Reading time: 3 mins“If you think this might not be for you because you don’t have a technical background or the right skills – don’t let that limit you!"
Intelligence Data Analysts work right at the heart of GCHQ, supporting real-world events and gaining unique exposure to what’s happening behind the headlines. You’ll use bespoke technology to gather information from different sources, including data from internet-connected devices. With your analytical skills, you’ll help put together a puzzle with pieces scattered across the digital landscape and influence real operations.
Think you need lots of technical knowledge to do this kind of work? It might surprise you to learn that you don’t need any previous experience, or even a degree, to apply. That’s right – we’ll teach you everything you need to know.
You’ll complete our comprehensive, nine-month Analysis Development Programme tailored to new entrants with no previous intelligence data analysis experience. Whether you’re in our training room, doing online modules or learning-on-the-job, you’ll be with other new entrants and guided by tutors and analyst mentors. Before you know it, you’ll have the skills you’ll need to handle real challenges with support from your team.
About you
You’ll be someone who enjoys making sense of complex information and asking questions as much as finding answers. Your curiosity leads you to investigate things further. When the outcome isn’t what you want, you’ll still recognise there’s something to be gained. That’s where your resilience and perseverance come into play.
As someone keen to learn new things, you’ll be interested in emerging technologies, though we don’t expect you to have a technical background. We welcome people with all kinds of experiences and insights, including people of all ages and backgrounds from across our society, who can see and understand things from different perspectives.
We spoke to Sasha to learn more about life as an IDA and their experiences since joining.
How long you’ve been at the agencies and what attracted you to work here?
I joined a few years ago on a recruitment scheme offering a variety of potential jobs, from analyst to IT to admin! I wanted a career that felt stable but with exciting opportunities, like being able to explore lots of different types of roles, or having chances to travel.
What did your journey look like before joining?
I joined after my A-Levels where I studied Geography, Economics, and Maths. I was originally signed up to attend university to study Geography but I really wanted to start my career. I actually received my official job offer two weeks before moving into my university accommodation – just in time to change my plans!
How has your career/your skills developed since joining the organisation?
I’ve come from no true technical background to understanding and achieving internal qualifications in several technical areas, which definitely feels like my biggest achievement! I’ve also been able to start supporting and then delivering training courses to new entrants, helping them get started from the same position that I was in a few years ago, which is really satisfying.
Can you give an example of a time your input/skills contributed to a project/task?
I was part of a really big project, working with multiple teams across different disciplines, and it was so fascinating being part of this quick-tempo work, discovering new information and links and having to turn that around for others to benefit from. It felt like I was helping to make a difference in the world
Tell us simply what your role involves day-to-day.
I examine data, find patterns, and try to fit the puzzle pieces of information together to find valuable insights that can be shared to customers. Sometimes you get quick wins, and sometimes you have to keep poking at something and finding new ways to investigate.
Of everything the organisation offers you, what do you value most and why?
The people and sense of belonging. Cliché, I know, but I get to be part of a close-knit community with so many friends and colleagues who I can have a chat with, ask for help, collaborate on important work with, and help mentor.
What’s the one thing you wish people knew about working for the UK Intelligence Services?
It doesn’t feel like a stereotypical civil service or corporate job. It’s an entirely different feeling here, of both progress and tradition, of technology, and like any job it can be stressful at times, but it’s a career where you can find a lot of flexibility and variation: you’ll never be stuck in something you no longer enjoy.
Have Sasha’s answers piqued your interest? Visit https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/our-careers.html to find out more!