In the last edition, we shared insights from colleagues on their careers in MI5, MI6 & GCHQ to show that a role in intelligence is more accessible than you might think. Today, we showcase some of our upcoming opportunities. Whether you’re a creative problem-solver, have great organisational skills or enjoy discovering new tech, the skills you have today could make a tangible impact on UK security, tomorrow. Where might your career start? 

Intelligence Officer Development Programme – MI5 
Based: London Salary: £34,414 (rising to £37,203 after one year) 

On our structured Development Programme, you’ll learn new and exciting skills from a mix of on-the-job and classroom-based training across 18 months, to become a fully trained Intelligence Officer. You’ll set investigative strategies, analyse data and make evidence-based recommendations. Day-to-day, you’ll collaborate with colleagues including the Police, MI6, GCHQ, Whitehall, and a wide range of internal specialists to counter threats. 

Requirement: either a 2:2 degree in any subject, or work experience demonstrating: teamwork, communication, and relationship-building skills. 

Intelligence Officer (IO) – MI6 
Based: London Salary: £36,733 – £46,408 (depending on experience and assessment performance) 

Our IOs use everyday skills including communication, influencing and empathy, to tackle extraordinary challenges. Following eight weeks of initial training, you’ll develop skills across four key intelligence roles: 

• Operational managers: planning operations and managing risk 
• Targeters: use multiple sources, like data, to build an intelligence picture 
• Reporting officers: responsible for validating and testing intelligence and briefing Whitehall customers 
• Case officers: build and manage relationships with agents (who pass us intelligence) 

Based on your assessed strengths, you’ll join one of our operational teams for 18 months to continue your development and shape your own unique career path in intelligence. 

Requirement: 2:2 degree in any subject. If you’re an undergraduate, you’ll be expecting your final degree result within 12 months of your application date. 

Software Engineers – MI5, MI6 and GCHQ 
Based: London, Cheltenham and Manchester Salary: various, depending on experience and location 

Technology is central to our collective missions of keeping the country safe. Whether you’re new to software engineering or have lots of industry experience, you’ll enjoy work you won’t find anywhere else, exploring cutting-edge technologies and working with Agile teams to find solutions to unique and complex problems. Our tech stacks include Java, C#, Oracle and Hadoop to name a few. 

Whichever level role you apply for, you’ll need to be a problem solver who thinks creatively. Someone who thrives when collaborating and is keen to learn and develop new skills. In return, you’ll be supported through a rich variety of learning, from hackathons to professional accreditations. We use The Digital Data and Technology (DDaT) capability framework as a compass to provide guidance, tools and support to enable you to progress your career further. 

Business Enabler – GCHQ 
Based: Cheltenham, Manchester or Gloucestershire Salary: £29,762 

Our Business Enablers collaborate with a range of teams supporting the wider intelligence business to run smoothly. You could find yourself in areas including: Finance, Information Management, HR, Project Management, Compliance, Recruitment, Policy, or Data Management. You’ll gain experience, build relationships, and develop detailed knowledge. Your first post will typically last for a minimum of two years, after which you’ll take control of your career, shaping it to your skills and interests. 

Requirement: five GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades A*-C / 9-4, including two in Maths and English.