How You Can Adapt Your Degree to Working in Australian Intelligence

STEM students – listen up!

This article is presented in partnership with the Australian Signals Directorate.

If you’re a passionate STEM student, you might be considering what career paths are available to you. There are so many to choose from – but have you considered what it would be like to work in intelligence with the Australian Signals Directorate?

The Australian Signals Directorate (also known as ASD) is a vital member of Australia’s national security community, working across foreign intelligence, cyber security and offensive cyber operations. If you haven’t heard about them before, you can read more about who they are here.

The great minds working at ASD come from a wide range of backgrounds and qualifications.

However, there are a few things they have in common - everyone at ASD is passionate about finding unique solutions to complex problems, have the drive to constantly learn, and use tech in unexpected ways to find unique solutions that help protect Australia’s national security.

So if you’re a high school student trying to decide what career path to take, or you’re a uni student in the middle of your degree but don’t quite know what you’re going to do with it yet (we’ve all been there!) - keep reading to find out more about what it’s like to have a career with ASD.

Who are they looking for?

ASD are searching for those who are curious, imaginative and ready to take on any challenge. They pride themselves on their diverse workforce, where people of differing backgrounds in their education, personalities, beliefs and life experiences, come together to achieve a common goal.

ASD looks for graduates from almost every discipline to work in analyst, corporate or technologist roles.

Due to the nature of work, the ASD staff quoted in this article have been de-identified.

One employee says that if you’re thinking about joining ASD – do it!

"Don’t assume you don’t have the right skills or be put off by how technical we look. If you’re interested in making a difference and you have a willingness to learn, there’s a role here that will suit you."

Another staff member describes how accommodating working at ASD is as a person with autism spectrum disorder and bipolar disorder.

"It took me a long time to reach a stage where I could handle an assessment centre situation," she says. "I think ASD offers some unique types of work, being highly cognitive and not always relying on natural social skills… Many neural-diverse people gravitate towards and excel in that kind of work".

Other ASD employees have degrees in business, arts, science, software engineering and more – you might not realise that you have the skills, abilities, and experience that ASD are looking for.

What kind of roles are available?

Your degree doesn’t define your career at ASD. ASD are looking for graduates from almost every discipline, with opportunities in areas including:

• Computer network operations
• Applied research
• Technology and engineering 
• Mathematics and cryptography
• IT services and system development
• Cyber specialists
• Analysts
• Foreign language analyst
• Psychology
• Human resources and recruitment
• Corporate services
• Legal services
• Communications

You can find out more about these areas of work and what they involve here.

How can I get started with ASD?

ASD offer a range of entry-level programs giving school-leavers opportunities to enter the workforce, and Year 11 and 12 students are given the chance to undertake work experience to sample life at ASD.

ASD Graduate Program.

As an ASD graduate, you will experience three four-month rotations that will develop your skills and allow you to explore different areas of interest.

You’ll receive bespoke training and be mentored by leading experts in their field. You’ll be encouraged to try new things, while working across multidisciplinary teams that focus on critical intelligence matters.

Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll have a permanent role at ASD that is relevant to your degree and interests.

2024 applications are now open, closing 26 March 2023.

ASD Cadetships.

As an ASD cadet, you’ll work on a range of projects that contribute to Australia’s national security, while being supported by ASD mentors and supervisors. You’ll also undertake specialised training to improve your skills, and get real-world experience that you won’t get at uni.

An ASD cadetship is for uni students who are currently studying an undergrad or postgrad degree. You’ll receive an academic allowance to be paid at the end of each semester on successful completion of subjects.

You’ll work on a part-time basis for a minimum of two days a week. The remainder of your time will be dedicated to finishing your uni study. After successfully completing the ASD Cadetship program, you will be promoted into a full-time position.

Applications for the ASD Cadetship Program are now open.

ASD Apprenticeships.

As an apprentice at ASD, you’ll work on a range of projects that contribute to Australia’s national security, while being supported by ASD mentors and supervisors.

As an apprentice, you’ll work part time with the rest of your time dedicated to completing a Certificate IV (two years) or a Diploma (three years). ASD will pay for your studies as well as your work - #winning.

In addition to your formal studies, you’ll undertake an extensive internal training package where you can obtain nationally-recognised qualifications.

Applications for ASD Apprenticeship Program are now open.

ASD Work Experience Program.

Year 11 and 12 (and high-achieving Year 10) students looking to take a STEM-related pathway, can apply for the ASD Work Experience program at the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

This week-long program will challenge you to use your knowledge and skills in a variety of different scenarios. Placements are in Canberra, but if you’re interstate and are willing to sort your own travel and accommodation, you are encouraged to apply.

There are numerous dates for the program throughout the year that you can apply for here.

Direct Entry.

ASD also runs regular recruitment rounds throughout the year, so if you miss out on one of these opportunities, there are always other ways to join ASD.

Find out more about careers and entry pathways with ASD here.

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

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