Graduates | MI5 - The Security Service

What We Have to Offer

A career at MI5 is like no other. Not only is it rewarding and unique but the variety here is like nowhere else. Talented individuals from a range of backgrounds join our graduate development programmes. What other jobs put you at the cutting edge of news events, help stop terror attacks on the street of our cities, protect our secrets and prevent cyber-attacks? Our programmes develop your skills in a supportive and collaborative environment, putting you at the heart of MI5’s investigations. And whichever programme you choose, you will be directly contributing to keeping the country safe.

Starting Salary

£33,000+

MI5 offers a very competitive starting salary for graduates starting from £33,000 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.

Work Life Balance

Flexible

The wellbeing of our staff is incredibly important. There may be times when you need to work longer hours than usual. However, if you do work longer hours, you will receive time off in lieu to ensure that you do not work excessive hours.

Future

Training

We’ll make sure you have all the training you need and the opportunity for continuous development throughout your career. You’ll have access to a wide variety of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Intelligence Officer Development Programme (IODP)

As the country faces increased threats to national security, a role as an Intelligence Officer gives you the opportunity to have a tangible impact on the security of the UK.

Intelligence and Data Analyst Development Programme (I&DADP)

Our Intelligence and Data Analysts use advanced data analytical techniques that place them at the heart of MI5's investigations.

Technology Graduate Development Programme (TGDP)

Our Technology Graduate Development Programme offers an exciting opportunity to work in a unique and stimulating environment, where technology plays a crucial and increasingly frontline role.

Business Enablers

Our Business Enablers help keep the country safe by providing the vital services that MI5 needs to operate.

Watch our Graduate Stories

A lot of people have heard of MI5. But few know what we do. Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an MI5 graduate on one of our four schemes and learn more about our interesting, rewarding and exciting graduate careers.

(Note, for security reasons, these videos feature actors.)

IDADP

Hi, I’m Jasmine. A little about me - I’m fascinated by people. Which is why, I studied psychology at uni. But while I was doing my dissertation, I found out I really like working with data. Seeing everything come together to back up my findings was more enjoyable than I ever thought it could be.

So when I saw the job ad for the Intelligence and Data Analyst Development Programme, I decided to give it a go. MI5 seemed less focused on the specific skills you need, and more about the potential that you have and turns out, I got in!

I was immediately put on a bespoke training course with the other new analysts. We learnt about MI5’s unique techniques, data, and how to approach problems. So the fact that I didn’t have loads of experience didn’t seem to be a problem at all.

Before I knew it, I was working on real data related to real MI5 investigations, and I’ve already been part of some fascinating operations. I feel like I’m learning something new every single day as part of an amazing, supportive team.

I just couldn’t think of a better way to start my career.

BEES

Hi everyone, I’m Nick. I’m a Media and Comms graduate on MI5’s Business Enabler Entry Scheme.

I know what you’re thinking – media and comms to a business enabler scheme? I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do after uni. I just wanted to do something that was a bit different, interesting and challenging.

MI5 was never on my radar. I didn’t even know they took on graduates to be honest with you. I saw an ad online and decided to find out more. The Business Enabler role really stood out to me because there was just so many things that you could do, there was project management, human resources, finance, training… the list goes on! And I realised that it meant I could really shape my own career.

Currently, I’m a Project Support Officer. Not only did we have some amazing training but I learnt so much from the job and picked up skills that I think I can use at literally any other organisation.

But, for now, I have got my eyes firmly set on other Business Enabler roles at MI5. I love working with people, so perhaps something in training or recruitment. And in the future I’m definitely interested in Agent Handling. Seriously, Google it.

TGDP

Hi there. I’m Lily, and I’m a chemistry graduate at MI5’s Technology Graduate Development Programme, or TGDP. Let me tell you – I never thought that I could do something like this. But while at uni, I realised I didn’t really want to have a chemistry-focused career. I started looking for jobs where I could use the core skills I picked up doing my degree, but in a totally different way.

Then I found MI5’s TGDP. And let me tell you literally, in the first two weeks, MI5 caught me up to scratch with everything. They’ve been so supportive, and I’m being taught some, literally incredible things. They even paid for me to get formal qualifications relevant to my new job role. And with so many different opportunities around, I really can’t picture myself getting bored here.

As for right now? Let’s just say I’m part of some vital projects that have real-world impact. I’m not just making money for some people I’ve never met before. I’m helping MI5 protect lives, while also getting to work on some pretty cool technology. It’s amazing.

IODP

Hiya, Alexis here – I’m a business graduate currently on MI5’s Intelligence Officer Development Programme.

When you join the programme, you start on a two-year placement, but you don’t know where. It ranges from stuff like analysis and digital intelligence through to legal casework and policy roles. My first role was in warrantry. In a nutshell, we prepare and support warrant applications before they get approved by the Home Secretary and Judiciary. It’s so fascinating, as you get to see the background of so many MI5 investigations.

Initially, I was quite nervous. I didn’t have a degree in law. But I soon realised that it didn’t matter as I got all the training I needed. No matter where you’re placed, there’s really nothing to worry about. You get what MI5 call a ‘development partner’, and they’re brilliant. Everyone’s so supportive.

I’ll finish my placement by doing the Foundation Investigative Training and then I’ll be on course to become an actual Intelligence Officer leading investigations.

Before I go, I just want to say one more thing. The programme is so unique. Now I’m here – I just…I couldn’t imagine doing anything else!

Why Join MI5?

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 means most people stay at MI5 as they are able to fulfill all their career ambitions here without ever having to leave.

Work Environment

Career Growth

Benefits

Work-Life Balance

Diversity & Inclusion

An in-depth knowledge and understanding of a variety of communities is crucial for our work. So it’s important our staff come from a breadth of backgrounds and cultures to reflect the people we work hard to protect.

Development Programmes