leads to a lot of knowledge and skills sharing. My placement team is much bigger with a lot of different professions and skill levels, we have some subject matter experts, tech leads, researchers, and project managers. “We work in the office all the time, but it’s very relaxed and we sometimes even have lunch together. I was hesitant at the start, as being a graduate on placement can sometimes feel like it reduces the validity of your contributions, but I haven’t had any issues at all. There is time taken both to train me and let me shadow different processes, so I’m always busy.” What does a day on the TGDP involve? “A normal workday for me starts around 10am after driving in. The flexible working is a dream for avoiding traffic on the way in and out! I usually start with a bit of admin, going through emails and prep for the day, and then I’ll crack on with my technical placement. “I also have some side responsibilities, like being a community rep on the grad scheme. Once a week I’ll use my wellbeing hour either to meet a friend or some family for a longer lunch, or even just to take some time for myself to read my book. Then I’ll head home around 6pm and enjoy the rest of my day!” Interested? Find out more about the TGDP programme at https://lnkd.in/eVGyiuv3 We advertise all opportunities on our website, where you can also register and sign up for job alerts to stay updated on future opportunities: https://lnkd.in/ezv3FFRS #TechnologyCareers #GraduateJobs #STEMCareers

From encrypted data to surveillance imagery, the intelligence we gather comes to us in all kinds of forms. And when it arrives in a foreign language, we turn to a dedicated team of specialists to uncover vital details we couldn’t otherwise access. Being a language specialist is about far more than just translation and transcription. If you can speak another language, you have skills that can unlock information and shape investigations. It’s influential work, and you’ll be valued for your expertise. You don’t need to have worked in a similar role before. You might’ve grown up in a household where English wasn’t the first language. Or, perhaps you studied a language at degree level. Importantly, there are plenty of transferrable skills you can bring to the role. You’re already thinking like a language specialist if you have:   1.       Passion for the language and its culture: our Language Specialists don’t just speak a language, they bring in-depth knowledge of the culture, history and politics of where its spoken. You could be asked to share cultural insights or do research for other operational areas; it’s a role that helps us build a bigger picture of the world around us.   2.       Attention to detail: you’ll analyse, transcribe and translate a range of foreign language materials for operational and investigative teams. It could be audio or written text; you’ll identify hidden meanings, contextualise colloquialisms and find details others would miss.   3.       Curiosity: it’s a role for people who want to dig deeper and enjoy puzzle-solving, all while continuously learning and developing their skills. One of our Language Specialists, Sami, explains: “Every day I’m surrounded by talented people who share my passion for language excellence. I’m learning from them, and more recently developing and mentoring them.”   4.       Collaboration: there’s an element of independent working in this role, but you’ll be part of what our colleague Asha describes as “a brilliant language community” where knowledge-sharing is key. She added: “You’re never on your own with a language challenge, and you’re valued for your expertise. It’s something that previous language jobs I’ve had lacked.”   5.       Adaptability: you’ll need to be able to flex to changing demands, switch between different language materials, and balance both long and short-term projects. It’s a role with plenty of variety, as Aidan explains: “I’ve used my language skills in so many different ways and contributed to some really interesting work you just wouldn’t have the opportunity to do anywhere else.” Interested? We recruit for Language Specialists throughout the year, for languages including (but not limited to) Arabic, Persian and Mandarin. You can find out more on our websites: MI5: https://lnkd.in/dPJGsvb MI6: https://lnkd.in/eCwsEN-a GCHQ: https://lnkd.in/eQWJWbEJ

Thinking of applying to the UK’s Intelligence Services? That’s great! If you’re not already aware, our application process is pretty thorough (for obvious reasons) and can involve multiple stages, including interviews, written tests and assessment centres. So, what happens if you’re someone who needs a bit of extra support? Well, we believe that a fair application process doesn’t treat everyone the same. Instead, it makes sure everyone has what they need to perform at their best. That’s why we offer a range of reasonable adjustments throughout the process. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent or have a long-term health condition, reasonable adjustments ensure you can participate fully and equally, with confidence. You might not feel you need any reasonable adjustments. Or, you might not know what you need until you reach a certain stage in the process. That’s okay! Simply let us know if and when you need support and we’ll do our best to make adjustments to support you. In the past, this has included: ·     allowing dyslexic candidates extra time for reading or writing tests ·     printing materials on coloured paper or in different font sizes ·     allowing more frequent breaks for diabetes management ·     changing interview locations to the ground floor for accessibility ·     supplying additional information to reduce anxiety for candidates with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions And that’s far from an exhaustive list. We also offer reasonable adjustments throughout your career, not just in the application process. It’s all part of our commitment to having a working environment that respects and accommodates diverse requirements. We’ll support you, however and whenever you need it. You can find out more about reasonable adjustments at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ on our websites: ·     application process for MI5: https://lnkd.in/eWhG_icY ·     how to apply to MI6: https://lnkd.in/ePd2rmP8 ·     how to apply to GCHQ: https://lnkd.in/epx6_JtJ

Given what we see in TV and film, you’d be forgiven for thinking a role with the UK’s Intelligence Services means you’ll work right around the clock. Or that sleep is a luxury. Thankfully for all of us, that’s not the case! In fact, our working patterns are very similar to those you’d find anywhere else. Depending on which organisation you join, standard working hours for full-time roles are 36 or 37 hours over five days per week. Of course, there are a small number of roles where night shifts and late hours are required. These include our security officers who keep our locations secure day and night, analysts who respond to intelligence as it arrives, and surveillance teams working covertly to monitor potential threats. The important thing to remember is that while our mission is 24/7, we don’t expect our people to be. If you’re on a shift pattern, you’ll only do the hours you’re assigned. And if you work outside of your allocated hours, you’ll always get that time back in lieu. Plus, with a range of flexible working patterns available, our colleagues work hours that suit their responsibilities outside of work. Take it from Patty, one of our analysts at GCHQ: “Since I start early, I usually finish around 3pm which leaves my evenings free for things I enjoy, like playing badminton or going out for dinner with friends. The flexibility in start and end times really helps me maintain a great work-life balance. If I have plans later in the day, I just come in a bit earlier and if I need a slower start, I stay a little later. It’s a system that works perfectly for me.”   Importantly, you won’t be working on your own. Online Operator Team Leader Anthony explains: “There will be times where we need to come in and work at 2am. There will be people around you; you're not just sat there by yourself. People will come in and maybe work, for example, from 11pm to 7am and then they'll go home and be relieved by someone else." And just a quick note: whilst we’ll always work with you to ensure you have a work-life balance that suits you, hours do differ by role so always make sure to check the job description for the specific role you’re interested in.   You can find out more about flexible working and work-life balance on each of our websites: ·     life at GCHQ: https://lnkd.in/eJv4YgS5 ·     work-life balance at MI5: https://lnkd.in/exDf94yU ·     benefits at MI6: https://lnkd.in/eXWMPKUn

Most of us rely on technology of one kind or another for work, and that’s especially true at the UK’s Intelligence Services. That’s why our IT teams are so important. They keep us online, connected, and one step ahead. Take the IT Service Management team. They’re responsible for a wide range of areas, from the IT Service Desk through to Operational Response and estate-wide monitoring. You might think you need a whole swathe of tech qualifications and plenty of previous experience to join them, but that’s not necessarily the case. In fact, you might be right at the start of your career or looking for a career change. Working in IT requires a range of transferrable skills that you might already possess from your studies, tech hobbies, or previous experience. If you have any of the following, you're already thinking like someone who'll thrive in our team. ·     Problem-solving skills: when someone calls up and says something’s not working, you’ve got to be able to work out what the issue might be – and the ways it can be fixed. ·     Communication skills: if you can’t find a solution, you’ll escalate it and make sure you follow-up. You’ll ensure it’s allocated to a colleague and keep everyone in the loop – especially the user it’s affecting most. ·     Interpersonal skills: we have several drop-in locations where staff are encouraged to speak to us in person. We do this for our neurodivergent colleagues and those who have varied accessibility needs. It’s all about providing a friendly presence for those seeking in-person assistance. ·     Emotional intelligence: there’s never a good time for an IT issue, which is why being empathetic to someone’s concerns is key. Even if it’s a quick fix, you’ll be reassuring and respond in a way that recognises (and alleviates) their worry. ·     Tenacity: the determination to keep solving problems, learning new skills and driving improvement are all things we look for. As a member of the IT team put it: “You’re not coming in to sit down and push buttons, you’re coming in to make those buttons better.” Interested in a role in IT? Keep an eye on our career’s pages or you can register to sign up for job alerts to receive updates on upcoming opportunities: ·     jobs at MI5: https://lnkd.in/eid2zbx2 ·     jobs at MI6: https://lnkd.in/e-S_D4dC ·     jobs at GCHQ: https://lnkd.in/ejpvayGc

Currently in a tech role but looking for your next move? We spoke to colleagues who brought their expertise to us to find out what they enjoy most about working here. Meet Mona and Amy. Can you tell us about your role? Mona: “My specialism is developing comms software. I used to do it in the private sector.” Amy: “I use my skills in cyber analysis to protect against anyone trying to get into our technical systems.” What does your work involve? Amy: “Threats can include organised criminal groups and high-level threats from overseas who are seeking access to do anything from stealing sensitive information to disrupting critical services. My job is to stop them and defend the people they’re targeting.” Mona: “Things move so fast in this industry, and we’ve got to stay at the forefront to be successful at preventing threats. I’ve done things like inspect code that was rejecting key comms and installed critical infrastructure for one of our offices overseas.” And tell us, what’s the best part of your job? Mona: “Since I’ve joined, I’ve had the chance to upskill in some really cutting-edge tech and explore other areas, so I can keep growing my career. We get offered refresher courses as well which is so important for the work we do.” Amy: “Working for the UK’s Intelligence Services means you’ll be using your skills to protect the country. Seeing my experience being used to strengthen the UK as a whole is so rewarding. I really love what I do.” Interested? If you’re a tech professional with three years or more industry experience, then our Tech Talent Network could be what you’re looking for. As a member, you’ll receive unique insights into the work of our tech and science teams, access to exclusive content, and job alerts tailored to your area of expertise. So, if a job comes up that we think might be of interest, one of our recruiters will contact you with more information and application details. You can find out more about our tech opportunities and sign up for the Tech Talent Network, on any of our careers websites. ·     technical roles at GCHQ: https://lnkd.in/eyaKm_N5 ·     technology jobs with MI5: https://lnkd.in/erJcZckR ·     technologists at MI6: https://lnkd.in/eitcuhJu

In our line of work, communication is key. So, what happens if you’re someone who finds typical social interactions a little more challenging than others?   At GCHQ, we believe that with the right mix of minds, anything is possible. Just like our partners MI5 and MI6, we’re committed to creating an inclusive culture where people feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work. And that includes those with neurodivergent conditions who find certain aspects of communication more difficult, such as interpreting non-verbal cues or processing social dynamics.   That’s why we work hard to ensure our people have the right support and working environment they need to thrive. Did you know that the UK’s Intelligence Services have been recognised as a Disability Confident Leader? We have a great workplace adjustment process for people with all kinds of conditions, including cognitive processing differences.   The Services are far more open, supportive and welcoming than people first imagine. From providing reasonable adjustments in the application process to ensuring you have the support you need in the role, you’ll have the confidence to simply be yourself.   Take it from Annette, one of GCHQ’s recent joiners:   “I decided to apply as I knew it would be a challenge that would enable me to learn, but also build key skills and secure a career for life.   “I’d say one of the most important skills I developed was communication. I have a neurodivergent condition and I’ve previously struggled with fitting in, so I really appreciate the chances GCHQ gave me to improve how I connect with others. Communication is a core life skill I’d need to be effective in any future role I took on, and the apprenticeship gave me the chance to develop that.   “I’ve already decided that I want to continue my journey in GCHQ as I like the culture here. I feel really valued and part of a unique community. I feel ready to push myself even further and continue to do work that really makes a difference.”   To find out more about how important a mix of minds is to us, visit the diversity and inclusion page of the GCHQ website: https://lnkd.in/e_zuWFBT

When work gets challenging, most of us like to vent to friends or family. But in a job where you can’t talk about what you do for security reasons, how do you protect your mental wellbeing?   It’s something we take very seriously right across the UK’s Intelligence Services. And it’s why we have a whole range of dedicated initiatives in place, to give our staff the space and encouragement to seek support if they need it. From Mental Health First Aiders to Ethics Counsellors, you’ll always have someone to speak to.   Elsie joined MI6 as a Software Engineering Apprentice. She said: “I live with quite severe anxiety and was feeling totally burned out by the college environment. I decided to have a change of direction and applied for an apprenticeship. It really has been the best decision I’ve made. The agencies are very supportive of people dealing with their mental health and I’ve always been encouraged to talk about it if I need to. It’s been a total game-changer.”   Did you know that the agencies have an in-house group of professionals providing wellbeing support including counselling, financial support and even physiotherapy and occupational health?   Across the UK’s Intelligence Services, we’re committed to ensuring everyone feels confident, comfortable and able to bring their whole selves to work.   If you're interested in the Software Engineering Apprenticeship, you'll find plenty of information on the MI6 website: https://lnkd.in/egy-uW92   You can also read about MI6’s wellbeing support and culture here: https://lnkd.in/e9kfSpM5

When we ask colleagues what surprised them most about working here, many admit they expected a male-dominated environment. But did you know that 48% of our staff at MI5 identify as women? And that’s not all. Across the UK Intelligence Services, we’re working hard to create a culture that’s welcoming, inclusive and supportive of everyone. And while we recognise there’s still work to do in some areas, we’re proud to be removing barriers and creating opportunities for women to thrive. Did you know that 39% of MI5’s senior leaders identify as women? Or that we offer parental leave over and above the statutory entitlements? We even have an active gender network which champions gender equality and makes recommendations for practical change. But don’t just take our word for it. Our Security Officers play a vital role protecting our people, places and assets and provide a reassuring presence for staff and visitors. It’s a stereotypically ‘male’ role but we spoke to Vanessa, one of the team at MI5, about why that’s not the case for her. “I have previous experience in security, but when I found out I was pregnant I didn’t want to risk working in the types of volatile environments I’d been in before. I went through the application process on my maternity leave. “MI5 can be a daunting prospect, mostly because of how its portrayed in fiction. I was expecting suits and briefcases when I started, so I was surprised at how down-to-earth, welcoming and friendly it was. I love the camaraderie with the team; we really are like a family. We spend a lot of time together, so we’ve learned a lot about each other. “The benefits are great too. I have a personal learning budget that I use every year, and I’ve used it to explore things that interest me including learning another language. Knowing I’m at what many consider to be the pinnacle is impressive. You can’t tell anyone but your nearest and dearest, but they’re very proud that I’m playing a part in keeping the country safe.”   If you're interested in a career as a Security Officer, you'll find plenty of information on the MI5 website: https://lnkd.in/eykCuVNx   You can also read about MI5’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion here: https://lnkd.in/eYgQMeqW

A lot of people think there’s no work-life balance at the UK’s Intelligence Services. It’s one of the most common misconceptions about working here. So, what do you think? The truth is that we offer a wide range of flexible working options to help you balance your work with your personal life. The important thing to remember is that it varies from role to role and is always subject to business need. If you do work more than your hours, you’ll always get this time back in lieu. We place real value on the importance of a healthy work-life balance. Many of our colleagues work around their family commitments and even their hobbies. Where we can, we’ll help ensure you achieve a balance that works for you without compromising on what matters. Here are just some of the flexible working arrangements we offer, but they do differ by role so always make sure to check the job description for the specific role you’re interested in. ·     Flexitime: vary your start and end times, making sure you still complete a set number of hours per week (in accordance with business needs). ·     Compressed hours: work the same number of hours in fewer days, such as a 4-day working week with longer daily hours. ·     Part-time working: where you work fewer hours than a full-time schedule, often spread across fewer days. ·      Remote working: where you’ll work outside the main office (but excluding home working). You can find the full list of flexible working options on each of our websites: ·     life at GCHQ, https://lnkd.in/eJv4YgS5 ·     work-life balance at MI5, https://lnkd.in/exDf94yU ·     benefits at MI6, https://lnkd.in/eXWMPKUn