For veteran Alice Fitzsimmons, nothing is more fulfilling than helping other veterans find new careers and opportunities after the completion of their service. With 15 years of experience working with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Alice has since dedicated herself to working with veterans to pave a new career path in industries like cyber security. Her involvement in several projects aimed towards providing veterans with opportunities to connect with potential employers has been instrumental in helping them transition into new roles, making a lasting difference in their lives.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Alice about her background and experience in Defence, her current projects to support veterans and their families, and her advice for those considering a career in cyber security.
Please tell us about your background and experience working in Defence.
I joined the RAN in 2008 to specialise in Cryptologic Systems. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to serve in a wide range of tri-service environments, as well as onboard surface ships and submarines at sea with the RAN. Witnessing the growth and evolution of the Navy, both in general and within my specialty, has been truly remarkable.
As a leader in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), I had the privilege of leading and managing outstanding team members. I consider myself a humanistic leader who values the well-being of those around me. Helping ADF members with their transition back to civilian life and supporting their career progression has been a fulfilling experience. I understand that this can be a difficult time for individuals and their families, and I find it satisfying to offer them guidance and support throughout this process.
What are you currently working on and how is this making a difference in the veteran workforce space?
Currently, I am involved in several projects focused on supporting veterans and their families. As the Director for ADF Engagement at Defence Industry Networking (DIN), I strive to bring together individuals and companies working within the Australian Defence Industry by providing a platform for networking and collaboration, with a special focus to support transitioning service personnel and veterans. DIN offers a range of events and networking opportunities across the country to help members stay informed about developments in the defence industry and connect with other professionals and organisations. At present, DIN has monthly events in 13 locations worldwide, with plans to expand to 15 locations by June 2023.
I am also the founder of Veterans Connections and have recently been leading a consortium to bid for the Veteran Wellbeing Hub in Queanbeyan, where I help transitioning ADF members by connecting them with potential employers and upskilling opportunities. I work closely with industry, federal and state governments, and ex-service organisations to help raise awareness of contemporary veteran-related issues and secure funding opportunities.
Through these various initiatives, I aim to make a positive impact in the lives of veterans and their families by providing support and helping them explore new career opportunities. Whether it’s connecting them with a club or a future employer, I’m proud of having been able to assist serving and ex-service members find a new sense of purpose.
Can you provide more information about the centre you’re establishing in Queanbeyan for current and former veterans, as well as their families? How will it promote collaboration with Ex-Service Organisations (ESOs)?
The consortium is a collective of veteran-owned and locally operated organisations, supported by a larger expert service provider, which aims to create a safe and nurturing environment for veterans and their families. The overarching goal of this proposal is to establish a home away from home, where individuals can meet, heal, grow, and support each other to achieve positive outcomes.
The centre is composed of a diverse range of groups, including Lives Lived Well for deep support expertise, the Australian Commando Association of the ACT for outreach experience, and social organisations like the Australian Veterans Gaming Community. The consortium adopts an organic, bottom-up approach, functioning as a team of teams that strives to achieve tangible results for veterans and their families. It also provides a flexible platform for ESOs to focus on their core expertise while offering an agile framework that can adapt to the evolving needs of veterans.
Do you have any advice for people and/or veterans considering a career in cyber?
Take the leap and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. You don’t necessarily need a background in cyber to succeed in this field. There are plenty of free programs and resources available to help you learn and upskill in the various areas that cyber has to offer. If you enjoy problem-solving and thrive in a challenging environment, then exploring a career in cyber may be a great fit for you.
I’ve had some incredible experiences throughout my career in the ADF that have given me a wealth of knowledge and stories. However, I decided that it was time to move on and start a new career outside of the RAN. Given my passion for the Defence industry and supporting veterans, I’m looking forward to exploring more opportunities in these areas for the next chapter in my career.
