Growing up, I wanted to be a teacher and when I left school, I studied hard to achieve my goal. But after a decade working in high schools, I was feeling burnt out and decided it was time for a change of career. One of my favourite things about being a teacher was being able to give back to my community, and I knew I wanted a job that would continue to do that.
I heard about ASIO in the news but I wasn’t really sure what ASIO did. After listening to the Director-General’s Annual Threat Assessment and learning about the organisation’s role in the Australian community, I realised ASIO might be the place for me.
As a Vetting Analyst, I determine if someone is suitable to hold a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearance – Australia’s highest level of security clearance. My role is to create a safe space and build trust with the clearance subjects I interview, discussing the most sensitive, personal details of their lives.
Within the first few weeks of starting as a Vetting Analyst, I completed a Certificate IV in Government Security (Personnel Vetting), a requirement of the role. This program also included training in analytical rigour and interview skills, and fully prepared me to be a Vetting Analyst.
To assess someone for a security clearance, I use specific criteria to determine their eligibility. I undertake investigative work and perform a range of checks to inform my suitability assessment.
There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ day as a Vetting Analyst because there are so many facets to the job. I might get assigned a new case in the morning and start reviewing the applicant’s vetting pack, looking for gaps and anomalies to explore at interview. After lunch, I might pivot to another case I am working on to plan and prepare for a face-to-face interview I’ll be conducting interstate next week. The next day, I might contact referees and have long conversations both in-person and over the phone. I’d finish the day drafting a vetting assessment for a complex case I’ve been working on, with a clearance suitability recommendation.
I’ve found that ASIO is full of ordinary people, like me, who do extraordinary things. They come from a range of backgrounds and bring varied life experiences to their roles – this makes our workplace richer and more diverse. Every person is different and so, every vetting case I work on is different. The security vetting assessments I complete ensure ASIO officers are suitable to protect the Australian government’s most sensitive information. I come to work each day knowing that I am contributing to the community and protecting Australia and Australians from threats to their security.