Stories of first year as an ITO in ASIO

Being part of our Information Technology team is all about working with the latest computer technology on projects which will excite and challenge you.

I came to the organisation from Adelaide in 2008 with a background in IT and electronic security, and a real enthusiasm and sense of purpose that I’d be contributing to the safety and security of all Australians. Right from the start my role placed me in a challenging high security environment developing and supporting ASIO’s primary intelligence application. Working here I have ongoing opportunities to access some of the best internal and external training available, and I get a lot out of seeing the organisation benefit directly from the work that I do.

Moving interstate is always a daunting prospect, particularly with a family. ASIO helped smooth the transition by organising relocation services and flights, and accommodation once we arrived that gave us plenty of time to find our feet.

Working and living in Canberra offers a fantastic lifestyle. The people are friendly and open, and I found it easy forming some strong friendships that will last a lifetime. With only a couple of hours drive to Sydney, the South Coast or Kosciusko ski fields, there are endless opportunities to go and see a show, head to the beach for a weekend, or hit the slopes in the Winter months.

Anthony

Working for ASIO as an ITO is a fantastic experience. The work is interesting, challenging and always changing. The nature of the work that ASIO does mandates that ITO’s keep up with the latest in emerging technology. This opens up a range of training opportunities including: generic IT training and qualifications; and, exclusive training opportunities only available to ASIO and a select group of government departments.

There is a wide variety of technical positions available at ASIO which are far removed from private-sector corporate IT positions. Many of the technical positions play a pivotal role in ASIO operations. This means that ITOs are working with people with a wide variety of experience and skill sets on a daily basis.

Keeping Australia and its interests safe is not purely a domestic pursuit. Security is now an international effort and ASIO is a key player in this effort. In my first year at ASIO I worked with several of Australia’s allies to produce technical solutions that contributed to domestic and international security.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first year at ASIO as an ITO and I continue to love what I do now. The technical component of the job is great but there is no better feeling than finishing the work day and knowing that you have contributed to maintaining the security of Australia.

Adrian

I started working for ASIO in 2008 as part of the IT Traineeship Program. With the assistance that ASIO provided with my relocation from Sydney to Canberra it helped make the transition to a new state and workplace less stressful. I have found Canberra to be a great place to live with friendly people, various sports to be involved in.

Working within ASIO has provided me with boundless opportunities to further develop my skills within IT. With the IT Traineeship I have completed my Certificate IV in Information Technology and am currently studying for my Diploma in System Administration. With everything I have learned in the classroom I am able to utilise in the workplace and IT environment, whilst also developing further using the latest technologies. My experience has found the organisation to be very supportive towards assisting me to further my studies, have financial assistance and the ability to utilise study leave.

Aaron

Working with ASIO opens new doors in life, new challenges, new friends and the pride of working for Australia’s forefront in National Security.

You are trained with all the skills needed to work effectively in the organization, either by learning on the job or by spending time learning at CIT, with this comes exposure to new technologies and brand new skills.

All this in the comfort of Canberra and its people.

Alejandro

During my first year in ASIO I transitioned across 3 different sections, in which I was exposed to a large variety of Information Technology systems and equipment, ranging from commercially available enterprise servers, storage and networks down to custom designed internally developed software. I also had access to a number of travel opportunities throughout the year, travelling interstate twice to undertake projects and another two times to undertake training courses, through this I was able to gain two industry recognised certifications. I completed all this while undertaking a Certificate IV in Information Technology in which the Organisation was flexible to my lecture times during work hours.

I have found the working environment to be one of the biggest positives points. It is very flexible and encourages a work life balance. I enjoy coming to work and find it to be a relaxed, fun place to work. In saying that I haven’t found anyone in the Organisation who won’t roll up their sleeves when there is work that needs to be done. It is this environment that makes me think of my employment at ASIO as a career rather than just another job.

Ryan