It’s definitely NOT for James Bond wannabes, but MI6 or to use its official name the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) offers a range of exciting and challenging careers with lots of variety, that really make a difference. The number of vacancies is reported to be increasing.
SIS does not have a graduate scheme as such but they particularly encourage applications from recent graduates with either undergraduate or postgraduate degrees as well as people who are further on in their careers. Likely graduate entry roles are for operational officers, language specialists and technology experts. Explore their website to find out more.
To be eligible you must:
- be a British citizen
- be 21 years of age or over (or will be in the next 6 months)
Before you apply you need to be aware that, to quote the SIS website; ‘You are embarking on a lengthy recruitment process which will be intrusive yet require complete discretion from you. If you feel this is in any way problematic, you should consider carefully whether to proceed with your application.’
You will need to submit detailed vetting questionnaires. Your background and that of your family will be rigorously security checked. You will be drugs tested and have to take a medical.
Filed under: Vacancies |
Manchester Graduate Careers 
Can i apply from South Africa, i am a Brittish citizen
According to the eligibility and FAQ sections of the SIS website applicants would normally need to meet a residency rule (resident in UK for 6 out of the last 10 years) in addition to having British citizenship.
Apparantly there are sometimes exceptions so if you have only been in South Africa for a relatively short while and spent most of the last decade living in Britain you could apply and see. If you have only lived outside of the UK for the last decade I suspect you would not be eligible. But it’s not up to me, so if you are unsure apply and see.
If you have dual nationality you can apply but would be required to give up your other nationality before joining.
Hi can you tell me if there are any SService/big government departments in Manchester. Currently live in Sheffield and want to work in this area but dont want to relocate, would rather commute outside of county. Any ideas??
Hi Dee, There are no secret service offices in Manchester that I know of (but then I wouldn’t because they’d be secret!) I think the MI5 HQ (concerned with UK internal security) is in London so most office-based roles are there, but jobs do come up around the regions. Check out their website: https://www.mi5.gov.uk/careers/showjobs.aspx
As for other big government departments, there were plans under the last Labour government to relocate some government departments to Manchester but nothing came of it. http://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/students/options/sectors/government/nationalregionalandlocalgovernment/
Hope this helps.
Holly
Thank you for your help :)
Hi I just wondered if there was an opportunity to meet anyone from this,, or if they have any events coming up. Cheers.
Hi Kevin, They are not coming on campus this year as far as I know, they are the type of organisation which doesn’t! If you are interested in applying check out their website.
Hello :) Can you work for SIS if you have epilepsy? I have photosensitive and absence epilepsy and am currently under medication. Can I still apply?
Hi India, Epilepsy is not mentioned in the list of excluded conditions on the SIS website https://www.sis.gov.uk/careers/working-for-us/security-vetting.html so I definately suggest applying.
It is possible that your epilepsy could be considered a disability under the terms of the Equality Act 2010, if so employers have to be prepared to make reasonable adjustments to a role to accommodate an applicant/worker with a disability, so it will depend on whether reasonable adjustments can be made to the role you are interested in.
Info to disclosing a disability to an employer when applying for a job: http://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/media/services/careersandemployabilitydivision/careersservice/crcpublications/startingpointseriesofhandouts/a5/Employment-support-&-disclosure-for-disabled-students-2012.pdf
Hope this helps, Holly