Having a job in security can be rewarding and exciting. There is such a wide range of job roles within security that you can stay within the same industry for your whole working life and do a totally different role.
In the UK, MI5 are the top dogs in security. They are responsible for the security and welfare of the UK and all who live here. They are often used to monitor terrorist activity, threats made to individuals and organisations. The role of MI5, as defined in the Security Service Act 1989, is “the protection of national security and in particular its protection against threats such as terrorism, espionage and sabotage, the activities of agents of foreign powers, and from actions intended to overthrow or undermine parliamentary democracy by political, industrial or violent means”.
Many people dream of working for the top security agency, but jobs are limited and only offered when a very strict criteria is met by the applicant.
One of the roles within MI5 is the role of a mobile surveillance office. Their job is to monitor individuals or groups of people that are of interest. It may be terrorist groups, groups that are plotting to sabotage an event or threats against the government. As a surveillance office you will need to be able to blend in, think on your feet, be able to work flexible hours which may involve staying away at short notice and staying calm. This job is not for the feint hearted – but can be very rewarding.