TECHNOLOGY PROFILES
Mehmet, Technology Officer
Click here to listen to Mehmet's words - spoken by an actor
When I first joined - nearly eight years ago - I worked in a technical testing area where we were testing the latest bespoke applications SIS were building. After that, I moved on to looking after databases using cutting-edge software technology. Since then, I've moved into the operational part of the office involved in clandestine communications. This means travelling all over the world, meeting people and training them in some of the latest and the most technically-advanced software there is.
There are five areas of IT in all: Networking, Software, Operations, Communications and Helpdesk. It doesn't matter which one you're working in as you'll still get to use technology that nobody else does. It stands to reason, because SIS does things that no other organisation does.
Some people travel overseas to support intelligence operations. They're usually experts across computers, wi-fi, technology and RF. Wherever you are it's incredibly rewarding.
Working in software is a very good option as well because SIS uses some of the latest technologies, the training packages available to staff are second to none and you're given every opportunity to try and improve your skill in any area.
Mike, Experienced Software Developer
After I got my BEng in Computer Engineering, I progressed through the ranks of application programmer, analyst programmer, software engineer, senior software engineer and systems development manager. At that point I applied to SIS with the view to extending and enhancing my team leadership skills and management experience.
On joining I took the two-week induction course and met people who would be working in all different areas of SIS. Since then I've been on various training courses, internal and external, and recently signed up for a Prince2 Project Management course.
I lead a small team of five people, and like the stability of working for a government department and the variety of what I do. Apart from the work aspect, I'm a regular user of the gym and I've just joined the cricket team. And I like the fact that you can wear casual clothes here and there's a real team spirit about the place.