Profile

John - Intelligence Officer

When I finished high school, I took a gap year and worked for an aid organisation in South America, and then I backpacked around Africa and South East Asia. When I returned home, I started my degree in Political Science, taking subjects in Asian Studies, where I had the opportunity to study for a semester overseas. It was really interesting to see life and have a perspective from the other side of the world.

I had seen advertisements for ASIS and was drawn to the opportunity to do something meaningful with my life. It took quite a while from the time when I applied to the time I was hired. I was assessed on a range of things, including intelligence and aptitude, communications skills, and a host of other things I wasn’t even aware of at the time.

My career with ASIS began as a Trainee Intelligence Officer. I enjoyed the training, as it taught me what I needed to know in order to do the job of an Intelligence Officer operating overseas. I also learnt a lot about myself, both in terms of my strengths and weaknesses, and my training was done with a group of people who I've remained close friends with.

I am privileged to be working with really capable and professional colleagues from all walks of life. I feel that the work I do as an Intelligence Officer really does make a difference. I am proud to be part of an organisation that achieves.

Sally - Intelligence Officer

Having spent a number of years working in my chosen career as a contracts lawyer I realised that I no longer found my work to be as professionally rewarding as it once was.

I saw advertisements for ASIS careers and found them quite intriguing, the idea of living and working overseas and meeting with a diverse range of people really appealed to me. I was strongly attracted to the significance of ASIS’s work and the idea of my job contributing to the benefit of my country.

When ASIS staff said ‘it’s not your ordinary job’, they meant it. After passing my training to be an Intelligence Officer, I was fortunate enough to undertake short-term work overseas.

The work I undertake is varied and challenging and requires me to be responsible and accountable, and to show initiative and creativity. I’m grateful for the significant investment the Service has made in training me and sending me overseas, and for all the opportunities this has provided me and my family.

Being an Intelligence Officer for ASIS is a demanding yet highly rewarding career. The world, and Australia’s place in it, is increasingly complex and performing the work of foreign intelligence collection is a great honour. I take great satisfaction in knowing that I have made a unique contribution to Australia’s national interests. I now can’t imagine doing anything else.