Career in Computer Forensics?

[Minesh]

Hi,

I am currently in my final year of my degree, Computer Networks for Business. Unfortunately, when I started, there wasn't many, if any, computer forensics degrees, so did the course I'm on now.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I am looking to go into computer forensics in the next few months when I graduate. Does anyone have any suggestions or pointers?

I have looked around and see very few graduate opportunities, especially ones which specialise in the forensics side (as opposed to other operations).
I have little real life experience in forensics, but have started reading around, and will be hopefully learning a few courses such as EC Council's CHFI.

Please help!

Kind Regards,

Minesh

[danlewis88]

Check out glamorgan Uni's site
http://glam.ac.uk

They have a few Computer forensic courses.

Also Newport have some Courses.
http://newport.ac.uk

I hope that helps, if any.

Dan

[Minesh]

Hi Dan,

I am already studying a computer related degree, so ideally wouldn't want to have to do another degree.
Does anyone know if it is necessary to have a degree in it?

Really been looking hard over the weekend and seen a few more oppotunities which I will hopefully apply to.

Ps, Thanks for the dedicated forum Disklabs.

[danlewis88]

Well, when i was reading an article on applying for a job in computer forensics.
There was a comment for a recruiter, that said, they don't normaly go for degree's, but it you know your stuff.

[Minesh]

Well, just a quick update....
It looks as though I might have to go for a Masters in Computer Forensics. Although I'd prefer to just use a distance learning course such as CHFI from EC Council, or similar.

[dfradgley]

Hey Minesh,

It sounds like your in a similar position as me.
I'm currently doing a Computer Systems & Networks degree and i'm just finishing my second year, but i'm starting to notice computer forensic courses popping up now, which is ideally what i want to get into to. Plus, like you there was nothing around when i was initially applying for uni.

From my findings, it looks like i might have to do another degree specifically in forensic computing or what have you.
I've been looking at the courses at Glamorgan and Newport uni's, both look good....

...have you found anything anything else about starting with any other companies and receiving training or such like? I'd rather not have to increase my already mountain of a student debt :p

Daniel

[Minesh]

Hi Daniel,

I did apply at the Serious Fraud Office and went down for a technical test, but when speaking to the others there, realised I was the least experienced. So, even though I was selected, odds weren't really in my favour if i'm honest. I didn't particularly want to do a MSc, but it's looking more and more likely. However, I will keep applying for a couple of months as i'm sure I can apply for my MSc pretty late... was planning on Plymouth, as they offer a 1 year FT course.

Kind Regards,

Minesh

[ddow]

I wouldn't recommend going straight into a masters program. The industry changes so fast that you'll be getting a masters in 10 years anyway, might as wait until then. In the mean time, a job, any job to gain experience. Don't worry if it isn't ideal, once you get a couple of years experience you can make a graceful exit into a new and better position.

Don't forget that your current school is training you for a job that doesn't exist yet for a career that you'll change 5 times before you retire using technology that isn't available yet.

A long term but career oriented look at life is good for a week end away where it's quiet and the ale is good. IMHO.

Dennis

[Disklabs]

Dennis,

Superb advice!

I totally think that you are right. I just hope that some of the students out there understand what you are saying and take that advice.

Regards,

Simon

[onceuponatim]

all good points

im currently doing my Msc (no previous degree). Got in on the strength of previous experience. and the same holds true for most of your jobs.

Many on my course have jumped straigh to Msc from their Bsc.

not got a scooby in the workplace and will no doubt go into similar jobs that they would have if they went now... (does that make sense..)

job ads are partially to blame however, ive seen loads where they require an Msc (yep i know that is the spec of the most desireable person) this will put your average Graduate off applying.

Ironically, the job im currently going for (in IT Audit) has CF Msc as a desirable quality. I got on the Msc course based on CF stuff i learned on a wing and a prayer doing my last IT Audit job.....theres some kind of perverse reasoning there...??

[Renata]

Hi guys,

I currently work for a firm in London which recruits forensics graduates and more experienced forensics specialists for the Big Four consultancies.
Send me an e-mail if you are interested in working for those consultancies!

[Disklabs]

Sorry Renata.

No agencies.

No Recruiters.

I have set this part of the site up specifically to stop agencies taking the salaries of hard working analysts.

Regards,

Simon

[kern]

... plaudits