Graduates
Working across a variety of roles, graduates at the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) are at the forefront of tackling serious and organised crime both in Australia and offshore. Our breadth of work means no 2 days are alike, we are constantly evolving our capabilities; working to collect, assess and share intelligence – getting it to where it needs to be.
Our graduates have the opportunity to be a part of Australia's National Intelligence Community and work alongside some of the country’s most innovative, passionate and intelligent people.
About the program
Our 10-month program provides you with a clear career pathway in providing mission critical intelligence to government, partners, the front line and communities. We offer a number of benefits including:
- various rotations that will expose you to a variety of different capabilities within the ACIC
- a range of exciting career opportunities and development pathways
- attractive employment conditions that support work/life balance
- a competitive remuneration package including relocation assistance (if moving from interstate)
- a comprehensive development program aligned to your role, including a mix of on-the-job and formal learning
- a dedicated entry level programs team to provide guidance and support throughout your program.
All graduate positions are primarily based in Canberra, and you will be engaged as a full-time permanent employee commencing at the APS4 classification (starting salary of $74,422 per annum plus superannuation). You can find out more about working at the ACIC, including employment conditions and details of the ACIC Enterprise Agreement 2024–27 on the Working for us page. At the end of the program, you’ll launch straight into an exciting new role in a branch of your choice with a guaranteed permanent position.
Who are we looking for?
Regardless of your work experience and background, there is a role in the ACIC for you. Whether it's in our Intelligence Group or our Corporate Group, you will be part of a team that shares a strong and united vision. We’re looking for people who are problem solvers, innovative thinkers and committed to making an impact from day one.
Students who are due to complete an undergraduate degree by the end of 2024 or have completed an undergraduate degree within the last 3 years are eligible to apply. We are looking for graduates with from a range of fields and degrees, including but limited to the following:
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policy |
human resources |
finance and accounting |
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legal |
communications and media |
project management |
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data science |
data analytics |
cyber security |
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engineering and programming |
criminal justice |
criminology |
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international relations |
national security |
social science |
Applicants must also:
- be an Australian citizen
- be able to obtain, and maintain, a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance
- satisfy an Organisational Suitability Assessment, including participation in a psychological and physical health assessment.
Please refer to our character standards for further information.
What to expect
The unique place the ACIC holds with its relationships to law enforcement and intelligence agencies means you will be working with a diverse and brilliant cohort that provide insights, support, and a breadth of experience in every possible way. As someone who learns best by doing, I really appreciated the opportunity to rotate between teams and engage with external partners. Commencing at a new workplace and city was made so much easier by being surrounded by other graduates with similar nerves and excitement.
When I applied to the graduate program, I was looking for something that was challenging and rewarding. The ACIC Graduate Program achieved this. The unique and dynamic world of criminal intelligence provided me with an opportunity to perform work in the national interest with tangible, real-world impacts. During my time, I have been fortunate enough to foster relationships with fellow graduates and receive invaluable mentoring and guidance from senior colleagues which will shape my career.
The ACIC has a unique role in protecting the Australian community as an intelligence agency. Prior to the graduate program, I never imagined I would be working on matters of national importance and contributing to the disruption of serious and organised crime in Australia. The ACIC has allowed me to prioritise personal development and maximise my exposure across multiple business areas. Importantly, my career is supported through the agency’s commitment to women in leadership and the development of future female leaders.
I’ve always been fascinated with how and why criminals circumvent the system to commit crimes, which has naturally led me to pursue a career related to law enforcement. I applied for a graduate position at the ACIC in particular because I want to be involved in an agency that makes a difference, offers unique and exciting career opportunities, and is dedicated to understanding and disrupting criminal activity that impacts the Australian community.
How to apply
We know the application and assessment process is long – it is designed to help us find people who reflect the communities we protect and have long-term potential.
The following dates are a guide and subject to change:
Action |
Dates |
| Expressions of interest open | From November 2024 |
| Applications open | 3 February 2025 |
| Applications close | 6 April 2025 |
| Aptitude testing | May 2025 |
| Panel shortlisting | May 2025 |
| Assessment centres | June to July 2025 |
| Employment screening | June to August 2025 |
| Offers of employment | September 2025 |
| Commencement of program | February 2026 |
Contact
For more information or assistance with your application, please contact our Entry Programs Team via Pathway.Programs@acic.gov.au.
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