Stuart - Intelligence Analyst

"It gives me a kick to provide a report that changes official policy".

"I joined GCHQ to find out what they did! It was somewhere that had an air of mystery about it. I was working in an insurance company then - so I wanted somewhere which I thought would be more exciting and interesting.

As an Intelligence Analyst, I study a number of target areas. What are the targets? Obviously I can't go into details. But they are wide-ranging. Sticking within legal guidelines is important. Everything I do is underpinned with Government legislation. The jobs I've been involved in give me the opportunity to travel around the country and abroad - meeting a wide variety of people.

I didn't go to University. I joined through open recruitment. But now I'm an acknowledged expert in certain areas. I love the feeling of doing a good job. Of providing service above and beyond what customers in other government departments expect. It gives me a kick to provide a report on a matter that my customer knew nothing about. Something that actually changes official policy.

The office I work in is very open plan, so everyone's very accessible. Each analyst has their own IT workstation and there's a real team spirit.

Once you've worked for GCHQ, you've been through vetting. So if you leave to have a baby or take time off there's always the possibility of returning. They've excellent flexitime and part-time working structures too. I'd highly recommend it".