MI5

MI5 protects the UK from threats to national security, such as terrorism and espionage. How? By gathering intelligence and working closely with our partners, we detect such threats and work out ways to stop them.

What are our opportunities?

For graduates, there’s our Intelligence Officer Development Programme, which covers the first four years of an Intelligence Officer’s career. It’s designed to teach you about investigations and give you the skills to run them. Graduates can also join our Intelligence and Data Analyst Development Programme: a structured two-year programme where you’ll analyse and interpret data that’s vital to our investigations. Then, there’s our Technology Graduate Development Programme; another structured programme that equips you to work in our pioneering IT function. For graduates looking for a rewarding career in corporate services, there’s the role of Business Enabler. Finally, graduates can also join as Russian or Mandarin analysts.

If you’re not ready for a graduate career yet, you can get experience through an internship. We offer a number of placements every year, including technical, financial and commercial internships. The list of internships we offer is under constant review. See our website for all the latest details.

What makes MI5 different?

A career at MI5 is like no other. Not only is it rewarding and unique, but the variety here is like no-where else. It is this variety that means most people stay at MI5, as they’re able to fulfil all their career ambitions here without ever having to leave. We also offer our people an excellent range of benefits to recognise and reward their vital contribution.

What are we looking for?

In terms of skills, you’ll need attention to detail and a gift for problem solving, communication and teamwork. Beyond that, we only ask for motivation – we don’t recruit a particular ‘type’ of person.

Our unique work relies on people with unique perspectives, so we welcome applications from everyone – regardless of age, experience, cultural background or sexual orientation. We’re also a Disability Confident employer, which means we’re committed to ensuring a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role will be offered an interview.

Career development & progression opportunities

As an Investors in People accredited employer, we’re committed to helping you develop throughout your career.

Our internal academy offers a variety of training from corporate training including IT, communication skills, leadership and management, to more specialist and technical training including investigative and analytical techniques and covert opMI5tional training.

Developing our managers is crucial and we run foundation management and leadership programmes to give staff the skills they need.

Broader development opportunities include lunchtime talks from guest speakers, language training facilities, sponsorship for further education, and development days which you can use for study or for career-related activities outside the workplace.

Ultimately, you’re in charge of your career and your development. You’ll work with your manager to make the most of your potential and our endless opportunities.