What this Programme has to offer

At MI5, we collect data that’s complex and often incomplete. Understanding and interpreting this is vital to the success of our operations, which is why we have a dedicated team of data analysts.

On our Intelligence and Data Analyst Development Programme (I&DADP), you’ll train to be one of them. After a 3-month induction to our organisation and processes, you’ll take on 3 different analyst postings at the heart of MI5 investigations. You’ll learn to use advanced data analytical techniques, access tools you won’t find anywhere else, and make vital contributions to our operations.

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Starting Salary

£34,414

Our starting salary is £34,414, rising to £37,203 after the first year.
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Problem Solving

Unique Problems

Use your natural curiosity to spot patterns in large data sets and provide vital intelligence to investigations.
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Future

Varied Career

Your career will be varied as you could move into analysis roles in different investigative areas, as well as tactical, strategic, policy or analyst management roles.

Introduction

Our structured development programme covers the first part of your career path, placing you at the heart of MI5 investigations and training you to use advanced data analytical techniques.

Training and Mentoring

We have to make sure that our analysts have the knowledge and skills to answer the many diverse questions we receive. This team sets new analysts on the right development pathway, explaining how analysis operates in MI5 and introducing our tools and techniques. Supporting the continuing development and expanding skills of experienced analysts is an increasingly important area too.

Promotion

A career within analysis is varied and will consist of a number of analysis postings in different areas over a minimum of 5 years. New joiners on IDADP are normally promoted after around 3 years in the role, once they are fully trained analysts. After this first promotion, you will continue to explore other aspects of analysis through different postings.

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What are we looking for

If you think you know what sort of person works in data, think again. This structured 5-year career pathway is for those from all kinds of backgrounds, with a mix of insights and perspectives. So, if you’re not a tech type, that’s not a problem. You’ll just need to be yourself. As long as you have a passion for data, you’ll learn everything you need to know on the programme.

We do require you to have (or be expecting) a 2:2 degree (or higher) in any subject, or work experience where you've developed the skills and qualities required for the role. Whatever your background, you need to prove you can interrogate large data sets, evaluate the reliability of your findings, and communicate them clearly. Importantly, you’ll be curious, determined, and keen to develop your skills and abilities.

Application Process

Throughout our recruitment process we will assess your skills against the requirements of all our Intelligence Development Programmes. This increases your chances of securing an exciting and rewarding career with MI5 and allows us to deploy the talented individuals that apply into the most suitable roles, maximising our capability to protect national security.

Application Stage

Ensures you are eligible to apply 

Cognitive Ability Test

This online test is designed to test cognitive ability through a variety of short exercises

Full Application

Competency questions and submission of a complete application 

Subject of Interest Test

This test has been designed to give you a better understanding of the Intelligence Analyst role as well us showing us your approach to problem solving.

Telephone Interview

The telephone interview will test your motivation and include some competency questions 

Assessment Centre

The assessment centre will consist of a competency interview, two role plays and a written assessment 

Final Selection Board

Following the assessment centre, you may be invited to attend a final selection board; this will be based on your performance throughout the rest of the process

Our other programmes

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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. 

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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. 

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Business Enablers Entry Scheme (BEES)

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