The Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) is a key part of the UK's intelligence and security service. Along with MI5 and MI6, its role is to counter threats to British people and interests. It works in two main areas - signals intelligence and information assurance - to support organisations such as the Ministry of Defence, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and law enforcement agencies. It also advises and assists organisations whose computer systems are critical to national infrastructure, such as those in the water, power and telecommunications industries.
Graduate Jobs
[Edit]There are six areas graduates can work in at GCHQ:
- IT specialists and engineers;
- Language and culture specialists;
- Intelligence analysts;
- Mathematicians;
- Information specialists; and
- Corporate support.
Some jobs require previous experience or technical qualifications, but many are open to graduates from a wide range of disciplines.
GCHQ accepts graduate job applications all year round.
Applicants must be British citizens and successful candidates will be subject to a security vetting process.
GCHQ expects to recruit up to 350 graduates each year.
Interview & Application Process
[Edit]The application and interview process for GCHQ is as follows:
- Online application
- Assessment day (lasting approximately four hours)
- Further interview
The assessment day consists of:
- Interview
- Personality test
- Security questionnaire
- Drugs test
Location
[Edit]The headquarters of GCHQ is in Cheltenham and is home to more than 5,000 staff. There is also a satellite ground station in Cornwall and a communications collection facility in Yorkshire.
Salaries
[Edit]Graduates joining GCHQ in 2009 will be paid between £24,500 and £27,500 depending on their skills, experience and qualifications.
