As a student, I found my IT niche in cyber security. When I graduated, I wanted a job that would develop my passion for cyber security, as well as make a positive difference to society. Many employers addressed the former criterion, however very few met the latter. But when I read about ASIO’s Technologist Graduate Program, it looked like a perfect fit—spoiler alert: it was!

Over the 12 month program, I rotated through three different teams, which broadened my skills and enhanced my understanding of ASIO overall. One of my rotations was within ASIO’s IT Security team—it was such a good fit that I ended up joining the team once I completed the program.

As a member of IT Security within ASIO, I perform a wide variety of activities that enable ASIO’s mission through the secure use of technology. Such activities include: providing advice to operational areas on the use of equipment to perform technical intelligence collection; performing security assessments of ASIO’s IT systems to ascertain their fitness for holding classified information; and responding to cyber security incidents that may involve ASIO’s infrastructure and/or information holdings.

Specialising in cyber security within ASIO means that I get to work with, and learn from, some of the best cyber security experts in the industry. Consequently, I have very strong career prospects—both inside and outside of the public sector—within the cyber security industry. Technology is at the heart of ASIO’s efforts to secure the nation, and IT security is fundamentally involved in the strategic outlook for the organisation.

Though I appreciate that performing a cyber security function within other industries has its rewards, I love knowing that my work here at ASIO is directly contributing to the security of Australia and its citizens. Whether it be through enhancing the security of a system that holds classified information or assisting operational staff in the secure implementation of their systems, I can always draw a direct line between my work and the organisation’s mission.

 I have a strong sense of purpose working at ASIO, which I don’t think I could get anywhere else.

Read more about technology careers at ASIO.