MI5 and MI6 may have different domains and remits, but we have the same mission: to keep the UK safe. MI5 is responsible for protecting the UK from threats to national security, while MI6 focuses on threats emanating from overseas and promoting the UK’s prosperity. It takes all sorts of people to protect the nation, which is why we’re both running a summer diversity internship. Your experience will depend on which agency you choose to complete your internship with, but one thing will remain the same – the huge impact you’ll have.

The role

An internship at MI5 or MI6 is like no other. You’ll enjoy a summer of discovery and responsibility in a team where your unique perspectives and opinions will really matter. Over 11 weeks, you’ll:

• contribute to MI6’s core missions or help MI5 to investigate and disrupt international terrorism
• learn how front-line operations are run
• piece together intelligence
• create a picture of possible threats
• create strategies
• explain risks to a range of audiences
• work as part of a close-knit, multi-disciplinary team.

By the end of the internship, you’ll understand the part each agency plays in protecting national security. What’s more, your confidence and skills will have grown.

It’s a chance to gain a really unique insight. Mentors, managers and buddies will help you make the most out of every day, which could lead to a hugely meaningful and fulfilling career.

Eligibility

So, who are we looking for? You’ll need to be in your penultimate year of Uni, from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background, and from a socially or economically disadvantaged background. If you’re eligible, you’ll need to decide which agency’s right for you.

MI5 looks for inquisitive problem solvers with real enthusiasm, team spirit, and an appetite for learning and developing.

MI6 look for collaborative, emotionally intelligent people who like to know what makes people tick. Being an internationally focused organisation, an interest in the world and different cultures could be beneficial.

You will need to select which agency you would like to apply to at the initial application stage. You can find more information on the agencies and the work they do on our websites.

To excel at either agency, you’ll need to share our values, have the drive to learn and develop, and the desire to make a positive impact on the UK.

Your future

MI5

When you complete your internship, you’ll be invited to apply for a permanent position with us as an Intelligence Officer on our Intelligence Officer Development Programme (IODP). We anticipate that those who are successful will join us permanently in Autumn 2022.

MI6

As the internship ends, you’ll be invited to apply for a permanent position with us as an Intelligence Officer. If successful, to join us after you graduate in Autumn 2022.

The internship will run from the 22nd June to 3rd September in 2021. We offer pro rata annual leave, which means you’ll get five days off, plus a competitive salary. And of course, you’ll be free to enjoy organisation-wide events where you can learn and network. Plus, we’ll help you with accommodation for the duration of your internship if needed.  

Recruitment Process

The UK Intelligence Agencies are Equal Opportunities employers, committed to reflecting the society we protect. Our recruitment process is fair, transparent and based on merit. We particularly welcome applications from diverse and under-represented groups, including women, Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, candidates with a disability and LGBT+ candidates.

As part of our commitment to being a ‘Disability Confident Leader’ we offer an interview to all candidates with a disability who meet our minimum criteria (in order of application process are):

• Eligibility questions – You will be asked a series of questions relating to this vacancy. If you meet the eligibility criteria you will be directed to the initial application form.
• VRT – You will be required to reach the pass mark set.
• Application form – You will be required to pass an application form sift.

On successful completion of these stages

For MI5

• Automated video interview. This is our offer of an interview.
• Online Assessment Centre

For MI6

• Online Computer Exercise
• Online Interview

Please note that you’ll need to pass security checks – your placement will depend on this.  

To be eligible to apply, you must be a British Citizen. One of your parents must be a British Citizen or must have one of the nationalities or citizenships from one of the following: British Overseas territory, British subject, British National (Overseas), British protected person, citizenship of the Commonwealth, EEA nationality, or citizenship of the United States of America. If deceased, have had such citizenship or nationality before death. If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, you will nonetheless be considered. If successful, you will not normally be required to give up your non-British citizenship but, as a condition of your employment or secondment, MI5/MI6 may impose restrictions on your postings, work travel and/or general use of that nationality. 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. Each case will be carefully considered on its own facts. You can apply at the age of 17 years and 6 months, if successful you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday. Discretion is vital. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member. Please note, you should only launch your application from within the UK. If you are based overseas, you should wait until you visit the UK to launch an application. Applying from outside of the UK will impact on our ability to progress your application. Further information on our eligibility criteria can be found on the Applying section.

Discretion

Discretion is vital. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member. Please note, you should only launch your application from within the UK. If you are based overseas, you should wait until you visit the UK to launch an application. Applying from outside the UK will impact on our ability to progress your application. Further information on our eligibility criteria can be found on the ‘How to Apply’ section.

Please be aware that we withhold the right to bring forward the closing date for this role from the original closing date once a certain number of applications have been received. Please be mindful of this and submit your your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.