Applications for this job are now closed
Bringing fresh perspectives to intelligence
GCHQ, MI5 and MI6 may be different organisations, but we share the same goal. We keep the UK safe. GCHQ safeguards the UK’s digital homeland, MI5 protects our national security and MI6 focuses on threats from overseas. Our operations are hugely varied, and bringing in fresh perspectives is essential to their success. That’s why we’re re-opening our Summer Intelligence Internship scheme, to encourage those from ethnic minority and low socio-economic backgrounds* to help us see things differently.
This is an exciting opportunity to find out if a career in intelligence is right for you. Whichever agency you choose, you won’t be just an intern sitting on the sidelines – you’ll be part of the team. You’ll feed your curiosity, develop new skills and work on real-life projects. It’s an internship unlike anywhere else. You’ll see how front-line operations are run, piece together intelligence and create a picture of possible threats. In short, you’ll be part of something bigger as you help us keep the UK safe.
Whatever your background, you’ll find a place for your skills. At GCHQ, you’ll bring a genuine passion for data, analysis and what it can reveal. At MI5, we’re after enthusiastic, inquisitive problem solvers. At MI6, you’ll be interested in different cultures and have sound judgement and communication skills. Most importantly, we’re all after people who are ready to unlock their potential and have a positive impact on the UK. As the internship ends, you’ll get the chance to apply for a permanent role with your chosen agency. In fact, almost everyone who does this internship goes on to apply for another role within our organisations. Please note, you’ll still have to go through an assessment process for these roles.
You don’t need to be studying for a specific degree, just in your penultimate or final year of university. We’ll provide all the training and support you need – including covering the cost of your accommodation; a fully-equipped shared flat with free Wi-Fi, close to local amenities. Mentors, managers and buddies will be on-hand to help you get the most out of your experience. From the close-knit teams encouraging your input to our growing range of affinity groups, you’ll be free to be yourself.
The internship will run from 1st July 2024 to 6th September 2024 with GCHQ or from 17th June 2024 to 30th August 2024 with MI5 and MI6. We offer pro rata annual leave, which means you’ll get five days off, plus a competitive salary.
The full application for the Summer Intelligence Internship launches on 30th August 2023. In the meantime, you can register your interest in this role. By doing this you’ll have the opportunity to attend an event. You can find more information about the entry requirements for this role on our website.
To register your interest in this role and for our online event, please click the apply button.
* We are confining registrations of interest to those from a Black, Asian or ethnic minority background, and from a socially or economically disadvantaged background, due to their current under-representation in our workforce. All eligible applicants will be assessed solely on merit.
Please note that a registration of interest does not constitute a job application, nor will it influence the recruitment process. Individuals who register now will still need to complete an application form once the window has opened.
At GCHQ, MI5 and MI6 diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our websites.
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 (further information on our eligibility criteria can be found here). If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, you will nonetheless be considered. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. You can apply at the age of 17 years, if successful you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday.
