UK Intelligence Services
We are MI5, MI6 and GCHQ. Together, we make up the UK’s Intelligence Services. And together, we’re safeguarding Britain’s people, interests and businesses from threats at home, overseas and online, including cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organised crime.
That takes fresh thinking, different perspectives and a unique range of skills. So there’s no one type of person who works here. And you’re not expected to know everything when you first start. It’s a level playing field, where everyone is respected, valued and listened to. These are just some of the reasons why a career in the Intelligence Services is truly like no other.
MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats like terrorism and attempts by states to harm the UK, its people and way of life. We carry out investigations by obtaining, analysing and assessing intelligence, and then work with a range of partners, including MI6 and GCHQ to disrupt these threats.
MI6, also known as SIS protects the security and economic wellbeing of the UK from overseas threats such as regional instability, terrorism, and cyber-attacks. Using innovative technologies, we work across the globe developing foreign contacts who can help the UK government counter these threats, through the provision of secret intelligence.
GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage.
Join Us
In terms of how you join us, there’s so much choice. All kinds of career paths, and lots of different ways to get started. Across each agency, there’s a variety of graduate programmes, internships and entry level roles. For some, you’ll need a specific degree. But for most, the subject doesn’t matter, as long as you bring a 2:2 degree. And if you have equivalent relevant experience, then you’re eligible to apply for all our opportunities.
Know that wherever you join us, you’ll have plenty of on-the-job training and support. There are also great opportunities to work in joint agency teams. In time, you could even switch between agencies. What really matters is that you bring the ability to learn new skills. We’re flexible and it mostly comes down to your potential – that’s what we really look for.
Early Careers Network
Thinking of working with us? We’d love to invite you to join our Early Careers Network.
It’s a place where you can get to know us better, stay connected, and find out about current vacancies. The unique insights you’ll gain will help you decide if we’re right for you.
From useful information to events, the Network is specifically designed for people looking to apply for an entry level position, such as an apprenticeship, internship, graduate role, or a particular programme.
Interested? You can check your eligibility on our website. By signing up, you’ll be registering for all the latest careers information across the UK Intelligence Agencies – MI5, MI6 & GCHQ.
Spotlighting our STEM roles
Interested in kicking starting you career working in STEM? Check out our early career STEM opportunities you might be interested in.
Bring your talent for technology, engineering, maths and more to our organisations and use them to find innovative solutions to unique problems. In some cases, you don’t even need a specific STEM degree to join!
Perhaps your geography degree means you’re great at analysis. Or, you have a keen eye for detail from running psychology experiments. Maybe your passion for engineering or unlocking the world of cyber. One things for sure: one of our STEM roles could provide the perfect platform for you to use your skills to keep the country safe.
We offer structured programmes, graduate roles and entry level schemes and even internships and insight programme for students still at university. Whichever you choose, you’ll get plenty of on the the job training and support from your team.
Career Timelines
Click to enlarge each careers timeline, or click the button to download .pdf copies.
Other Useful Resources
Early Careers Opportunities
Q&A With An Intern
Going undercover with Aakifah
We grabbed five minutes with Aakifah from MI6 wellbeing team, who support staff with issues impacting their wellbeing through dedicated and tailored support. Lets see what Aakifah had to say!
What’s your favourite way to unwind?
I like to spend time in my garden. Watching things ive planted grow over the season is super satisfying, and even better it I can use them in my cooking – like the tomatoes and peppers I grew last year!
How would your colleague describe you?
Good question! I’d hope they say kind, caring and hard working. But also fun! I love exploring historical sites because I love learning about the people that came before us. Oh, and they’d definitely tell you I am never without a cup of tea in my hand.
What piece of advice has helped you the most?
“Carry things more lightly”. For me, it mean take things on board but don’t take them to heart. It’s helped me develop my resilient which is something I am continually working on.
What good news story would you like to share?
There’s a great new campaign called ‘I Am Not a Typo’, calling on tech companies to stop autocorrecting names on forms. This has annoyed me personally for YEARS, so I am thrilled at the prospect of not having to check my name has been re-written.
What do you do to keep active?
Currently, I go to HIIT classes with a few colleagues I met on our induction 12 years ago. We made a pact to try and do something together regularly, so we can catch up with each other outside the office. We’ve tried all sorts of things over the years!
What new skill are you learning?
Cooking. I am trying to cook from scratch more because its good nutrition is so important in feeling good. My housemate is an amazing cook. He learnt a lot from his mum, so hes been teaching me. Soamosas have been my favourite things to learn so far!
What could you not live without?
The headspace app has been lifechanging for me; from the sleep stories to different colour noises, I use it all the time!
