Case studies: Language and culture specialist: Thea

Thea was interested in languages from a young age and studied Chinese at the University of Sheffield. She is currently working at GCHQ, the Government Communications Headquarters

I was introduced to languages early on during several family summer holidays abroad. When the opportunity arose to consider language study I leapt at the chance, taking French and Spanish at GCSE and going on to study both at A-level. I really wanted to study a non-European language at university though, so following a few months volunteering in Taiwan, I opted to learn Chinese.

I always knew I wanted to utilise languages in my career, but not as an 'add-on' to my day job - I wanted it to be the focus. I looked at translation roles and teaching but was then fortunate enough to visit a university careers fair where I spoke to a language specialist from GCHQ - one of the UK's three intelligence and security agencies.

The representative impressed me with their passion, how they used their languages a lot of the time, how they had the opportunity to learn new languages, how they worked with a range of specialists, and how their efforts could help protect UK people and interests. It was fascinating and a real eye opener to a completely different way of utilising languages.

Following a successful application I joined GCHQ as a Chinese language specialist. On a daily basis I work on foreign intelligence material and provide a gist of what is happening or being said. The role goes so much further though than just a translation service, and I work alongside analysts and technical specialists as the point of contact for behavioural, cultural and regional references.

I love that I have so much input and responsibility over the end result - the intelligence that GCHQ produces. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing that my efforts have helped safeguard the UK in some way. It makes the role so satisfying. Plus, there is such a big community of language specialists, all from different backgrounds and cultures, that it is a really stimulating work environment.

Alongside language ability it is really important to have good communication skills, as you need to be able to impart your knowledge and understanding to others in a variety of ways. Equally, the ability to work well with all sorts of people is crucial.

I think the biggest surprise upon joining GCHQ was the realisation that it is nothing like the way it is portrayed in the media. The people that work here are not 'spies'; they are just normal, everyday folk. They have a passion for languages like many other people, they just apply it to incredibly unique work.

It is such an interesting field that I would recommend it to anyone who wants a career that fully exploits their linguistic abilities. I don't use languages as 'part of my job' - they are key to everything I do.