Engineering graduates
Name: Bridget
Qualifications: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours Class II), Major in Telecommunications; Bachelor of Commerce, Australian National University
Year joined: 2006
I joined the ACMA cadet program in 2006, in my fourth year of a double degree in Engineering and Commerce at ANU Canberra.
One of the best things about the ACMA is that you get to work on technologies as they are developing—you get an insight into the future of communications before it happens. My first project was to investigate radiofrequency spectrum options for intelligent transport systems including driverless cars. My second was investigating the feasibility of Wi-Fi on airplanes—an exciting initiative we are just starting to experience on Australian airlines.
In the last 12 years I have worked on a huge array of projects, including satellite communications and 5G mobile communications. Every day and every project at the ACMA is different.
Working at the ACMA enabled me to apply the technical problem-solving and research skills I learned at university, in an environment where we strive to facilitate better communications for the Australian public. I’ve gained experience and developed skills across a variety of disciplines, including economics, policy and law—as well as furthering the development of my technical engineering skills. I have also headed up Australian delegations to the International Telecommunications Union Radiocommunications Sector, which I would call ‘the radiocommunications arm of the United Nations’.
Another great thing about working at the ACMA has been the people I have met—I’ve served as president of the social club, which was a wonderful way to become an active member of the team.
Name: Chris
Qualifications: Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic), University of Queensland; Master of Engineering Science, UNSW; Graduate Certificate in Public Administration, University of Canberra
Year joined: 2000
I joined the ACMA’s predecessor agency, the Australian Communications Authority, as a graduate in 2000. While always interested in radiocommunications from my university studies, like most people I wasn’t aware of the ACA (now ACMA) nor what it did.
But having experienced the resulting opportunities, it’s hard to imagine any other career than that of spectrum management at the ACMA. In my time I’ve had many and varied roles, including spectrum planning of space systems, broadcasting, radio astronomy and introduction of a wide range of new communication technologies—including 3G, 4G and now 5G mobiles.
It has been immensely satisfying to have contributed to so many important areas of Australia’s wellbeing—not least of which has been representing Australia at many international forums. Over time I have expanded my skills, based both within engineering and more broadly. The interdisciplinary nature of the ACMA’s spectrum management work has been a major benefit—learning about economic, legal and broader policy and regulatory matters has been a great way to broaden my skills.