At the ATO, you'll do work you can't do anywhere else. Work that is meaningful, diverse, and challenging.
#41 of 79 in Computer Science Software Engineering
Initially, it seems like it is a really good opportunity to work at the ATO as a grad as you will be promoted to APS4 on completion of the grad program. However, you soon realise that you will have little to no say on where you actually get placed after the program finishes. Thus, your permanent placement is out your hands. So, you will most likely get placed somewhere you don't like. This is a huge turnoff to me personally. Also having experience in only 2 rotations excluding the CCE (Client Contact Experience - call centre rotation) feels a little dumb as once again after your first rotation you are not asked your preference for where you want to work for your second rotation. You get placed wherever the ATO feels like (due to the fact that they have 'business needs'). I feel disappointed as I would like to have some more experience in areas of work that I like or am interested in. Also feels a bit annoying that after you become APS4 you are permanently placed there unless you apply for a promotion. However, there are not that may opportunities despite managers saying there are. You will basically have to compromise for your APS4 position.