At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vital national security operations and help teams run smoothly.
- Company: Join MI6, the UK's Secret Intelligence Service, with a mission to protect the nation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for overseas work, and a structured development pathway.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace, with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK security while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Five GCSEs at grade 9–4, including Maths and English; motivated to learn and adapt.
A career in national security that could take you beyond the UK. We’re MI6, also known as Secret Intelligence Service. Our mission is to protect the security and economic wellbeing of the UK from overseas threats such as regional instability, terrorism, and cyber-attacks. Working across the globe and in close partnership with MI5 and GCHQ, we help the Government to counter these threats through the provision of secret intelligence.
A role in MI6 will see you providing vital support to this work, within a supportive and encouraging environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork. As a Business Support Officer, you’ll play a central role in enabling this mission. You could be supporting teams across intelligence, operations or corporate functions, helping to keep critical activity running smoothly and securely. From coordinating priorities and managing information to supporting projects and senior colleagues, you’ll help ensure teams have what they need to deliver mission-critical work.
You’ll begin on a structured three-year development pathway, gaining experience across different teams and building a strong understanding of how the organisation operates. It’s a role that offers variety and exposure, helping you develop confidence, judgement and the ability to adapt in a fast-moving environment. Beyond this, you’ll have opportunities to take your career further – including the chance to work overseas in one of our global locations. This is a unique aspect of the organisation, offering the opportunity to experience new environments, take on fresh challenges and continue developing your skills in an international setting.
Whether you choose to specialise or explore different routes, you’ll be supported to build a career that can evolve in the direction you want it to go. You may be looking to bring your existing experience into a new environment or considering a broader career change. You’ll have at least five GCSEs at grade 9–4 (A–C), including Maths and English Language (or equivalent), and be motivated to develop your skills in a role that combines structure with variety.
You’ll be organised, adaptable and comfortable working with a range of people. You’ll enjoy problem-solving, managing information and supporting others to deliver high-quality work. Clear communication, attention to detail and a willingness to learn are essential, as is your ability to work collaboratively and adapt as priorities shift.
It’s important that you share our values of Integrity, Courage, Respect and Creativity, and are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to UK national security. We don’t look for a particular ‘type’ of person – we’re interested in people from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. Above all, you’ll be curious, motivated to learn and interested in building a career where you can make a meaningful contribution.
To find out more and apply for the Business Support Officer role, please visit our website. At MI6 diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce such as women, those from an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.
To be eligible to apply, you must be a British Citizen. If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, you will nonetheless be considered. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. You can apply at the age of 17 years; if successful you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday. Full eligibility details can be found on our website.
Business Support Officer employer: MI6
MI6 is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to UK national security while working in a supportive and collaborative environment. As a Business Support Officer in London, you'll benefit from a structured development pathway, diverse career opportunities, and the chance to work overseas after three years, all while being part of a mission-driven organisation that values integrity, courage, respect, and creativity. With a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, MI6 is committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the society it serves, making it an attractive place for individuals from all backgrounds to grow and thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Support Officer
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like MI6, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like MI6 and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for MI6 and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at MI6
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with MI6, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for MI6.
