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 ran jointly with MI6; 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. You can find out more about them on our website where you can also sign up for job alerts.

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 enables our people to develop a unique breadth of skills and insights, all within a supportive and inclusive environment . We also offer our people an excellent range of benefits to recognise and reward their vital contribution.

What are we looking for?

In short, good communication skills, attention to detail and a flair for solving problems. However, beyond that, 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. As Disability Confident Leaders, we want you to feel supported throughout the recruitment process, so we offer reasonable adjustments to ensure those with disabilities, long-term health or neurodivergent conditions can perform at their best. We’re also committed to ensuring a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role will be offered an interview.

To be eligible to apply, you must be a British Citizen or hold dual British nationality. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. You can apply at the age of 17 years, if successful you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday. Full eligibility details.

Career development & progression opportunities

Join us, and you’ll find there’s huge scope to develop both personally and professionally. Many of our roles are totally unique and, from day one, you’ll have access to specific training to bring you up to speed. As an established Investor in People (IIP), we not only offer extensive learning and development for your role, but also encourage you to explore new opportunities, supported by appropriate training. That means you can build a long, rewarding and varied career. From a personal development plan, mentors and work placements to links with academia, industry and professional partners, we’ll give you all the opportunities you need to succeed.