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Ever fancied yourself as a real-life James Bond battling the bad guys, or perhaps a surveillance expert, skulking in the shadows like a character from Spooks?
Perhaps it’s time to turn your fantasy into reality – we find out how.

While the bullet-dodging, larger-than-life TV and film spies are firmly in the realms of fiction, the real-life espionage and intelligence business can be just as intriguing – and with potentially life-saving consequences.
The ever-present spectre of terrorism, especially from Islamic fundamentalists, has pushed the world into a crisis-ready footing, ever vigilant for the next potentially deadly threat.
Outrages such as the 9/11 plane hijacks in the US, the Madrid train bombings and the 7/7 Tube bombings in London have dramatically brought home the seriousness of the threat to anyone, no matter what their background, faith or circumstances. Even more recently an alleged plot to bomb trans-Atlantic jets was foiled by the security services, and work is constantly underway to prevent similar terrorist attacks.
Threats to UK citizens and interests can come from a large number of other sources as well, both in this country and abroad, and the intelligence and security services are waging a constant battle to stay on top of the situation.
All the security agencies are putting extra emphasis on recruitment in order to ensure a supply of high-calibre employees who can go on to become the nation’s guardians of the future. Both MI5 and MI6 are reported to be taking on hundreds of extra recruits.
There’s a wealth of jobs and positions available, catering for a huge variety of skills, abilities and career goals, ranging from the more ‘glamorous’ field operatives to the more routine – but equally essential – back office and administration work.
As well as specialists in intelligence and surveillance, the security services also need the same sort of people as most organisations, such as secretaries and admin assistants, accountants, HR personnel, IT and computer specialists, catering staff, mechanics and translators.
The three main organisations in the UK are MI5, MI6 and GCHQ, with elements within the police, the Serious Organised Crime Agency, and the military also incorporating intelligence gathering and security elements.
Potential recruits who think they’ll be propping up the bar in the Casino Royale or polishing their Aston Martin should think again. Instead, the hours can be anti-social, the work can be onerous and often monotonous and the rewards are not necessarily financial.
And forget bragging to your friends that you’re the next ‘OO’ agent – the security services are keen that you only tell your nearest and dearest what you do, and even then you’ll not be able to reveal all the details of your job or activities. And there’s no room for blabbing to your mates in the pub – if you do you could be violating the Official Secrets Act.
But while the gap between spy fact and fiction is large, would-be agents shouldn’t be too disheartened. MI6 says staff can look forward to ‘a career that will have moments when the gap narrows just a little and the certainty of a stimulating and rewarding career which, like Bond’s, will be in the service of their country.’

Spy qualities
So what makes a good spy? The ability to kill a man with your little finger, or being a crack shot with a Walther PPK aren’t in high demand – but qualities such as honesty, integrity, reliability and dedication are. Being a team player – able to both give and take orders and work efficiently with others – is essential, as is being able to work alone when required.
The degree subject taken isn’t necessarily important – unless you’re going for a specialist job like electronics engineering that requires the right qualifications – but an enquiring, analytical and open mind is crucial.
Any languages are a huge boon, especially if you’re fluent in them, and those with spoken and written abilities in Arabic, Urdu or Mandarin Chinese are all in demand. You could even find yourself working in a specialist translation unit where your languages will be used constantly.
Graduates don’t have to be from elite colleges either – the emphasis now is on personal characteristics and abilities. Indeed, the security services are keen to recruit people from across as many backgrounds as possible to reflect the make-up and society in the UK.

Making the grade
Gone are the days when agents were just recruited from Oxbridge colleges with a glass of port and a nod and wink. The internet is now the method of recruiting for most of the agencies, along with newspaper advertising campaigns.
Be warned though, it can be very competitive. In 1997, MI5 launched an advertising campaign which prompted 20,000 potential spies to apply for just 14 jobs.
Anything on your CV to show your positive attitude and wealth of work and life experience will be useful. As well as any jobs and work experience, it’s worth highlighting any volunteering activities, time spent abroad and any clubs or societies you’ve had an active role in.
Because of the sensitive nature of the work, all applicants have to go through a very thorough vetting procedure as it’s crucial the security services are sure of the character and integrity of its staff.
Be warned, while financial problems or even a criminal record won’t necessarily be a bar to security work, failing to admit your past or current problems will be. It’s likely any skeletons in your cupboard will be rattled loose.
Candidates go through a series of rigorous and demanding interviews and tests before being given a job, especially for operational roles. These could be at an assessment centre, with rounds of interviews, written work and group and presentation exercises.
The recruitment process can take as long as six months. For those who are successful, depending on the position, there’ll also be full induction and in-depth training, possibly lasting for many months, followed by more specialist training as appropriate.
You’ll probably have to move to London for the job – the exception being GCHQ based in Cheltenham – although travel both in this country and abroad is a distinct possibility in certain positions.
Below we look at each of the main security services – and what they can offer.

MI5
Officially known as the Security Service, MI5 is responsible for gathering information about people and organisations that threaten UK national security, and the organisation is key in the fight against terrorism.
Typical jobs include electronics technicians, network security specialists and scientific/technical officers. Linguists could work in the language unit, helping translate and transcribe intercepted telephone calls, e-mails or documents involving people under surveillance.
Field operations includes mobile surveillance officers – those who watch and monitor suspects as they go about their routines – and this can involve following discreetly on foot or simply sitting in a car for hours on end. Pay for a surveillance officer starts at £23,472, rising to £26,960 plus benefits following full training.
Although some jobs sound more mundane than others, MI5, based at Thames House, near Parliament, says some ‘operational work’ is inevitable.
For more information log on to www.mi5.gov.uk and www.mi5careers.info.

MI6
More properly known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), MI6 is tasked with gathering overseas intelligence and, according to its website, collecting ‘secret foreign intelligence in support of the British Government's policies and objectives’.
As befits the service to which James Bond ‘belongs’, the organisation is far more cloak-and-dagger in style than MI5 and its existence wasn’t officially acknowledged until 1994. Its HQ, the dramatic and futuristic-looking building at Vauxhall Cross by the Thames, echoes the mystery surrounding the service.
MI6 is looking for operational officers, technical workers, linguists and administrative recruits. It says: ‘Across the board our staff share a 'can-do' approach and determination to get the job done. They are also people who are motivated by the knowledge that – whatever their role in SIS - the work they do makes a real difference to the UK.’
For more information, log on to www.mi6.gov.uk (or www.sis.gov.uk) and www.siscareers.gov.uk

GCHQ
Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) is an intelligence and security organisation reporting to the Foreign Office and working closely with MI5 and MI6.
Its duties include gathering information to support national security, military operations and law enforcement, and keeping Government information systems safe from hackers and other threats.
GCHQ can trace its roots through the infamous code breaking establishment at Bletchley Park, which helped crack German secret codes during the Second World War.
Now based in a state-of-the-art building in Cheltenham nicknamed ‘The Doughnut’, GCHQ still plays a crucial code-breaking role – the organisation has perhaps the largest concentrations of mathematicians in the country.
However, there are many other roles and positions available including IT and finance specialists, linguists, information specialists/librarians, intelligence analysts, graduate fast stream and support staff.
For more information log on to www.gchq.gov.uk.


Case studies
Sunita, an MI5 surveillance officer for the last three years
‘I left college with reasonably good grades and embarked on a career in hotel management. After four years I realised that it wasn't the career for me. I wanted something different, where I could get out and about and make more of a contribution to society.
Looking for jobs on the internet I came across the MI5 website. I saw the job profile for a mobile surveillance officer and thought I matched the criteria: I had always been public spirited and considered myself observant and something of a people watcher out of habit.
I assumed they only took top graduates – they do but they also recruit for specialists in all sorts of areas. People like me who don't realise they have something to offer.
I applied via the website. The recruitment process was quite long but after each stage I wanted the job more.
The surveillance training course was tough, both mentally and physically, but enjoyable all the same. The training staff were great, upbeat and encouraging, and as they were all surveillance officers they spoke from experience and knew how to get the best out of me. When I passed the course, it was a great feeling.
Part of being operational means I have been trained to a police standard of advanced driving and I have moved into specialising in some technical areas of surveillance alongside my core work. I continue to learn every day.
The enjoyment comes from the variety of the surveillance operations and working in a team environment. Every day is different and it feels good to know that the work you do really does make a difference.’


Rachel, an operational officer for MI6
‘When I left Warwick with a degree in History and American Studies I had no real idea of what I wanted to do. I worked with horses for three years but realised I needed more of a challenge.
When I got in I found I had joined an organisation full of interesting and fun individuals and realised that one of the best things about the Service is the number of like-minded people I work with. So many people motivated to do their job because they hope to make a difference to the security and well-being of the UK.
It is unlike the media portrayals of SIS in so many ways. The work offers so many unusual opportunities and encourages people to use their minds to think laterally and find solutions to problems.
The training I have received since joining has developed my confidence and understanding of how we operate. I was surprised and motivated by the degree of responsibility that is given to individual officers at relatively junior grades.
I have travelled to new places with the Service, some of which I would never have seen in a regular job. Some of the experiences I have had have seemed surreal, but I do not regret anything.
My work has covered a range of countries and the high priority of issues I have worked on keeps me motivated and interested and continues to challenge me. I know that over the course of my career in the office I will continue to work in different areas and to develop myself. While it can be testing to maintain cover and not talk about the extent of the work we do, it is also satisfying to know that the work we do in the Service really matters.’


Spy qualities
-    Cool-headed
-    Fast thinking
-    Discreet
-    Analytical
-    Reliable
-    Can work under pressure
-    Prepared for long periods of inactivity
-    Great communicator
-    Can take orders or work alone
-    Don’t mind unpredictability

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