Anton

I have been in the intelligence community for almost 20 years across several agencies as both military and civilian. I have worked as an analyst, in project planning, policy, governance and now as a manager. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree and work supported me in completing a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Intelligence. I have 2 children, a rabbit and a dog and am LGBTI+. I enjoy the variety and challenge of working in the intelligence community and knowing I’m contributing to the safety and wellbeing of Australians and Australia.

As a graphic designer, I never thought about a role for me in intelligence.  A few years ago, I applied for a job in one of the NIC agencies and I have never looked back.  Every day I get decide how best to present information visually and the subject matter is fascinating. Our products end up being read by the Prime Minister, Ministers and international partners and I can really see that my work makes a difference.  With a strong demand for designers across the NIC, there are many roles for Creatives like me.  

I always thought it would be hard to work flexibly in the NIC but I’ve been really surprised by just how possible it is and the opportunities that are here.  I joined the NIC through a Government entry-level program after having been a student and a stay-at-home parent. My NIC agency supported me in completing my Diploma through this program. This has meant I can balance being a single parent, working full time, being a tertiary student and spending time with friends and family. I am a Djabugay and Kuku Ya’u woman from Far North Queensland so it’s been great having an employer that also understands that sometimes being with family for significant cultural occasions means having to travel up that way. 

I am a lawyer by trade and have worked in the legal sector for the past eight years. I started my career working in a large corporate law firm, because I thought that’s what everyone did. I didn’t enjoy the lack of flexibility and felt drawn to a career in the public service. Wanting a change, I moved into a federal government department’s legal area. One day I was scrolling APSJobs and I saw a vacancy for a Government Lawyer in an NIC agency. Not thinking much of it, I sent off my application and landed the job. Working in the NIC has broadened my horizons and exposed me to a range of fascinating legal issues. In my short time here, I have had multiple training and development opportunities, and even was able to go on secondment for 6 months to another NIC agency. 

I didn’t even know what the Intelligence Community was until I fell into it about ten years ago, let alone working it. I undertook a Bachelor of Education and have since worked in Learning and Development and Information Management and Technology. The NIC has certainly provided me opportunities that I didn’t know existed prior to joining. What I enjoy is that every day is different and I have been able to apply my skills but also learn new ones.  

I am still new to the NIC, having joined while I was still finishing my undergraduate university degree. My team works a lot on big Diversity & Inclusion projects to ensure our workforce is as diverse as the community we serve, and so that everyone feels safe to bring their whole self to work. I never thought I would get the privilege to work in the NIC before even finishing my degree, especially in an area I feel passionate about. My managers have been so supportive and have invested a lot of time in helping develop my confidence and skills.