Shilpa Mahadevaiah, 28, assistant director Defence Commercial Directorate

“Towards the end of my biology degree I wanted to join a graduate scheme and pursue a more business-oriented career rather than academic research. I felt that the Civil Service offered a real variety of opportunities, excellent training and good pay within an exciting environment. A biology degree may not seem a natural fit for someone in the MoD but it is a perfect example of the diverse range of degrees that fast-stream civil servants have.”

Tilly Ashfield, 25, policy desk officer

“Having read politics at Southampton University, and having an interest in current affairs, I wanted to work in an organisation that contributes to our society. Here you can help to deliver frontline government policy.

“As part of the Civil Service fast stream, I rotate through different posts and I’m at present a desk officer for several Western European countries, responsible for the UK’s bilateral policy and defence relations.

“In time I would like to be deployed as a political adviser to provide policy advice in an operational theatre to the UK military commander.

“I believe there is no glass ceiling here and my fast stream intake consisted of 32 people, of whom 14 are women.”

Paul Vincent Devine, 45, director of policy and planning

“After studying English literature at Glasgow University, I went to Mexico and taught English for three years before applying for the Civil Service fast stream. I worked in defence procurement finance and then international policy regarding Nato and the EU.

“My role now is to ensure that the MoD is preparing for the challenges of the future. We describe to ministers what the world will look like in five to twenty-five years; what threats we will face; and what alliances we’re likely to have developed.”

Times Recommends

• Inspirational leadership
• How to get a new job
• The reluctant CEO