'I work for the AFP with 2 kids under 3. Here's how I make it work.'

Thanks to our brand partner, AFP

You know those "let's just dive in and see where this leads" types of people? Ellen Cupit is one of them.

So naturally, in 2017, after completing a law degree at the University of Canberra, she jumped at the chance of a new career as a Protective Service Officer (PSO) at the Australian Federal Police (AFP). PSOs are frontline defenders against terrorism and national security threats, protecting critical infrastructure, key locations and important persons.

"I feel like the protection arm of the AFP is the best-kept secret," she said.

"It's one of those roles that gives you so many opportunities — you can do everything from remote piloted aircraft (drone) training to four-wheel drive courses. It's almost like a gateway to wherever you want to go."

And for Ellen, that was about to be more than 2,000km from where she started. Almost immediately, she got the call to pack her bags, say farewell to Canberra and hello to Alice Springs for her first deployment in 2017.

"I just saw it as one of those situations in life that would make a great story later on. You know it's not forever and if you go in with the right mindset, it can be an amazing experience."

While in Alice Springs, Ellen had the opportunity to take on leadership roles and volunteer for programs that made a real impact on the local community.

"I love that our role isn't just about protection; it's also about working with the community," she said, reflecting on programs like self-defence training for senior citizens, helping them feel safer in their own homes.

Then, when she heard about a boxing program with a local gym designed to help young people find a safe space to connect, work out and talk about their challenges, Ellen put her hand straight up.

She saw it as a chance to be of service and an opportunity to show the young community in Alice Springs that AFP officers were there to support them.

"It was about giving young people resilience, discipline and a safe space. I felt proud that they saw us as people they could trust," she shared.

Image: Supplied.

A job like no other.

In early 2020, Ellen was asked to step up and join the Covid-19 response in Darwin's Howard Springs.

"I think I found out the night before — I just got a call: 'Hey, can you go here?' And I was like, 'Yep, no worries.' So I was straight up to Darwin.

"It was such a unique time — there was no Covid in Australia yet and no one really knew what was going to happen. Legislation was changing daily. But the best part was working alongside other government agencies — everyone was working together," she said. "I don't think I'll ever do anything like that again in my career."

That's the thing about a job in the AFP — if Ellen's is anything to go by — as soon as you've mastered something, there's always a new challenge ready and waiting for you.

"No matter where you go in the AFP, people are welcoming. I've never gone somewhere and not felt supported," Ellen said of her fast rise through the ranks from Protective Service Officer to Supervisor (PSO2) and now Acting Team Leader (Sergeant).

"It's like a big family — I've made lifelong connections that I can call on anytime."

During her first maternity leave, Ellen applied to transfer to Canberra for an exciting post at arguably the most important building in government. But as fate would have it, shortly after returning she found out she was pregnant with her second child.

"So I came back to Parliament House was really excited and then I found out I was pregnant within, like, a month. I was thinking, 'Oh my God, I just got back here!'" she laughed.

But if you think that meant a career setback, well, you would be wrong.

To accommodate her pregnancy, Ellen transitioned to "light duties", taking on a more administrative role. This involved coordinating resourcing for Protective Service Officers across the entire Canberra region, covering five stations and approximately 200 employees.

After earning her most recent promotion just before going on maternity leave, she continues to prove herself in new and challenging ways.

"I'm acting as a Sergeant now, running a team which can be up to 70 members. The AFP backs you if you want to step up."

"I've worked on visits from the Chinese Premier and the King of England, the swearing-in of the Governor-General and major protest days," she said.

Image: Supplied.

Making motherhood and leadership work.

Ellen now has a flexible work agreement in place, adjusting her roster to work for her family.

"I don't work Fridays, so I can spend the day with my kids. The AFP makes it work," she said. And she's not alone. "There are so many people — both women and men — who have flexible work agreements so they can be around more at home. It's just how things are now and the AFP really supports it," she said.

With over 200 different types of roles, there are endless opportunities to find your best fit.

"I just feel like they don't have to put me in these acting roles, but they do. They say they're happy with how I'm going and want to give me these opportunities.

"They don't care that I've got a flexible work agreement — if I needed to change it tomorrow, it would be fine. There's no questions around it, it's just what we do."

Find your pathway to a rewarding career with the Australian Federal Police.

Feature Image: Supplied.

We are Australia's national policing agency, keeping Australians and Australia safe. Find out more at afp.gov.au/jobs