The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) Graduate Program provides a range of exciting opportunities and development pathways for those who have recently completed university, setting them up for a successful career in Australia’s National Intelligence Community.
Over the course of 10 months, graduates complete various rotations, and a comprehensive development program aligned to specific roles, including a mix of on-the-job and formal learning. At the end of the program, graduates launch straight into an exciting new role as part of an ACIC team.
We spoke with Chloe, one of our 2022 graduates, about her journey at the ACIC.
What did you study at university?
I completed a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management).
Growing up, or throughout your university studies, did any of your jobs help you prepare you for a career at the ACIC?
My 10-year career in hospitality allowed me to develop valuable soft skills which are readily applicable in my role at the ACIC, including working as part of a team and organisational skills.
I undertook work experience as part of my law degree – firstly at a law firm then with an inhouse legal team at a not-for-profit organisation. The role at the law firm was valuable in that it made me realise I was not suited to work in that environment. However, my time with the not-for-profit was much more positive as I realised I was more aligned to a legal role embedded in an organisation, where you can work closely with your clients.
How did you come to discover the ACIC Graduate Program and what inspired you to apply?
In 2022, I actually applied for a graduate program coordinated by the Australian Taxation Office with the goal of landing a role in human resources. Through that program, we had to nominate agency preferences. I thought the ACIC sounded like a really interesting place to work despite the fact I hadn’t heard of it before. It aligned with my career aspirations so I was pleased when I was offered a placement there.
Joining the ACIC as a graduate required a move to Canberra from Wollongong – it was a big change as I didn’t have many friends here and I was largely unfamiliar with the city, however I have grown to love it! The ACIC was incredibly supportive during this transition.
What rotations did you complete as a graduate?
During the program, I completed rotations in 3 different areas – legal services, examinations, and employee relations and wellbeing. These rotations allowed me the opportunity to gain experience across a number of exciting functions within the agency. My responsibilities ranged from providing legal advice to key internal clients to the collection of intelligence and contributing to the management of our diverse workforce.
Are there any standout memories or lessons learnt from your time in the program?
I discovered the value of saying yes to opportunities, even if they don’t align with your immediate career goals. When accepting my role at the ACIC, I had no interest in becoming a practising lawyer, however I was asked whether I would like to complete a rotation within the Legal Services Branch. The work was exciting and my team was supportive, so I’m grateful for that decision. Since then, I have said yes to a variety of opportunities within the ACIC and I have no regrets.
Since completing the program, what role/s have you taken up within the agency?
Once I completed the graduate program at ACIC, I moved into the Legal Services Branch permanently as an inhouse lawyer. This role involved providing professional legal services to support the ACIC's operational, corporate, and strategic objectives to enable informed decision-making.
I also spent some time in the Internal Governance and Reporting Team where I focussed on managing the ACIC’s internal governance framework to ensure it supports performance across the agency, meets key accountability requirements, and ensures accountability and transparency in its activities and decision-making. For this period, I was also responsible for providing confidential and high-level executive assistance through the delivery of high quality administrative, organisational and support services including diary management, meeting coordination, document preparation, and records management.
I am now an executive officer for one of our senior executive leaders. As part of this role, I provide strategic coordination, advice, and administrative support in the delivery of the division’s functions and responsibilities.
What is your next career goal?
I would like to further develop my skills as an executive officer, so that I am able to confidently provide strategic advice to my executive in a valuable way. The ACIC is very supportive of our career development and I have had the opportunity to attend internal and external training to develop my skills, particularly fostering women in leadership within the intelligence community. I plan to continue working at the ACIC for the foreseeable future, due to the exciting work and vast career opportunities.
Want to kick start your career in national intelligence just like Chloe? Expressions of interest for our 2026 program are open now. Visit our website for more information and eligibility requirements for all applicants.