What you could do

 

There are many different roles and skills required, across a range of different organisations. Each one of these roles needs a different set of skills. From production to security to foreign affairs – we’ve got something to suit everyone. Here are just a few featured staff currently working in national security roles, to give you an idea of the kind of opportunities you might be able to pursue.

Roles

Chioma,
Content Creator

I think my interest in working for the Government came from growing up aware of 9/11 and 7/7.

I wanted to be part of protecting people at the centre of where decisions get made. When my first campaign tackling modern slavery was launched, I felt like I’d made a real difference. That campaign had an active role in saving lives in the UK and I could see how my work was helping people.

My role is very creative, making campaigns that will help keep people informed and safe. I’m passionate about creativity and getting to use my skills to make a real difference is something I find very rewarding.

We can all make a difference, you just need to believe in yourself.

Chioma — Content Creator

Richard,
Security Technologist

I’ve always enjoyed solving puzzles, but it wasn’t until I found out about jobs in National Security that I realised how I could use this skill.

One day, I found a hidden puzzle in a newspaper, solved it, applied, and got offered a job working in National Security. Since then, I’ve made some incredible friends, had unforgettable life experiences, and even joined an inter-departmental football team!

My role involves analysing technologies and finding vulnerabilities. I get to work with the latest tech, alongside internal and external experts, to uncover and track new targets of interest. As a team, we’re always striving to deliver new capabilities to support the intelligence and security that keep us all safe.

I’ve always wanted to have a job that let me contribute to society – National Security was the perfect fit.

Richard — Security Technologist

Zara,
Business and Finance Manager

When I was a kid, I wanted to be an astronaut. Who knew it would lead me to a career in National Security?

I studied Physics at Leicester University and went on to teach science and maths. After a while I decided to take a different route and worked with my mum as an accountant. I enjoyed it more than I thought! But a few years later I knew it was time for another change, and I was offered a role as a business manager working in National Security in Manchester. I’ve been here ever since.

My job is very varied. I’m involved in providing management information, supporting meetings, looking after small budgets, and dealing with customers within the business. I’m also responsible for inputting data into the financial system, running month end processes, supporting analysis, and raising invoices.

My parents are very proud of me, and I feel so pleased that they’re impressed by the work I do.

Zara — Business and Finance Manager

Kane,
Trade & Security Specialist

For me, National Security is all about people. It’s about the importance of friendships and protecting one another.

I began working in National Security after coming out of the Ministry of Defence’s Fast Stream programme. My insights into language and culture were really valued, which immediately gave me the confidence to apply these skills to help the team.

Now, my work involves looking for things that might threaten UK trade and security within Asia and Russia. This could include briefing senior officials and ministers, working with foreign governments and monitoring how current events affect UK trade and investment. We host delegations in the UK and abroad, so I get to travel too, but most of all I love being able to offer real insight and add value in my own way.

There’s a sense of mutual trust and friendship amongst people working in National Security. We’re all working towards the same goals and we want to support one another in achieving them.

Kane — Trade & Security Specialist

Mohammed,
Technology Engineer

I’ve come a long way since arriving in the UK when I was just two years old. My family were fleeing the Democratic Republic of Congo.

I first heard about jobs in National Security at a recruitment fair at Manchester University. A few years on, and I’ve now worked in Engineering across a variety of roles in National Security and had the chance to develop my technical and cyber skills too. My roles have included programming, lab-based research, evaluating new tools and techniques in the field, all whilst applying analytic and systems thinking. The thing I love most is the opportunities I’ve had to develop and to travel.

I love being part of an organisation that has the power to make real difference.

Mohammed — Technology Engineer

Fateha,
Software Engineer Apprentice

I still remember my first computer. I loved fixing it up and working on it. So, when I got the option to choose Computer Science as an A Level, I knew I’d love that too.

During my A Levels I got involved with the Social Mobility Foundation and they told me about the apprenticeships within National Security. Now I’m in my first year as a Software Engineer Apprentice based in Manchester and I get to use my Computer Science A Level every day. 

This could include supporting and troubleshooting different IT systems; responding to urgent IT incidents and building great relationships with people who use the IT.

I love their approach to flexible working and the support has been amazing, too.

Fateha — Software Engineer Apprentice

Scott,
Foreign Security Policy Advisor

I grew up on a council estate in Portsmouth. Since joining the National Security community, I’ve had incredible opportunities to do things I might never otherwise have done. For instance, I travelled to the Caribbean to help rebuild critical infrastructure that had been destroyed by a hurricane. That experience turned into an opportunity to see the visual, tangible impact of my work, giving me a huge sense of pride.

My job can include writing legislation, managing policy programmes through embassies around the world, advising senior officials and Ministers, responding to crises and helping countries build back from natural disasters. At the end of the day, it’s knowing that what I do makes a real difference to people’s lives that makes a career in National Security the right choice for me.

My story is proof that you don’t need to go to a certain type of school or university to succeed in National Security. Don’t let anyone make you believe that you’re not up to it.

Scott — Foreign Security Policy Advisor

Jenny,
Language Analyst

I wasn’t very interested in the usual graduate schemes and the world of business just didn’t feel right for me.

Just by chance, I decided to take a Mandarin module at university – it was one of the best decisions I ever made. When GCHQ visited my university to share the languages opportunities available, I knew I had to apply. Since joining, I’ve had the opportunity to develop my skills with weekly language classes and loads of development courses. That’s because the National Security community wants to invest in their people. They genuinely value their workforce and want them to be their best selves.

I’ve loved working in a friendly and inclusive environment, amongst people who really value my skills and expertise. And it’s been great to meet so many other people who share my interests.

Jenny — Language Analyst