What qualifications do you need for GCHQ?
GCHQ advertises graduate-level roles on its website as and when they become vacant, in areas such as technical (including cyber security and software development), intelligence and maths. Entry requirements vary, but the expectation for many is at least a 2.1 degree.
Can I say I work for GCHQ?
Can I do work experience at GCHQ? Unfortunately due to the nature of our work, we do not offer work experience at GCHQ.
Do you have to be British to work at GCHQ?
To be eligible to apply, you must be a British Citizen. One of your parents must be a British Citizen or must have the nationality or citizenship from our approved list of countries*. If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, your application will still be considered.
Why do I want to work for GCHQ?
We combine competitive salaries with excellent welfare and personal and family policies to help our people strike a great work-life balance. We also provide excellent personal and professional development to help our people grow and have fulfilling careers.
Does GCHQ pay well?
Starting salaries for the three agencies – GCHQ, MI5 and MI6 – are in the region of £25,000 to £35,000, plus benefits. There are opportunities to progress to higher grades, with salaries reaching around £40,000 after five to ten years’ service.
How hard is it to get into MI5?
Actually, it’s very, very hard. There’s no beating around the bush with this one. Working in intelligence where the safety of the country is in your hands just isn’t a job for everyone. In fact, the application process requires a full work history covering a decade.
Can you tell your family you work for MI5?
Section 1 of the Official Secrets Act 1989 prohibits our current and former staff from making unauthorised disclosures of information concerning security or intelligence that they acquired while working for MI5. We can only pass on information as is necessary for purposes of protecting national security.
Does GCHQ have a gym?
Several of our locations also have onsite gyms.
How competitive is the MI5 graduate scheme?
MI5 offers a very competitive starting salary for graduates starting from £30,000 with a guaranteed increase after one year. Along with an attractive pension scheme, and an interest-free season ticket loan, we offer many more excellent benefits. A common misconception is that there is no work-life balance at MI5.
Can you have social media if you work for MI5?
We do not discriminate against applicants who may have entries on social networking sites. Discretion is an important part of working for the organisation, however, and we encourage candidates to use such sites sensibly and apply privacy settings as appropriate.
What can you expect as a graduate at GCHQ?
Challenging projects, early responsibility, outstanding professional development and a series of unique experiences – that’s what you can expect as a graduate at GCHQ. Some of our roles require a specific technical degree. Others, including our leadership development scheme for motivated individuals, welcome graduates from any discipline.
What is GCHQ and what does it do?
We’re the Government Communications Headquarters – GCHQ. We’re a world-leading intelligence, cyber and security agency with a clear purpose – to keep the UK and its citizens safe, at home, overseas, and online. We work against cyber-attacks, terrorism and serious crime.
What does a GCHQ intelligence analyst actually do?
GCHQ intelligence helps keep our forces safe, prevents terrorism and crime and protects against cyber attack. It takes all sorts of different people in different roles to help us to do that. Some are linguists; others are mathematicians. Some work in cryptography; others in project management. Some have PhDs, others have A-levels.
Where was the interview held at GCHQ?
The interview was held at the Cheltenham office (expenses covered). Before I got invited I was asked to Do I need to be a British citizen to work for GCHQ?