Time management skills are important. Freelance is not possible because of the classified nature of the information. All employees have to be vetted. Retraining is full-time and can involve a period of study abroad. Some become specialist managers, eg policy or IT or move into analyst role.
Inexperienced graduates start lower down the scale.
Mature candidates could start higher up. Special allowances paid for skill level. There are prospects for promotion to grade 7 and higher on basis of merit. Working hours and conditions Typically includes mainly 9-5 possibly with some extra hours Linguists work in open plan offices. New offices being built.