What is the ASD Grad Program?

Can it produce Australia’s next top spy? Maybe 🤔

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

Every time I watch a spy movie, there’s always a voice in my head saying, “God I wish that was me”.

Even Alfred from Batman and Q from James Bond are honestly just as cool, helping prevent national security threats from behind a computer screen. 

If you’re anything like me, you’ve thought on several occasions about working in intelligence and defending against cyber threats, all while looking damn cool.

It always seemed like something that’s pretty unattainable, but what if I told you there was a graduate program that can launch you straight into it?

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is Australia’s largest and oldest intelligence organisation, and their grad program is a great way to kickstart a career in intelligence.

The program is open to graduates in multiple fields, from accounting, to information technology, all the way to media, law and the sciences.

Learn more about the graduate program here.

We sat down with a graduate in the midst of their program to chat about their experiences.

Because of the nature of their work, they’ll remain anonymous – but for now, let’s call them Alfred.

Why did you join the ASD Grad Program?

Alfred: “I always wanted to work for Government - to help my country and the people in it.

With a focus on thwarting cybercriminals and cyber attacks, ASD offered a very unique way of contributing to the greater good.

I love that my role is helping to protect Australians, compared to the private sector where my role would probably be about contributing to a company’s bottom line.”

What opportunities were you given in the program?

Alfred: “Throughout the program I was offered extensive training for each rotation, helping to build my knowledge and confidence.

I was also given ownership over my own projects. I was able to steer and make decisions about my projects and lead them from beginning to end, which I did not expect as a graduate.”

What was the most interesting thing you got to do?

Alfred: “A project I worked on received a public launch with media and the Minister for Defence attending.

It was so rewarding seeing the Minister speaking for something I had helped create.”

What advice would you have for young people interested in signing up for the program?

Alfred: “Don’t feel limited by your degree or area of study.

In the Grad Program I met people from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines, all contributing to our mission.”

Sound interesting? Check out all the info on the graduate program here.

Authorised by the Australian Government Canberra.