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At forefront of digital world ; Employee Becca works as a cyber security specialist at GCHQ in Cheltenham. Here she discusses the agency's working... [Gloucestershire Echo (England)](Gloucestershire Echo (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) At forefront of digital world ; Employee Becca works as a cyber security specialist at GCHQ in Cheltenham. Here she discusses the agency's working environment and what she does on a day-to-day basis. BECCA, who has now worked at GCHQ for three years, previously lived in Gloucestershire but moved away to study Electronic and Computer Engineering at the University of York. Through one of her lecturers, she became aware of possible career options within the agency. Knowing the local area, she had heard of GCHQ but wasn't entirely sure what the department did. Based on her lecturer's recommendation she carried out research on the careers website and noticed the agency was actively recruiting for internet operations analysts, a role that matched her qualifications. She submitted an online application and underwent selection phases including online tests and a full day assessment. This was followed by security vetting, before she secured a position there. Becca's initial role changed in line with GCHQ's cyber mission. She now works as a cyber security specialist, focusing on network defence. "The work is real, relevant and important. I help protect UK cyber-interests, so to the ordinary person on the street this means they can conduct their business on the internet without the fear of having their data abused or stolen," she said. "The fact that I was given such responsibility immediately was a real attraction. "Plus, I'm trusted to manage my time flexibly according to the demands of my work. It's really refreshing." Becca focuses on software development and writes scripts to solve complex problems. It requires her to utilise her technical expertise and innovate, rather than just code to specification. Other tasks involve researching new and emerging threats, as well as the design, delivery and support of applications for broad distribution, often to short time frames. She said there was a strong sense of teamwork within the department allowing her to turn to colleagues for support including the exchange of training and knowledge. A GCHQ spokesman said: "Becca plays an integral role in GCHQ's cyber mission, specialising on the protection of government IT systems. "In addition Becca takes ownership of her own career development, so manages her time in order to keep her knowledge and programming ability up-to-date through on-the-job training and internal and external courses. He added: "There is also a thirst for new ideas as GCHQ strives to stay ahead of the swift pace demanded by the evolving digital world; pioneers that can push the technical boundaries and cope with the unknown - like Becca - do well here." GCHQ is one of the three UK Intelligence Agencies and a part of the UK's National Intelligence Machinery. It works in partnership with the Security Service, also known as MI5, and the Secret Intelligence Service, also known as MI6, to protect the UK's national security interests. Along with MI5 and MI6, GCHQ's role is to counter threats to British people and interests. It gathers electronic and digital signals that provides intelligence to help inform national security, military operations and law enforcement activities. It also protects the Government's communication and information systems from hackers, interference and disruption. And it plays a crucial role in cyber security for the UK. GCHQ also runs a Leadership Development scheme which provides staff joining the agency with formal training, individual mentoring and supervision. They are offered carefully selected placements to challenge and grow their ability on increasingly complex projects. "Those joining the scheme can be based in any area of GCHQ, from working with the Operations teams to supporting HR, Finance or IT activities," added Mr MacKenzie. "So, whether they ultimately choose to focus on front-line activities or corporate support, they'll gain all the skills, experience and knowledge they need to be considered for a senior leadership role within a few years of joining the organisation." GCHQ recruits a number of engineering apprentices each year, but in 2012 is hoping to evolve this scheme further to offer opportunities in different specialisms. Some forthcoming campaigns include: cyber and information assurance specialists, mathematicians, software engineers, information and communications (ICT), research sponsored students, leadership and development scheme safety, health & wellbeing." (c) 2011 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |