Step inside the world of secret intelligence.
Put your skills to work.
Offering a rare chance to work within the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, ACTIVATE gives graduates on-the-job experience and training in one of the most unique, dynamic and fast-paced workplaces in Australia. Over the course of the 12-month program, you'll learn how intelligence is gathered, reported and actioned.
Unlike other graduate programs, you won't just be observing – you'll be using your skills to help support actual intelligence operations that advance Australia's national interest. Whether you're studying law, mathematics, arts or accounting – ASIS is looking for ACTIVATE applicants with diverse skill sets from a range of academic backgrounds. This program is a rare opportunity to kick start your career in intelligence.
PLEASE NOTE:
Applications for the 2025 ACTIVATE Graduate Program will open in October 2023.
Learn all of the skills of secret intelligence.
You’ll complete a rotational program to help you to learn about different parts of the Organisation that will give you a strong understanding of the business of intelligence. The types of rotations and training and development opportunities you complete will depend on which graduate stream you choose.
This year ASIS is offering two graduate streams:
STEM Stream
Are you a problem solver? If cutting edge technology is your thing, or you have novel or unconventional ideas to solving technical challenges then a graduate career in technology in ASIS could be for you.
A career ASIS technologist collects, analysis and enables the secure communication of vital information and intelligence to inform the highest level of government decision makers. The most difficult technical challenges demand diversity of thought, teamwork, and non-traditional solutions.
As a graduate technical specialist you will complete three workplace rotations which will expose you to the broad range of technical activities ASIS conduct. You will work with both operational technology and enterprise teams to innovate and develop new technological solutions to complex problems that enable the foreign intelligence collection mission.
We are looking for experience across a broad range of technical disciplines including (but not limited to!) ICT, software development, cyber, engineering (hardware, software, communications, RF, data, mechatronics, mechanical, and cloud).
On successful completion of the graduate program you will be placed in a technical team which matches your skills and interests.
Accounting/Finance Stream
Now is an exciting time to be joining as a finance graduate. ASIS’s Finance graduates will be exposed to three key areas of financial support; management accounting, divisional resource management and departmental finance. Advice provided by ASIS finance professionals contribute to real world outcomes. ASIS Finance Graduates will gain exposure to unique topics, hands on experience as well as opportunities to demonstrate their skills as subject matter experts. Graduates will be challenged and be given real responsibilities throughout the program.
Learning opportunities for graduates in Finance will be plentiful. You’ll gain insight into our growing and dynamic business, learn about achieving short-term targets while delivering sustainable long-term goals, and have the chance to see our annual planning process. On successful completion of the graduate program you will be placed as a finance officer in ASIS.
Tertiary qualifications in the following areas are relevant for entry into our Finance Graduate stream: Accounting (Financial and Management), Taxation, Banking and Finance, Financial Planning and other similar degrees.
ASIS is committed to continuous professional development for its finance professionals. On completion of the graduate program finance graduates will have access to studies assistance for the Chartered Accountant Australia and New Zealand and the Certified Practicing Accountant Australia accreditation programs as well as other applicable studies. ASIS will help our people maintain membership with professional bodies and associations relevant to their roles.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for creative, energetic and ambitious people who are motivated to further Australia’s national interest by working in a unique and highly specialised intelligence agency.
We value problem solving, critical thinking and innovation. Whether you’re studying law, mathematics, engineering, arts or accounting, ASIS is looking for ACTIVATE graduate applicants with diverse skillsets from a range of academic backgrounds.
What to expect?
IMPACT
Learn the business of foreign intelligence collection by working on real problems and projects and using your skills to support actual intelligence operations that advance Australia’s interests.
GROW
Be supported with tailored learning and development programs to enhance your understanding of the intelligence business and help achieve your goals. We provide opportunities for coaching, digital learning and ongoing financial assistance for further study to continue to support your career.
CONNECT
As a graduate you will build networks and friendships through engagement with senior leadership; mentoring and coaching activities and networking events across different areas of government and the national intelligence community.
CONTRIBUTE
ASIS values diversity and inclusion and has a broad range of opportunities for you to contribute to the culture and face of the Organisation. Get involved in supporting graduates that follow you and sharing your knowledge and achievements.
Graduate Program
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Overview
Whether you're studying law, mathematics, arts or accounting – ASIS is looking for ACTIVATE applicants with diverse skillsets from a range of academic backgrounds.Should you be accepted into ACTIVATE you'll transition between three different roles, each introducing you to a different area of the ASIS organisation, and each a critical part of a close-knit team of intelligence professionals supporting operations.After successfully completing the program, you'll then be offered a permanent placement in one of those three roles.Candidates require the following to be eligible to apply for the ACTIVATE program:
- Australian citizenship
- Completed a undergraduate and post-graduate university degree within the past 2 years
- The ability to demonstrate our core values, in particular the highest levels of personal integrity and professionalism
- Enthusiasm, excellent interpersonal skills and sound judgement
- The ability to obtain and hold a high level national security clearance.
Life in Canberra, commute to the world.
ASIS' hub is located in Canberra, and this is where you will live when you are not posted overseas. With easy access to an international airport, plenty of parks and gardens and restaurants, it’s an excellent home base for an aspiring Intelligence Officer. -
Testimonials
In the words of one of our graduates:
"Completing the ACTIVATE graduate program has been a great first step in beginning my career with ASIS. I have been able to actively contribute to different teams within the service and see direct impact through my work on intelligence operations. The development opportunities and mentoring from fellow officers has definitely been a personal highlight of the program. The learning curve is steep, but if you’re someone who can apply their skillset to diverse situations and loves a challenge then ASIS is the place for you." -
How To Apply
How to apply.
Applying for a role at ASIS is a confidential process, do not discuss your application with anyone, as this could impact on your career with ASIS. Applying with ASIS is more detailed than your average employment application, the process takes approximately 45-60 mins to complete. You will be asked to supply the following information:
Personal.
- Citizenship details
- Driver’s licence details
- Digital passport sized photo (does not however need to be a professionally taken passport photo)
- Relationship/spouse details
Education and employment.
- Education details - secondary and tertiary institutions and qualifications if applicable
- Resume
- Previous ten years of employment history- approximate dates and supervisor details
Extra curricular and foreign experience.
- Previous ten years of international travel history (work or leisure) - approximate dates and countries.
- Extra curricular and/or foreign experience details
- Passport details
- Languages
- Professional memberships
Extended response.
- Provide responses against specific questions while considering the competencies for the position.
Once you have submitted your completed online application form, you will receive an on-screen confirmation that your application has been successfully received by ASIS. Beyond this, you will only be contacted again if you progress to the next stage of the application process. ASIS does not provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.More About Applying -
Selection Process
Selection Process.
The specialist nature of ASIS's work demands the highest levels of dedication, integrity and professionalism from our staff. For this reason, our selection processes are competitive and rigorous. As a rough guide, the selection process for Graduates generally takes around 7-12 months from the date of application to the offer of employment and covers a range of different selection phases. The selection process may include some, or all, of the following:- Written application
- Written test
- Interview
- Referee checks
- Psychological testing
- Assessment centre
- Security assessment
- Medical assessment, including testing for prohibited substances
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FAQ
FAQs
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What is the career path like?
We can offer long-term career opportunities for the right person. Employment and promotion decisions in ASIS are based on merit, with regular promotion and internal transfer opportunities available.
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What is ASIS actually looking for in candidates?
We are looking for highly motivated and dedicated recent graduates from a broad range academic disciplines.
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Does ASIS employ people under work experience programs?
Unfortunately, no. Because of the high level national security clearance which every ASIS position requires, and the time it can take to obtain such a clearance, we are unable to offer work experience programs.
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What is the career path like?
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No Current Vacancies
There are no current vacancies at this time. Keep an eye on this page for when vacancies become available
Keep an eye on this page
We can only advertise roles when we have a specific need, and due to confidentiality requirements, you are unable to register for notifications. So be sure to keep checking back regularly if you believe you're a good fit.
Importance of confidentiality
All applications for employment with ASIS are handled in the strictest confidence. It is essential that you maintain a similar level of confidentiality and that you do not discuss your application with anyone, as this could impact your career with ASIS.
